Gardening expert Peter Dowdall, known as The Irish Gardener, has urged homeowners to adjust their lawnmower blades this week as temperatures are forecast to reach 34°C in parts of the country. Cutting grass too short during hot weather puts lawns under unnecessary stress and can cause damage.
Why Raising the Mower Height Matters
Dowdall explained that established lawns often turn brown in hot, dry weather, but this does not mean they are dead. "In many cases, grass is simply going dormant and will green up again when rain returns," he said. "New lawns need more care, but established lawns are usually not the first thing to water."
His primary advice is to raise the mower height during a heatwave. "Cutting grass too tightly puts it under more stress," he warned. A higher cut allows the grass to retain moisture and protects the roots from scorching sun.
Prioritise and Stay Calm
The horticulturist and broadcaster, with 30 years of experience, noted that most gardeners "panic" during hot weather. Plants wilt, pots dry out, and lawns turn brown, making the garden look under pressure. However, he advised: "A heatwave is not the time to try to do everything. It is time to prioritise. Some plants will cope well. Others may wilt during the day and recover in the evening. The key is knowing what really needs help and what can be left alone."
Heatwaves Reveal Vulnerabilities
Dowdall also pointed out that heatwaves can be useful for identifying weak spots in the garden. If a plant requires constant rescuing every time temperatures soar, it may simply not be suited to that location. Selecting the correct plants is one of the most sustainable ways to reduce water usage. "The right plant in the right location will always fare better," he said.
Practical Heatwave Advice
Rounding off his tips, Dowdall emphasised a calm and practical approach: prioritise new planting and containers, water in the morning or evening, mulch watered soil, protect vulnerable plants, avoid feeding stressed plants, and do not panic over established lawns. "A resilient garden is not built by watering more and more. It is built through healthy soil, good planting, sensible mulching, appropriate soil improvers such as biochar, and choosing plants that suit the conditions," he concluded.
