Grass can struggle during periods of hot, dry weather, but there’s one September rule you should follow to keep your lawn in tip-top condition as the weather cools
Your garden lawn will grow back thicker if you follow one simple rule in September, according to experts.
Although summer is gradually making way for autumn across the UK, these conditions can actually be the ideal period for your outdoor space, with temperatures remaining mild whilst regular downpours give your turf a much-needed boost.
However, whilst the climate means you can maximise your garden’s potential, it can wreak havoc on your lawn and result in patchy areas, fading colour and stunted development – particularly if rainfall levels remain below the seasonal average.
Consequently, it demands consistent maintenance to ensure your garden grass remains lush and vibrant, though adhering to one crucial guideline during September will guarantee your turf stays in prime condition.
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Gardening specialists recommend that grass should be trimmed every one to two weeks throughout September to sustain development and maintain thick, healthy growth.
Nevertheless, when you tackle your grass you should elevate the height of your lawnmower blade to approximately two to three inches above ground level to prevent cutting your turf excessively short in September, reports the Express.
Lawnsmith UK explains: “The autumn rains make the end of August and September a good growing time so mow frequently. You can also lower the cut if you raised it for the summer but if your lawn is prone to moss you want to be raising the mowing height not lowering it.”
Modifying your mower’s cutting height will assist in minimising strain on your lawn whilst the grass blades will preserve greater moisture levels, enabling it to remain verdant and robust. The Turf Doctor has explained: “Regularly mowing your lawn helps make the grass greener and thicker. You might have heard that getting your hair trimmed regularly helps it to grow faster, and the same goes for the grass on your lawn!”.
“Regular mowing encourages grass to grow thicker and greener through a process known as the ‘stimulation effect.’ When you mow your lawn consistently and at a decent height (more on that later), you remove the top portion of the grass blades, which prompts the grass to respond by producing new shoots and leaves.
“This stimulates lateral growth, promoting a denser turf as the grass plant works to compensate for the loss of leaf on top. Plus, regular mowing has the additional benefit of preventing weeds from developing, so your grass gets a greater share of all the good stuff: available sunlight, nutrients, and water. It can allocate more resources to growth, leading to a thicker and healthier lawn with a lush green appearance.
“A side note from the above, which is important enough to be a tip in itself, is this: don’t mow your grass too short. If you cut too much off your grass (a practice known as gorily as ‘scalping’) you’ll put excessive stress on the grass plants and inhibit their ability to photosynthesize effectively.
“When grass is cut too short, it reduces the surface area of the leaves available for photosynthesis, which weakens the leaves, making them more vulnerable to environmental stresses. Scalped grass also struggles to develop a robust root system because it doesn’t have the necessary energy reserves. As a result, the grass becomes thinner and less able to compete with weeds, leading to an overall unhealthy and less green appearance.
“Taller grass helps a lawn grow thicker and stay greener. Mow too short, and the soil heats up, helping pesky weed seeds to germinate. That will not help you grow the perfect lawn. As summer progresses, you should keep raising your mower blade.”