Gardeners across the UK are being urged to avoid mowing their lawns too short as a new heatwave is set to bring temperatures up to 35C in some areas.
After a brief cooler spell, forecasters expect temperatures to climb into the low 30s across much of England and parts of Wales, with Wednesday predicted to be the hottest day. Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for several regions, and dry conditions are forecast to return after recent rain in northern areas.
Experts advise longer grass for shade
John Cho, founder of MyCozyPlant, told Good Housekeeping: "Taller grass blades act as a natural shade for the soil. If you cut it too short right before a hot spell, the sun bakes the dirt and damages the roots. If you do cut your lawn just before a heatwave, it's important that you do so at the highest height setting."
Keeping grass slightly longer helps protect the soil from direct sunshine, reducing moisture loss and shielding roots during extreme heat. While a longer lawn may look less tidy temporarily, experts say it is healthier during hot, dry spells.
Watering tips for dry weather
Hugh Barlow, head of commercial at East Riding Horticulture, advised: "In dry weather, resist the temptation to water your lawn daily. Established lawns benefit the most from infrequent, deep watering. Water once or twice a week and aim to give your grass approximately 25mm of water in total. Deep and infrequent watering encourages the grass roots to grow deeper into the soil in search of moisture, which can improve the overall health of your lawn."
He recommends watering early in the morning so moisture reaches the root zone before temperatures rise. If water supplies are limited, priority should go to the most-used areas. Gardeners facing hosepipe restrictions can use grey water from baths, showers, or washing machine rinse cycles, as long as it is applied within 24 hours.
Another tip is to leave a thin layer of short grass clippings after mowing. Rather than damaging the lawn, they help lock moisture into the soil, provide nutrients as they break down, and protect the ground from strong sunshine.
