As the warmer weather approaches, now is the perfect time to prepare your lawn for summer. Lawn care can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, so unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Elements such as grass type, shade, soil quality, and drainage all play a significant role in determining the best strategies and timing to achieve and maintain a lush, healthy lawn.
To help you get started, we’ve put together some basic tips to ensure your lawn is in top shape and ready for entertaining over the festive season.
Fertilising
Just as we need nutrients to maintain our health, so does your lawn. Before summer, it’s essential to know the type of grass you have, as different varieties require different fertiliser treatments and applications. As a general rule, apply a slow-release fertiliser to your lawn in early summer to encourage healthy growth. However, once temperatures reach 30°C, it’s crucial to stop fertilising your lawn, as the chemicals in fertiliser can burn the grass blades in the heat.
Watering
The best time to water your lawn during summer is early morning, as this ensures it absorbs and retains as much moisture as possible. Be sure to water deeply so that the root system receives the hydration it needs to thrive throughout the hotter months. Shallow watering can lead to weak roots and an unhealthy lawn.
Mowing
Before you begin mowing, make sure your equipment is up to the task. It’s a good idea to have your mower serviced by a professional to ensure the blades are sharp, or if you’re comfortable doing it yourself, check that the blades aren’t too dull, as this can damage the lawn. During the heat of summer, grass growth may slow down due to stress. To protect the soil and deeper root system from the sun, we recommend raising your mower height for a longer lawn. Also, avoid mowing in the middle of the day when the heat is most intense, as this can cause your lawn to burn.
Weeding
Manual weeding is always a good option—pull out the weeds by the roots as soon as you spot them. If weeds are more prevalent, consider applying a herbicide to control their growth. You can find both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides at your local gardening store.
Of course, if you’d prefer more support when it comes to your lawn and garden, our expert garden maintenance team will gladly lend a hand. If you love the idea of lawn, but aren’t wanting to commit to the maintenance, depending on how much foot traffic there is, you may consider a lawn alternative such as Dichondra repens or Pratia penductula.
