Summer Lawn Care



Posted: Thursday, January 07, 2010

by Mark Bartley

In the summer your grass will be growing at full speed, so it should be cut at least once a week, even twice, during the peak summer months. Try to mow when the grass is not damp or wet, however, if its been raining for an extended period, in other words a typical British summer, then it's better to mow regardless than let the grass grow too long. Mowing is stressful for the plant, so don't cut more than one third of the grass blade at one time, and do not mow too short. As a rule of thumb, setting themower to medium height should do the trick. Another issue associated with cutting too low is that it allows moss to establish itself.

An average garden lawn will need to be an inch or slightly more long. Tall grass blades mean a deep root system below ground, and the better the root system, the more sturdy the lawn. It is also a good idea to use a box on your mower, or if you don't have one, rake up the cuttings after mowing. This will help prevent thatch from forming. However, if you manage to mow regularly, and the cuttings are short, they can stay on the lawn as they will not contribute to thatch, and nutrients will feed back into the soil as they break down. Regular mowing has the added benefit of encouraging grass to spread sideways, which will choke weeds.

Trim the edges of the lawn with long handled lawn shears. Not only will it appear smarter, but it'll stop the grass from invading your flowerbeds and borders.

Careful watering is crucial. Although grass will tolerate a few dry weeks, it's best to give your lawn a regular, thorough watering in the evening or early in the morning, every 7-10 days. Be careful not to water too much though as it will cause shallow rooting, which means grass will require much more frequent watering, and will make the lawn vulnerable.

Feeding in the summer is very important, the lawn needs it to strengthen roots and become drought resistant. Feed when the soil is damp to touch every six to eight weeks until September with a proprietary, nitrogen rich, thick green growth promoting lawn feed. Don't feed during extreme hot or dry weather, because the lawn can scorch. Another cause for scorch is over application, so use either a suitable spreader, or a liquid feed that can be attached to a hosepipe. This will ensure even distribution at the correct rate.

Usual wear and tear can take its toll. In times of extreme drought or hot conditions, avoid walking on the lawn if you can. This will help to prevent further damage to the lawn during a particulaly stressful time for the grass plants.

The best advice for garden lawn caregarden lawn care is always worth seeking. Understanding what your lawn needs and how to look after it will ensure a great looking garden and somewhere everyone can enjoy.

garden lawn care
Mark Bartley is a well respected writer on consumer affairs and a customer champion. He has experience in several industries including travel, finance, retail and leisure. He seeks to provide useful information from an unbiased viewpoint and helps people understand complicated market areas and find the best deals or services available.
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