The long, hot days of summer are challenging for any lawn. Avoid dry brown grass by following our simple tips to keep your grass looking good!
Don't over-pamper your lawn
If you water your lawn regularly, it will come to depend on it. It's better to water your lawn less frequently, but more thoroughly. This will lead to a stronger root system that is more able to survive long, dry periods. Turf is remarkably tough, so if you live in an area with relatively frequent rain, that might be enough for your lawn.
Going easy on the hose, even if you have a water tank or well, may actually strengthen your grass. Do make the most of your soakings, though - applying a wetting agent can help make sure that every drop goes further. These are easy to apply and will help water penetrate and be absorbed more easily.
When you do water, make the most of it, by watering in the cool of morning or evening, so that the water doesn't evaporate immediately.
Fertilise at the right time
Applying a fertiliser, particularly in spring, at the start of the growing period, can give your grass a good boost in health and strength to help it get through hot weather. Some turfs, such as Sir Walter, have purpose-designed fertilisers that you can use.
Organic fertilisers, such as granulated chicken manure or blood and bone, are ideal, for any type of lawn, or for a granular fertiliser, try Shirley's No 17, or a slow release food such as Scots Lawn Builder.
Mow with care
In summer it's particularly important not to cut your grass too short. Mow regularly, cutting off no more than a third of a blade every time. As a rule of thumb, buffalo lawns should be kept at least 25mm in length throughout summer. This will keep your grass strong and able to fight off weeds.
During particularly hot periods, you may like to leave your grass slightly longer - a great reason not to mow at the height of summer! Longer grass will shade the earth, retaining moisture, protecting its own roots and keeping the light from weeds.
Keep an eye on hard-used - or unused - areas
If you have kids or animals, you'll probably find that they constantly gravitate to the same areas. Keep an eye on 'cricket creases', the area in front of 'goalposts' and the area under swing sets - they may need a little extra fertiliser, or just a break every now and again, to keep the grass in good condition. If you have a trampoline, move it around every now and again so that the grass underneath it has a chance to get its fair share of light and rainfall.
If the worst comes to the worst...
Trust in the ability of your grass to overcome most setbacks. Even if your lawn browns in the hottest part of summer, it should grow back once the weather cools off.
Don't over-pamper your lawn
If you water your lawn regularly, it will come to depend on it. It's better to water your lawn less frequently, but more thoroughly. This will lead to a stronger root system that is more able to survive long, dry periods. Turf is remarkably tough, so if you live in an area with relatively frequent rain, that might be enough for your lawn.
Going easy on the hose, even if you have a water tank or well, may actually strengthen your grass. Do make the most of your soakings, though - applying a wetting agent can help make sure that every drop goes further. These are easy to apply and will help water penetrate and be absorbed more easily.
When you do water, make the most of it, by watering in the cool of morning or evening, so that the water doesn't evaporate immediately.
Fertilise at the right time
Applying a fertiliser, particularly in spring, at the start of the growing period, can give your grass a good boost in health and strength to help it get through hot weather. Some turfs, such as Sir Walter, have purpose-designed fertilisers that you can use.
Organic fertilisers, such as granulated chicken manure or blood and bone, are ideal, for any type of lawn, or for a granular fertiliser, try Shirley's No 17, or a slow release food such as Scots Lawn Builder.
Mow with care
In summer it's particularly important not to cut your grass too short. Mow regularly, cutting off no more than a third of a blade every time. As a rule of thumb, buffalo lawns should be kept at least 25mm in length throughout summer. This will keep your grass strong and able to fight off weeds.
During particularly hot periods, you may like to leave your grass slightly longer - a great reason not to mow at the height of summer! Longer grass will shade the earth, retaining moisture, protecting its own roots and keeping the light from weeds.
Keep an eye on hard-used - or unused - areasIf you have kids or animals, you'll probably find that they constantly gravitate to the same areas. Keep an eye on 'cricket creases', the area in front of 'goalposts' and the area under swing sets - they may need a little extra fertiliser, or just a break every now and again, to keep the grass in good condition. If you have a trampoline, move it around every now and again so that the grass underneath it has a chance to get its fair share of light and rainfall.
If the worst comes to the worst...
Trust in the ability of your grass to overcome most setbacks. Even if your lawn browns in the hottest part of summer, it should grow back once the weather cools off.
Natural landscape designer, gardener and DIY-er. Enjoys writing about anything garden and landscaping related. For the best landscape and building supplies visit: garden supplies
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