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LOOKING AFTER YOUR LAWN IN THE SUMMER MONTHS

Mon 01 Jul 2024

Here at Martin Flashman & Co Estate Agents we love seeing your beautiful gardens around Weybridge, Walton-on-Thames and Hersham in the sunshine! But how do we keep our grass looking green and healthy in the summer months?

Looking after your grass in the summer requires some specific practices to ensure it stays healthy and green despite the heat and potential drought conditions. Here are some tips to help you maintain your lawn during the summer months:

Watering

  1. Water Deeply and Infrequently: Water your lawn deeply (about 1 inch per week) to encourage deep root growth. Watering should be done early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
  2. Use Sprinklers Efficiently: Adjust your sprinklers to ensure even coverage and avoid overwatering. Use a rain gauge or a small container to measure the amount of water being applied.
  3. Check for Water Restrictions: Be aware of any local water restrictions and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Mowing

  1. Mow Higher: Set your mower blade to a higher setting (about 3 to 4 inches). Taller grass helps shade the soil, reducing water evaporation and preventing weed growth.
  2. Mow Regularly: Maintain a regular mowing schedule, but avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time to prevent stress.
  3. Leave Grass Clippings: Leave grass clippings on the lawn as they act as a natural fertilizer, providing nutrients and retaining moisture.

Fertilizing

  1. Light Fertilization: Apply a light, slow-release fertilizer during the summer to provide essential nutrients without promoting excessive growth that can stress the grass.
  2. Avoid High Nitrogen Fertilizers: High nitrogen fertilizers can cause excessive growth, making the grass more susceptible to drought and disease.

Weed and Pest Control

  1. Weed Management: Keep an eye out for weeds and remove them promptly. Use herbicides sparingly and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Pest Control: Monitor for pests such as grubs and chinch bugs. Use appropriate treatments if necessary, but avoid overuse of pesticides.

Aeration

  1. Aerate the Soil: If your soil is compacted, consider aerating it to improve water and nutrient penetration. This can be done with a lawn aerator or by using aeration shoes.

Drought Management

  1. Reduce Traffic: Minimize foot traffic on the lawn during dry periods to prevent soil compaction and grass damage.
  2. Allow Dormancy: If your lawn goes dormant due to drought, allow it to rest. Most grasses will recover when conditions improve.

General Tips

  1. Sharpen Mower Blades: Keep your mower blades sharp to ensure clean cuts, reducing stress on the grass.
  2. Monitor Weather Conditions: Adjust your lawn care practices based on the weather. For instance, water more during extremely hot and dry periods.

By following these guidelines, you can help your grass stay healthy and resilient throughout the summer, maintaining a lush and green lawn.