Caring for your lawn this summer
Really we should be tending to our garden’s grass at all times of year through regular feeding, moss-killing and weeding and with all the good intentions in the world sometimes other things take over, or perhaps it can be just too wet or cold to get green fingered during the winter months. So this summer let’s focus on the necessities to bring your lawn into tip top shape so you can kick back, relax and really enjoy the good weather.
Mowing in summer
You’ve probably already started mowing the grass during spring and gradually been able to bring the lawn down to a good height for summer. If not you should be aiming for a height of 10 – 15 mm for fine, ornamental lawns or 25 – 40 mm for more hardwearing, family friendly lawns.
As the temperature rises with still the odd day of rain you’ll find your grass growing at a much faster rate. This is due to the perfect growth conditions; heat, light and moisture. As we get further into mid-summer you’ll find yourself having to mow the grass more and more often, potentially once or twice a week.
Be aware not to cut your lawn to short as this will damage the grass causing it to turn yellow and appear hacked – not really the look we’re going for! At the end of summer when the weather begins to cool again you will notice grass growth slowing too, leading to less mowing.
Feeding lawns in summer
With repeated cutting during the summer months your grass can become nitrogen deficient. By using a good slow release spring/summer fertiliser your lawn will get everything it needs to thrive. It will also help prevent weeds and moss from establishing.
Top tips for fertilising:
- Ensure the soil is moist, or fertilise when rain is expected.
- Fertilise in the evening or on an overcast day - fertiliser doesn’t like the sun.
- Don’t apply spring/summer fertiliser after August as the high levels of nitrogen are not suitable for autumn use.
Overseeding summer lawns
Perhaps the winter months have been particularly unkind to your lawn and left it looking thin or patchy in places. Overseeding your garden will repair damaged areas giving you luscious green grass and ultimately bring your lawn back to life. There are a few steps to overseeding set out below or you can read about it in greater detail here.
- Prep the garden - Weed the lawn, remove any boulders, stones etc.
- Scarify & Fertilise the soil with a quick release fertiliser
- Moisten the soil and then sprinkle the seed
- Water & roll the lawn after reseeding
Watering summer lawns
Summer lawn care can include watering if there is a drought. If required be careful not to flood the grass by watering once a week. In extreme summer heat 1m squared will need approximately 20 litres of water per week.
If drought conditions make the soil very dry and hard it may require aeriation. If left unwatered the grass will turn yellow or brown.
Read our guide on shaded areas and how to fertilise your lawn.
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