Picture this: scorching sun, soft serve ice cream dripping down the cone, wild swimming in a stream, freckles popping up across your nose, that sun-kissed skin you’ve been dreaming and then, to top it all off, a garden full of parched grass that’s struggling to survive. Yepp. The season of heatwaves is upon us, meaning it’s time to slap on some Factor 50 and find some ways to help your precious lawn survive the heat.
Is it a simple task? Nope. But fear not, because applying the proper lawn care techniques during these sweltering times is like a superhero cape for your turf. Of course, this is not just about the aesthetic of your patch of lawn; it’s about ensuring your lawn’s well-being. You see, at this time of the year, the intense heat can wreak some serious havoc on your grass, causing it to wilt, turn brown, look like straw, and even die. Not ideal.
Luckily, with a little extra TLC and a touch of Joe’s expertise, you can transform your lawn into an oasis that not only withstands a heatwave but thrives in it. So buckle up, folks, because we’re about to dive into the exhilarating world of lawn care during those scorching hot summer days.
Be A Hydration Hero
Just like humans, hydration is crucial for your lawn’s survival, especially during a heatwave. But it’s not just about dousing it with water — it’s about watering smartly and correctly. That means opting to go with deep and infrequent watering sessions (as opposed to light and often), as you aim to put down over an inch of water into the soil per week. To do this most effectively, split this amount into two to three watering sessions, making sure to water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation. By doing this, your lawn will have a better chance to soak up the moisture and stay cool, fresh and hydrated all day long.
Master The Art of Mowing
When it comes to mowing your lawn during a heatwave, timing is pretty much everything. So, as a rule of thumb, set your mower blade a couple of notches higher than normal before yanking on the starter cord, as this will give your soil more shade and thus help it retain more moisture. What’s more, and this one is worth remembering, the longer your grass blades, the more shade they’ll offer, which will not only keep your lawn cooler but also prevent weeds from finding a way into your lawn and sapping any moisture from the soil. Oh and, like with the watering, try to mow in the evening or early morning when the temperatures are cooler, as this will reduce the amount of stress placed on your grass.
Fertiliser As Fuel
During a heatwave, your lawn needs all the nutrients it can get to stay healthy. Choose a slow-release fertilizer that will provide a steady supply of nutrients over time. However, avoid fertilizing during extreme heat, as it may burn the grass. Instead, apply the fertilizer before or after the heatwave to give your lawn the boost it needs to thrive.
Embrace The Shade
If you’re anything like me, the sun is great n’ all, but only for a bit. After that, I’m craving a dollop of respite from that scorching sun. The same goes for your lawn, which is why we recommend strategically planting some shade trees around the border of your lawn, or even installing some shade structures, both of which will provide some much-needed relief to your grass, reducing water evaporation and preventing heat stress. It’s perfect. And the best part: not only will this cheeky little option help your lawn survive the heatwave, but it’ll also create a more pleasant outdoor space for you to relax and unwind on those super hot days.
Aeration Is Awesome
To promote healthy root growth and fill in any bare patches, aeration (and overseeding) are your secret weapons. 100%. That’s because, by core aerating your lawn, you’re creating small holes in the soil, which will only help improve water absorption and airflow. Following that, you’ll want to sprinkle some fresh grass seeds over your lawn to fill in any thinning areas. Trust us: this powerful combination is going to help your lawn bounce back stronger and greener once the heatwave subsides, leaving you with a lush patch of the great outdoors to soak up and enjoy.
Be A Weed Warrior
Weeds are sneaky invaders, we all know that. But it gets even more intense during a heatwave for the simple reason that lawns are vulnerable. That’s why you need to stay ahead of the game and manually remove any weeds you come across, either with an appropriate herbicide, a DIY solution, or using a pair of gardening gloves and a tight grip. However, exercise caution when using herbicides in hot weather, as they can damage your lawn. As such, we’d recommend giving us a call to double check everything and ensure you’re partaking in a bout of effective and safe weed control.
Give Your Lawn Some TLC
If you have delicate plants or specific areas of your lawn that are prone to drying out, now is the time to give them some extra love and care, because heatwaves are only going to exacerbate the situation. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous or rocket-sciencey – you just need to consider using some temporary shade solutions. You know, like umbrellas or a shade cloth or beach parasol. Anything that will help shield them from direct sunlight. Why? To help retain their moisture and prevent your grass from wilting or scorching in the heat.
Leave The Clippings
Do you know that grass collector on the back of your mower? Well, it’s time to remove that. Yepp. Those clippings you thought were just a nuisance are actually a secret weapon in your battle against the scorching heat. You see, when you leave those clippings on your lawn, they work their magic as natural mulch. Yepp. These tiny green warriors provide shade, protect the soil and help retain precious moisture. It’s like giving your lawn its very own sun hat and sunscreen combo. So, when the mercury begins to rise, ditch the bag and let those clippings stay. Your lawn will thank you by staying lush and vibrant even when the heat is on. It’s a win-win situation, folks.
Limit Foot Traffic
Brace yourselves for this: limiting foot traffic on your turf during a heatwave is a total game-changer. Here’s the deal: excessive foot traffic during a hot day is going to stress out your lawn. It’s like subjecting it to a grueling CrossFit workout when all it wants is some R&R. So stay off your grass when the temperature is already stressing it out, and you’ll find you’re also minimising any chance of soil compaction, ensuring optimal water and nutrient absorption, and allowing your lawn to recover and thrive in its own leafy kingdom. So, let’s keep the foot traffic to a minimum, and watch your lawn blossom into a lush paradise that would make even the most seasoned landscape enthusiasts swoon.
To Sum It All Up
Armed with this comprehensive guide, you’re now well-prepared to tackle the challenges of lawn care during a heatwave. You just need to remember that a little extra care and attention will go a long way in maintaining your outdoor oasis during those scorching summer days. So go ahead, conquer the heat, and revel in the rewards of a thriving, verdant lawn all season long.
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