It’s a common mistake that many people make when it comes to tending to their garden at this time of year, but it can actually do more harm than good to your lawn
Nobody fancies tackling garden tasks when it’s so hot so homeowners rush to trim their lawns as swiftly as possible, but this approach can actually damage the grass.
Specialists at Sprout Lawn & Landscape have revealed that it’s remarkably easy for lawns to transform from vibrant green to patchy brown during summer, as most individuals slice the grass far too short without thought.
They explained: “In order for your grass to effectively absorb nutrients, the blades have to be kept at a certain height. When they are too short, the grass is harmed by the heat of the sun and is exposed to too much sunlight.”
Cutting may appear straightforward, but neglecting your mower’s height setting can scalp the turf, adding unnecessary strain to a lawn already battling summer’s intensity.
Gardens require the ability to retain moisture during peak summer months to prevent dehydration, and trimming them excessively short forces more energy into blade growth rather than root development, reports the Express. This results in your lawn developing a superficial root network that cannot store water effectively.
Consequently, it becomes more prone to developing bare patches and thinning, requiring frequent watering.
When grass is maintained at the correct length, it’s far less likely to suffer in scorching temperatures as it conserves more energy, resulting in a denser and more vibrant lawn.
How to prevent lawn damage during summer
Most gardeners mow their lawn once a week in summer, but this is often wrong as it does not give the grass enough time to grow properly.
Alternatively, it’s far more beneficial to be patient and mow fortnightly throughout July, as this approach helps shield the lawn from heat damage. For a healthier lawn, it’s advisable to trim the grass gradually rather than all at once, which encourages the development of robust roots.
The gardening guru advised: “A good rule of thumb to use when mowing a lawn is to adhere to the one-third rule, which basically states that you should not cut off more than a third of the height of the grass at a time.”
Those who opt for a fortnightly mow are likely to see their lawns become more resilient, with deep roots and a vibrant green appearance that lasts all summer long.