Extra attention during hot and dry weather

When the sun is shining, we prefer to spend our days in the garden. It’s even better when the lawn looks beautiful while you’re enjoying it! In the summer months, we are increasingly dealing with long dry periods. To prevent bare or brown patches from appearing in the grass, it is important to take good care of your lawn during summer. Discover how to do this with our tips below.

Responsible watering during drought

During summer, it’s important to take long periods of drought into account and use water responsibly. Do you already have a rain barrel in your garden? Then you’ve already taken the first crucial step! A rain barrel can easily save hundreds of liters of valuable drinking water each year.

We often tend to water our garden every day during the warm summer months. But did you know it is actually more effective to water the lawn thoroughly in one session rather than giving it a small amount every day? When the soil is well saturated, water evaporates less quickly. Use your garden hose or watering can early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are lower. Save even more water by watering only when it’s really necessary, for example when the lawn starts to look patchy and dry.

Mowing during the summer months

In summer, grass grows extra quickly. That means you will usually need to mow about twice a week. Regular mowing encourages grass blades to develop new side shoots, creating a dense and healthy lawn. Avoid mowing during the hottest parts of the day to protect the grass from excessive evaporation. You can also use a mulching mower, which leaves a thin layer of mulch on the lawn to prevent it from drying out too quickly. A mulch layer also helps reduce weed growth.

“Long grass works like a natural air conditioner—it can lower the temperature in your garden by up to 5 degrees.”

Do not cut the lawn too short during extreme heat. Keeping the grass slightly longer helps retain moisture and allows grass blades to shade each other. So it’s better to mow a little more often in summer rather than cutting it too short. Make sure the blades of your lawn mower are sharp and neatly finish the lawn edges with a lawn edger.

Water and nutrition: a strong lawn on hot days

Besides water, your lawn also needs nutrients. Fertilize preferably in early summer (May / June) to give the lawn a boost. This helps the grass grow stronger and prepare for potential heat waves. Choose fertilizers with a lower nitrogen content if you want to save water. Nitrogen stimulates grass growth, which increases water demand.

One final tip when planting a new lawn to reduce water use: consider drought-tolerant grass varieties. Some grass types, such as Bermuda and Zoysia, are more resistant to drought and require less water.

Want to keep your lawn in top condition this summer? Check out the full range of lawn mowers from GTM Professional.