Keep your lawn healthy during the hot, dry UK summer months with our summer lawn treatment tips!

Summer’s coming, and soon everyone will be inviting their friends over for barbecues and garden parties. If you want to get your lawn ready for the hottest time of the year, here are some expert lawn care tips to help you do it:

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Mowing the grass during summer

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During this period of rapid growth, you may need to mow your lawn as often as twice a week to stop it looking unruly. Read our lawn mowing tips for more information.

Remember, don’t mow the lawn if the grass is wet as this may damage the soil and roots beneath. Also, refrain from cutting it too short as this will weaken the grass and make it more vulnerable to weeds and other invaders.

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Choosing the right lawnmower

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When it comes to summer lawn care, your lawnmower is probably the single most important weapon in your arsenal. So make sure you’ve got a good one!

When shopping for a mower, be sure to consider the size of your lawn – there’s no point forking out for a big fancy machine if it will barely even fit in your garden. A wider cut is ideal for larger lawns as this will help you to get the job done quickly and give a smoother, cleaner finish. Smaller gardens will require a narrower cut.

Be sure to get your lawnmower serviced regularly to keep the blades sharp and the machinery in good working order.

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Watering your lawn in the summer

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Even in the UK, there is less rain during the summer months than the winter months. If grass goes too long without water, it will stop growing and begin to turn brown, so be sure to keep your lawn hydrated!

Most of the time, there’ll be enough rain to maintain your lawn’s health without any intervention from you. But pay attention to the weather and be ready to water your lawn during extended rain-free periods.

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Fixing a hard, dried out summer lawn

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You might notice the ground in your garden turning hard if it hasn’t been watered for a while. If this happens, give the soil a thorough spiking with a garden fork before putting any water on it – this will enable the water to seep into the soil and hydrate it rather than just running off.
 

How often should I water my lawn in summer?

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Be careful not to water your lawn too frequently in the summertime (or at any other time of year, for that matter). Watering too often will result in a shallow root system, meaning that your turf will be weaker and dry out more quickly. Overwatering can also encourage weeds, moss and diseases to flourish during summer.

Limit watering to twice per week to encourage deep root penetration. Water in the morning when the air is cooler – if you water your lawn on hot summer afternoon, the water may simply evaporate away before it has time to penetrate the soil, and watering in the dark, cold evenings can encourage fungi growth.