As temperatures rise across Britain, homeowners may want to consider protecting their lawns.
To ensure it stays healthy, grass needs the right amount of water at the right time. Failing to meet these needs can have unsightly consequences, an expert has cautioned.
Chris Mcllory, from leading lawn expert The Grass People, says fertiliser and watering could make all the difference in keeping your lawn happy this summer.
He explained: “Summer can be a difficult time to maintain a pristine lawn as hot weather and less rainfall take their effects.
Fertilising can do more harm than good if applied incorrectly
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“Heat stress causes grass to wilt and brown, and lawns can become patchy where it has vanished completely.
“It’s difficult enough for our lawns to remain at their best during summer, but some of us inadvertently exacerbate the problem while trying to fix the problem."
He added: “The most common mistake people make is mowing the lawn, which can cause significant damage to the grass and make it more vulnerable to disease."
It’s also advisable not to walk on grass that is showing clear signs of distress as it will compact the soil and reduce drainage, making it even more difficult for it to get the moisture it needs.
“And while some people may think adding fertiliser could be an easy way of giving the lawn a boost, this is best avoided as it can cause more harm than good if not applied properly with sufficient water,” added Mcllory.
The expert noted that browning and wilting can be an indication that grass has entered a dormant state to protect itself from high temperatures and a lack of moisture.
When to water lawns
Maintaining a well-hydrated lawn during the hotter months may be easier than you think.
According to Mcllroy, it is vital to keep your lawn watered well during periods of hot weather if you live in an area where there are no restrictions on doing so during heatwaves.
“Aim to water your lawn early in the morning before the sun is out and late at night when the sun is down to avoid all your efforts being wasted," the expert explained.
“Alternatively, you can purchase an oscillating timed sprinkler that should help keep your lawn hydrated throughout the day if you are not around.”
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Water your lawn regularly to keep it hydrated
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According to British horticulturalist Monty Don, the best grass enjoys good draining.
Gardeners can create good drainage by sticking a fork into the ground once a year and wiggling it about.
In terms of feed, the gardeners suggest mixing up equal measures of sieved topsoil, sharp sand and sieved leaf mould.
These ingredients should also ensure there is no fungus lurking. This can emerge when the environment becomes too humid.
