August 13, 2024
Right now, the UK is experiencing some rather glorious hot and sunny weather. Although this is great for family BBQs and summer garden parties, prolonged hot temperatures can significantly impact our lawn’s health and appearance without the right care and attention.
Hot, sunny weather can stress turf and slow down photosynthesis, leading to brown patches, thinning and wilting grass, and an overall decline in lawn quality. Therefore, it’s essential to implement specific care practices tailored to combat the challenges associated with hot temperatures. The following practices will improve your lawn’s immediate resilience and contribute to its long-term health, ensuring that it remains vibrant and strong throughout the year and beyond.
Yes, you read that right—during prolonged hot periods, you should actually water your garden turf less. High temperatures increase evaporation rates, leading to rapid soil moisture loss and dehydrated, wilting, and discoloured turf. Although watering is essential during this time, it must be done strategically.
Contrary to popular belief, frequent watering encourages the development of shallow root systems, which are more susceptible to drying out. Watering your garden turf daily teaches it to rely on a regular water source and does not equip it with the well-established and robust root system it requires to resist drought. Instead, water your garden turf deeply and infrequently. Aim for a schedule of once a week for approximately 20-30 minutes. This method encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, where they are more likely to find moisture and remain insulated from the heat.
Top Tip: Remember to water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This ensures that more water penetrates the soil rather than evaporating.
Did you know you should adjust your lawn mower’s mowing height throughout the year? Mowing your lawn at the correct height is one of the most crucial steps in protecting it during high temperatures, as the height at which you mow your grass significantly impacts its health and ability to cope with stress.
During the summer months, set your mower to cut the grass at a height of around 6 to 7.5 cm. This helps maintain taller grass blades, providing essential soil shade, reducing water evaporation, and keeping the roots cooler. Also, longer blades have more surface area for photosynthesis, which is vital for energy production and growth, even during stressful conditions.
During drought, grass growth slows down, so you won’t need to mow as often. Aim to mow at most once every two weeks or when the grass reaches about 10 cm in height, and never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single cutting.
Grass stressed by drought and heat is more vulnerable to damage from foot traffic and other forms of wear and tear. Reducing excessive stress on your lawn during these times can help it recover quickly and prevent further damage. Limit the time spent using your lawn, especially in areas already showing signs of stress. Create designated pathways or use stepping stones to reduce wear and tear on the grass and maintain its health if possible.
A healthy lawn starts with healthy soil – it’s the foundation of drought and pest-resistant grass, especially during hot weather. To ensure that your lawn can withstand heat stress and continue to thrive, it’s essential to conduct proper soil care practices.
Typically, grass thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of around 6.0-7.0. To determine your lawn’s pH level, conduct a soil test. A simple soil pH testing tool is readily available at most garden centres. Based on the results, amend the soil with lime or sulphur to correct pH imbalances.
Aeration is also essential for soil health as it promotes deeper root growth, which is crucial for drought resistance. Be sure to aerate your lawn regularly, especially before the hot season begins, to improve soil structure and allow water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively.
Fertilising your garden turf during hot weather can burn the grass, so it’s essential to do this carefully. Better yet, fertilise your lawn earlier in the year to provide it with vital nutrients without causing any damage.
If you have missed the early springtime fertilisation window, you can use a slow-release fertiliser that gradually feeds the grass over time. This prevents nutrient overload and reduces the risk of fertiliser burn, which can be particularly damaging in hot weather. Look for a fertiliser with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and avoid fertilising during the peak heat of summer. Instead, fertilise in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
Prolonged hot weather can exacerbate pest and disease problems, as stressed lawns are more susceptible to infestations. Therefore, proactive prevention is vital to keeping your lawn healthy. During the summer months, keep a close eye on your lawn for signs of pests, such as leatherjackets, chafer grubs, and ants, which are more active in hot weather. If pest problems arise, consider using organic treatments, such as neem oil, diatomaceous earth, or insecticidal soaps, which are effective and less harmful to the environment.
While grass needs sunlight to photosynthesise, excessive heat can actually inhibit growth and lead to scorched or dead patches. Providing essential shade where possible is vital to protect your lawn from extreme sun, especially during the hottest part of the day. If you can, plant trees, shrubs, or other landscaping features that shade lawn areas most exposed to the sun. Be mindful of the types of plants you choose, ensuring they complement your lawn’s aesthetic and can also withstand prolonged heat and sun exposure. For areas that cannot benefit from natural shade, consider using temporary shade structures, such as shade cloths or canopies, during the hottest part of the day. These can be particularly useful for protecting newly seeded or sensitive lawn areas.
Caring for a lawn during drought and prolonged hot temperatures requires a combination of proactive and responsive strategies. By adjusting mowing practices, watering wisely, fertilising appropriately, and reducing stress and sun exposure, you can help your lawn thrive despite the challenges posed by the UK’s increasingly unpredictable climate.
Remember that every lawn is unique, so observe how your grass responds to these practices and adjust your care routine accordingly. Read this guide for more solutions on dealing with dry grass and identifying the causes.
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