Summer is the time of year when we all want our lawns to look their best, as summer is the time of year when we use our lawns the most for playing, barbecuing, and relaxing on. Therefore, we want our lawns to be green, lush, and inviting.
We may think that little to no lawn care is required during summer, as we don't experience as much harsh weather conditions. However, summer is the time of year when lawns are under the most stress. The hot weather, the dry conditions, and the increased foot traffic can all take a toll on our lawns. That's why it's important to take special care of our lawns during the summer.
When grass is stressed and we experience humid weather conditions, Red Thread can occur. Combine this with not cutting and watering your lawn correctly, and you have a perfect recipe for Red Thread to develop throughout the lawn.
Red Thread is a common lawn disease caused by fungus in the soil. Brown patches appear on affected lawns, sometimes with a red tinge. If left to develop, the patches may increase in size and eventually join together, transforming a healthy green lawn into a brown patchy lawn.
Leaf Spot is also a common lawn disease that can occur during summer. Lawns are at great risk of catching this disease due to improper mowing practices.
Brown or yellow spots begin to appear on the leaves of the grass, which can eventually kill the grass if not treated.
To help prevent both lawn diseases from occurring, correct mowing and watering are essential, which is also key to keeping your lawn healthy throughout summer.
Grass needs to be cut regularly to stay healthy. By cutting the grass regularly, it promotes strong growth, prevents thatch buildup, and prevent weed infestation. However, keep the grass longer than you would normally do during summer. Longer grass shades the soil during hot temperatures, helping to prevent water from drying out as quickly.
Avoid mowing your lawn too short in one go, as this can lead to an inconsistent cut and a tear in the grass blades, which can result in Leaf Spot disease in your lawn. If the grass has not been cut for a long period of time, you should raise the height of the mower when you first cut it. Then, reduce the height by a third each time you mow afterwards, until it returns to its normal cutting height.
Keeping the blades sharp on your lawn mower is one of the most important factors to consider at all times. Cutting grass with blunt blades will result in an uneven cut and a stressed lawn, allowing lawn diseases such as Red Thread and Leaf Spot to develop more easily.
Adequate watering is also essential during summer. Not enough water will result in grass dying off, whereas too much watering can cause damp, humid conditions for lawn diseases such as Red Thread to develop in.
When watering your lawn, avoid watering in direct sunlight as the water will evaporate before it reaches the roots in the soil. Watering your lawn in the morning or early evening is recommended as the temperature is cooler.
We often recommend using a sprinkler as they provide an even and consistent water application with sufficient volume, ensuring your lawn receives the right amount of water it needs.
The best way of keeping your lawn healthy during summer and throughout the year is to have a regular lawn maintenance programme in place. Our standard treatment programme includes two fertiliser applications during the summer: one at the beginning of summer and one at the end of summer. Both feeds are tailored to your lawn's needs at the time, ensuring that your lawn stays thick, green and stress free.
If your area is currently affected by a hosepipe ban, Lawn Master can help by applying a wetting agent to your lawn. Wetting agents act as a soil penetrant by reducing the surface tension. This effectively turns your lawn into a sponge, making better use of even the smallest amount of water.
Walking on your lawn compacts the soil. This can make it difficult for water and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass, which can lead to yellowing or browning of the lawn. If you are unable to keep off your lawn, varying your route reduces excessive wear to one area.
Sunlight and air are essential for plant growth. Play equipment and garden furniture block sunlight and air from reaching the roots of your lawn. This can lead to yellowing or browning of the lawn.
Learn more about Red Thread Disease.
Learn more about Leaf Spot Disease.
Learn more about Our Standard Treatment Programme.
Written by Lawn Master Head Office. 25 Years of Professional Lawn Care Services
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