While many of us relish the warmth of summer, it’s crucial to take additional measures to protect your lawn in hot weather. An expert has highlighted three key steps to maintain its health during this period.
As summer arrives, most of us are ready to soak up the sun in our shorts and sunglasses, lounging on our garden chairs with a refreshing drink in hand. However, while we might be basking in the heatwave, many native British plants struggle with these conditions. Our climate is rapidly changing, and so too are our summer temperatures. The Met Office reports that the UK has just witnessed the warmest start to May on record.
This shift in weather patterns can pose challenges for wildlife, particularly grass which thrives in cooler, wetter conditions. A prolonged dry spell can cause significant damage, reports the Mirror.
Moreover, the increased activity in your garden during the warmer months – from barbecues to children playing – can also take a toll on your lawn.
However, there’s no need to despair as expert advice is at hand. Chris Cooper, a UK-based lawn specialist from battery mower company Hayter, suggests one of the best ways to safeguard your grass is by tidying away children’s toys.
“During heatwaves and when not in use, tidy away children’s play equipment,” advises Chris. “This will protect your grass from weather damage. The same goes for unused lawn furniture and barbeques.”
Chris warns that neglecting to remove heavy items from your lawn can lead to significant damage to both the soil and grass. The weight creates crushed patches that block sunlight, hindering the growth of your lawn.
During a heatwave, Chris emphasises the importance of keeping your grass hydrated. He suggests: “Irrigate your grass well; this will better equip it to deal with intense heat from the sun.”
Furthermore, he advises treating your lawn’s hydration needs as you would your own during hot weather, saying: “You should approach watering the same way you would with your own body – if the weather is hot, you must drink more water to stop yourself from overheating and dehydrating. To make sure your grass maintains enough moisture, irrigate every day if possible.”
For optimal results, Chris recommends watering your grass in the morning when it can absorb the maximum amount of water before the heat intensifies around midday.
In the sweltering conditions of a heatwave, Chris advises dedicating roughly an hour and a half to watering your lawn.
This should be done in intervals: water for 20 to 30 minutes, take a short break, and then resume watering for another 20 to 30 minutes.