Temperatures in the UK are rising and warm weather is forecast for most of the week.
This means that those with green thumb should take extra precautions with their lawn, including avoiding a major mistake that could lead to “a brown lawn.”
Cheryl Harper, director of Greensleeves Lawn Care, said: “One of the most common things that affect lawns during the summer months is increased footfall.
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“With families enjoying their garden, barbecues with friends and lazy afternoons soaking up the sun, grass is used much more than the rest of the year and the soil can start to compact.
“Combine that with the scorching sun and very little humidity and your lawn can start to look more than a little deteriorated very quickly.”
Instead of implementing a “keep off the grass” rule during the summer months, there are some simple steps to help minimize the risk of a brown, patchy lawn, the Express reports.
While many might assume that their grass has died if it turns brown, this is normal during the summer months. It may not look very good, but this is simply because it is not getting enough water.
The lawn expert said: “Without enough water, your lawn can turn yellow and straw-colored, and will take months to recover. To maintain a green lawn during these hot periods, watering deeply a couple of times a week is usually more effective than daily light sprinkling.
“Be strategic about when and how to water your lawn, especially in hot weather.”
Cheryl recommends watering your lawn early in the morning, as the grass can absorb the necessary moisture before evaporation rates increase due to the heat of the day. She suggests not watering during peak sunlight hours, where rapid evaporation can prevent water from reaching the roots.
Cheryl added: “Similarly, watering at night can increase the risk of diseases such as red thread by leaving the grass wet overnight.”
Additionally, fertilizing lawns in hot conditions can cause “fertilizer burn,” detrimental to the green space. The professional recommendation is to wait until the temperature drops or ideally proceed on a rainy day once the grass has dried.
Finally, remember to let your lawn breathe in the heat and remove weeds quickly to prevent them from absorbing critical nutrients.
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