Gardeners can keep their lawns greener and healthier during hot weather by performing a simple 10-second task before mowing in July, according to lawn expert Robbie Lynn from Premier Lawns. Rather than relying on expensive treatments or fertilisers, adjusting the mower's cutting height is the key.
Why Raising the Mower Blades Works
Robbie Lynn explained: "A longer sward will shade the ground and help to retain soil moisture. Nature has designed grass blades to channel rainwater towards the soil - the longer the grass blades, the better they can perform this task."
Most people cut their lawns weekly throughout summer without adjusting the mower blades, but an excessively short lawn causes the soil to dry out much faster. Grass needs adequate recovery time after cutting; scalping forces it to channel energy into regrowing blades rather than strengthening its root system. When grass cannot develop deep roots, it lacks the capacity to retain sufficient water or energy to withstand heat, leading to dry, patchy, yellow grass.
Additional Tips for a Green Summer Lawn
Mowing later in the day, when temperatures have dropped, reduces water loss from freshly trimmed grass and gives it a better chance to recover. It also pays to remove as little grass as possible with each mow, as cutting too much at once stresses the lawn and can cause bare patches.
One of the easiest ways to keep the lawn hydrated is to leave grass clippings in place after mowing, as they retain moisture that nourishes the blades. By following these straightforward practices, gardeners can maintain a lush, green lawn even during a summer drought.
