As the UK braces for a scorching bank holiday weekend with temperatures potentially reaching 30C in some areas, gardening enthusiasts are being urged to avoid one particular task: mowing the lawn. Jonathan Davis, a grass expert at Lawnsmith, a leading lawn care specialist, has warned that cutting grass during a heatwave can cause significant stress to the blades and lead to long-term damage.
Why Mowing Should Be Avoided
According to Davis, the best course of action is to leave the lawn alone during hot weather. "While it might seem like a good idea, the best thing you can do is leave your lawn alone during heatwave conditions," he said. "Cutting it during hot weather can place stress on the blades and lead to long-term damage." The heat can cause the grass to lose moisture rapidly, and mowing exacerbates this by exposing the cut ends to direct sunlight, potentially turning the lawn brown or even killing patches.
If Mowing Is Unavoidable
For those who cannot resist tidying up their garden, Davis recommends completing the task early in the morning, ideally before 10am when temperatures are cooler. He also advises raising the mower blades to the highest setting to keep grass at around three to four inches long. "Longer grass blades create a shadow that helps to keep moisture in your soil," Davis explained. "This also encourages deeper root growth, which can be beneficial during stressful summer conditions."
Watering Tips During a Heatwave
Similar principles apply to watering the lawn. Davis suggests watering deeply but infrequently, preferably in the early morning to allow water to soak into the soil before evaporation. He also recommends using a garden fork to create small holes in the soil, which helps water reach the grass roots more effectively. This approach ensures the lawn stays hydrated without wasting water.
With the bank holiday weekend promising sunshine and high temperatures, gardeners are encouraged to enjoy their outdoor spaces but to think twice before reaching for the lawnmower. A little restraint now can lead to a healthier, greener lawn throughout the summer.
