Brits dreaming of a lush green lawn this summer could be throwing away the secret ingredient – without even realising it. According to Lucie Bradley, gardening expert at Easy Garden Irrigation, leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing – known as mulching – is one of the easiest ways to keep grass healthy, green and hydrated during dry spells.
“Grass clippings act like a natural blanket,” Lucie explains. “They help lock in moisture, return valuable nutrients to the soil and protect the roots from scorching sun.” A new guide from David Wilson Homes recommends increasing mowing to once a week during peak summer growth to keep turf thick and weed-free – but stresses it’s important to pause mowing altogether during a heatwave or drought. Cutting stressed grass can damage it further and leave unsightly brown patches.
When it comes to watering, Lucie advises households to water early in the morning between 6am and 10am, when the ground is cool enough to soak up moisture without it evaporating too quickly.
Collecting rainwater in a water butt – or even reusing leftover bath or sink water – can help reduce waste and save money during dry spells.
Aside from mulching, there are a few other seasonal lawn care jobs worth knowing about to keep grass healthy year-round. In spring, experts recommend scarifying the lawn to remove moss and old thatch that can choke new growth.
Aerating the lawn – spiking small holes to let air and water reach the roots – can also help grass grow stronger and cope better with weather extremes.
In autumn, another round of aeration can help prevent soil compaction after a summer of heavy foot traffic, while winter is best spent keeping the lawn clear of debris like leaves and branches, which can suffocate the grass beneath.
However, the simplest step – leaving clippings behind – remains one of the most effective. “If more people mulched instead of throwing clippings away, they’d see greener lawns with far less effort and waste,” Lucie says.
So next time you use the mower, think twice before bagging up those cuttings. Mulching will benefit your gardens appearence longterm.