After weeks of hot weather across the UK, lawns can quickly turn dry and brown. Horticulturist Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress, has shared advice on how to keep grass looking lush through the summer.
Move garden items off the lawn
Chris Bonnett said: "Lawns can really take a toll during heatwaves as the sun causes moisture to evaporate and scorches the grass."
One of his recommendations is to move anything left on the grass. Garden furniture, paddling pools, trampolines and children's toys should be taken off the lawn to give it a chance to recover.
Bonnett said: "Garden items such as paddling pools, trampolines and children's toys left on the lawn for long periods can block sunlight and trap moisture, leading to yellow patches and increasing the risk of fungal disease. Moving them regularly and storing them on a patio or hard surface when not in use will help keep your lawn healthy and green."
Water deeply and less often
Watering is also important during summer. Since water evaporates faster in hot conditions, frequent light watering is less effective. Instead, lawns should be watered deeply but less frequently.
Chris explained: "Water deeply and less often so the moisture penetrates the soil and encourages deeper root growth. For the best results, water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is reduced."
Mow higher and keep up with weeding
Keeping the grass a little longer than in winter can also help. Setting lawnmower blades high allows the grass to hold more moisture and protects the soil from drying out.
Longer grass blades also provide a larger surface area for photosynthesis, giving the lawn the energy it needs to cope with heat and drought.
Finally, staying on top of weeding gives the lawn the best chance of survival, as weeds compete with grass for nutrients.
