Avoid Grass Damage in Heatwaves: Steer Clear of Certain Lawn Care Tasks
Article Rewrite:
Grilling in the UK heat? Skip mowing your lawn!
When those warm rays hit the UK, we can't resist the call of our gardens. But don't let the good times fool you - heatwaves can wreak havoc on our green spaces.
Even though regular lawn mowing is generally a bucket-list item for experts during summer, that rule goes out the window when temps skyrocket. Here's the lowdown on lawn maintenance when thermometers dance in the red zone, straight from the pros.
So, should you mow during a heatwave?
"From June onwards, increase your mowing frequency to once a week, as grass growth peaks before we halt mowing before winter. However, during dry or sweltering spells, never give your lawn a trim. Your grass plants are already under pressure, and mowing could stress them out even more," says horticulture ace Lucie Bradley of Easy Garden Irrigation.
"If your lawn lies dormant and a shade of brown, don’t touch the grass scissors just yet. Mowing during drought conditions can cause additional stress, and it's best to stay patient until your green spaces pop back up," adds garden whiz Luke Newnes.
Luke is a member of the Hillarys Interior Squad, known as the Pink Gardener - a new-build gardening specialist and content creator. With a knack for turning ordinary backyards into stunning sanctuaries, he shares practical tips and inspiration for fellow nature enthusiasts.
Let it grow - longer grass is the way to go in the summer heat
"Leaving your lawn a tad longer during these hot days preserves soil shade, leading to less moisture loss due to evaporation," says Cheryl Harper, Managing Director of Greensleeves. "Longer grass also boasts a deeper root system, making it more drought-resistant and able to weather dry spells with ease."
"Chopping your grass too short can cause significant trauma to your lawn. Exposed soil dries out faster, weakening the roots and opening the door for weeds to invade. Keep your mower blades high during summer and aim for a length of around 6-8cm," adds Luke Newnes.
Summing up, Nick Ee, product and training manager at BLACK+DECKER, advises, "Avoid removing more than one-third of the blade in a single cut. A taller mowing height provides natural shade to the roots and aids in retaining soil moisture."
From grass-loving pros like Lucie, hailing from Easy Garden Irrigation, to Luke Newnes, the Pink Gardener, these experts offer valuable insights on what you can do to keep your garden lush and thriving during a heatwave.
Upgrade your lawn-mowing essentials for the cooler season
While things are a bit too hot for lawn maintenance right now, don't miss your chance to snag gardening gear for a later date with these deals on Amazon:
- Grab this electric wheeled lawnmower with a 20% discount! It's the perfect tool for effortless mowing, even during hot weather.
- Looking for a lightweight electric grass trimmer? This model comes with a telescopic handle, and it's currently more than half off on Amazon!
- For those with lawns measuring up to 500m2, check out this generously wide 41cm grass trimmer. You'll find a massive £100 off the RRP!
FAQs
What's the right temperature to avoid mowing during a heatwave?
"As a rule of thumb, avoid mowing when temps surpass 30°C (86°F). Besides being hard on the grass, it can also be risky for you. If it's uncomfortably warm for you, likely it's too hot for your lawn too," says Luke Newnes, AKA the Pink Gardener.
"While there isn't a defined temperature limit," adds Chris Cooper, UK lawn expert from Hayter. "Always steer clear of mowing when temperatures regularly hit 30°, and rainfall is scarce."
Keep tabs on the temperatures with a fashionable and functional Indoor Outdoor Thermometer Hygrometer available on Amazon.
What length should your grass be during hot weather?
"In hot weather, keep your lawn a bit longer than usual – 5-7cm (2-3 inches) is recommended. Longer blades mean more shade for the soil, which helps retain moisture and lets the grass roots avoid the scorching sun." Luke Newnes, garden expert.
For more tips on managing your lawn during the summer months, be sure to peruse our guide on removing unwanted mushrooms from your lawn.
- During the heatwave, Lucie Bradley from Easy Garden Irrigation suggests increasing mowing frequency to once a week from June, but advice is to never mow during dry or sweltering spells as it can stress the grass plants further.
- Experts like Cheryl Harper and Luke Newnes suggest leaving the lawn longer during hot days as longer grass preserves soil shade, leading to less moisture loss due to evaporation, and a deeper root system making it more drought-resistant.
- Slowing down lawn-mowing essential upgrades can be made for the cooler season. For instance, an electric wheeled lawnmower with a 20% discount, a lightweight electric grass trimmer with a telescopic handle currently half off on Amazon, and a generously wide 41cm grass trimmer with a £100 off the RRP are available on Amazon.
