As the UK is set to bask in another bout of hot weather this week with temperatures reaching 33C, a gardening expert issues a warning to UK households with artificial grass
British homeowners with fake grass have been issued an urgent alert as scorching temperatures take over the UK. The nation is bracing for another spell of blistering heat this week, with the mercury set to climb beyond 30C across swathes of the country.
Countless families will be making the most of outdoor spaces, whether they’re tending to plants, unwinding or catching up with loved ones.
Synthetic turf is gaining momentum in gardens nationwide, because it requires minimal upkeep while delivering year-round visual appeal regardless of conditions. This allows more time for enjoying and relaxing in the garden and less fuss over cutting and maintaining natural lawns. It comes as UK gardeners are told to stop cutting the grass on their lawn this week.
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Yet despite its advantages, gardening specialist Calum Maddock at HomeHow.co.uk warns there’s a significant hazard Brits should watch out for during the sweltering spell.
“Whether due to allergies or simply for more convenience, artificial grass is becoming a very popular alternative to a traditional lawn,” Calum says.
“But a downside of this feature is that it can reach extremely high temperatures during a heatwave, which can cause injury to people or pets who walk on it.”
Calum also advises anyone with artificial grass to splash water over it this week. “While artificial grass doesn’t need watering like real grass, it’s a good idea to splash water over it during a heatwave to keep it cool,” he suggests.
“If your budget allows, you could even consider installing a misting system for a more consistent cooling method.” Calum also offers some other tips to safeguard your garden in the hot weather. If you have real grass in your garden, Calum advises against cutting it this week, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“During a heatwave, lawn care becomes more important than ever if you have grass in your garden,” he says. “Heat can severely damage your lawn’s health, and ensuring it’s well cared for during extreme temperatures will help it last throughout the year.
“Despite the temptation to trim your grass and keep it looking immaculate for outdoor gatherings with family and friends during the hot weather, you should avoid cutting it too short.
“The longer the grass, the better it can protect itself from the sun and retain moisture in the roots, and it will also be cooler to walk on. Make sure your lawn gets plenty of water to keep it thriving.”
The gardening expert also provides some advice to help care for your plants.
“During a heatwave, your plants will struggle much more than they do in the regular, cooler temperatures that they are used to,” Calum says. “They will usually require much more frequent watering to keep moisture levels in the soil at an adequate level during the hot, dry spell.
“The best time to water your plants during a heatwave is either in the early morning or late evening, while the temperatures are still relatively cool.
“This will ensure that the soil is able to fully absorb the water and send it down to the roots of the plant before the hot midday sun has a chance to evaporate it.”
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