Summer is a vital season for lawn care, as the intense heat, longer days, and dry spells can challenge even the healthiest grass. However, with the right summer lawn care practices, you can ensure your lawn remains vibrant, resilient, and a beautiful focal point of your garden. From maintaining proper moisture levels to encouraging strong growth and protecting against common seasonal challenges, taking a proactive approach is key. Here are some essential tips to help your lawn thrive and stay lush throughout June, July, and August.
JUNE LAWN CARE TIPS
Water is vitally important at this time of year so should there be any signs of a drought such as a slightly blue colour to the grass leaf, or worse a light brown colour, water needs to be applied to the lawn area. Proper watering techniques are crucial to avoid wastage and ensure your lawn gets the moisture it needs. For more detailed watering tips, check out our guide on ‘Watering newly laid turf‘.
- Avoid excessive watering: Excessive watering encourages weed grasses to flourish. Aim for deep, infrequent watering to promote healthy root growth.
- Weed management: If other weeds are present, a further treatment of selective herbicide (weed killer) will be necessary. This helps keep your lawn looking pristine.
- Mowing: Continue to mow at a frequency of two-to-three times a week, ensuring all clippings are removed and disposed of safely or kept for compost. Mowing regularly at this frequency helps maintain a neat appearance and prevents the grass from becoming too long.
- Verticutting and scarifying: Verticut or lightly scarify once in a while to lift any lateral grass growth; this will also aerate the bottom of the sward of grass. This process helps improve air and nutrient penetration.
- Fertilisation: Apply an organic fertiliser if the grass is looking hungry or anaemic. Fertilising provides essential nutrients that promote healthy growth and a vibrant green colour.
JULY & AUGUST LAWN CARE TIPS
As the summer heat intensifies, it’s important to continue regular lawn care practices to keep your lawn in top condition.
- Mowing: Continue mowing two-to-three times a week and aim to be at an optimum mowing height of between 25mm (1″) to 37mm (1¼”), remembering to mow in alternate directions periodically. This helps maintain an even surface and encourages upright growth. Either compost any grass clippings or use them as mulch to retain soil moisture.
- Watering during drought conditions: Water during drought conditions to prevent your lawn from drying out. If the area has become compacted, a light spiking could be beneficial to relieve any hardness and oxygenate the soil profile, encouraging new growth at the same time. Watering post-spiking assists with getting the water to where the turf needs the moisture the most and prevents too much evaporation, thus saving valuable resources. For more information on how to manage your lawn during dry spells, read our article on ‘Hosepipe ban and laying new turf‘.
- Fertilisation: Apply an organic Fertiliser if the grass is looking hungry or anaemic using an appropriate lawn applicator. Proper nutrition is key to maintaining a healthy lawn during the summer months.
- Enjoy your lawn: Above all, during these two months, you should take the opportunity to enjoy your lawn as much as possible. There will be plenty of time to renovate any worn areas in the next couple of months. Enjoy outdoor activities, barbecues, and relaxation on your lush green lawn.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Be mindful of turf heating during the peak summer months. High temperatures can stress the lawn, so ensure adequate watering and avoid mowing during the hottest parts of the day. If you are laying a new lawn, turf heating can also happen if the turf is rolled up for too long, For more on how to deal with turf heating, see our guide on ‘Turf heating‘.
Proper landscaping with quality topsoil can make a significant difference in your lawn’s health. Well-prepared soil ensures good drainage and nutrient availability. For more insights, visit our page on ‘Successful landscaping with topsoil‘.
By following these tips and incorporating regular lawn care practices, you can ensure your lawn remains healthy, green, and beautiful throughout the summer months.
