Lawn care in dry weather
This summer’s weather seems set to be dry – at least in many parts of the country, and many lawns are showing signs of stress due to lack of water. Lawn care in dry weather is quite different to the normal summer regime but a few simple steps now will ensure your lawn makes a good recovery when the rain returns.
When weather conditions are very dry, grass growth will be minimal, so reduce the frequency of lawn mowing and raise the height of your lawn mower blades to avoid weakening the grass. Allowing grass clippings to return to the lawn rather than collecting them; this is known as ‘mulch mowing’ as the clippings slow down water’s evaporation from the soil surface. Clippings must be small or they will smother the grass, so consider a special mulching mower or one, like many in the VIKING range, which can switch from a standard collecting lawn mower to a mulching mower.
Watering the lawn in dry weather is an obvious way to maintain its health, but this should be done before the grass colour changes and if the ground is very hard use a garden fork to aerate the soil first and improve water penetration. Check there is no hosepipe ban in your area, and always be conscious of conserving water. If you do choose to water the lawn, do this in the early morning or late evening when the sun is less harsh to minimise wastage through evaporation. Remember a good 30-minute dose every week or 10 days - saturating the top 10cm of soil, is more beneficial than a light, regular sprinkle. Use collected rainwater or recycled water wherever possible.
Finally, if you are going away for a holiday this summer, remember to lock up your lawn mower and other garden tools, and make sure your shed or garage is properly secured.