Summer is one of the best times of the year to enjoy your lovely, lush lawn. However, the season’s hot, humid, and sometimes wet conditions can cause your lawn to grow out of control or struggle to thrive.
While we can’t control the weather, we can control how we care for and prepare our lawns. Weeding, fertilising, watering, and mowing are all essential steps for maintaining a healthy lawn in the summer. In this blog, you’ll find great tips and tricks to keep your lawn looking its best.
Weeding
Weed control can be a frustrating task to stay on top of, but with the right approach, it becomes much easier!
- Selective Herbicides: These target weeds without harming your lawn.
- 2-in-1 Products: A weed killer that also feeds your lawn is often the best solution, as it strengthens your grass, helping it fight back against weeds. An example is Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed, available in granular or hose-on forms. This product targets broadleaf weeds such as clover, bindii, dandelions, and thistles while promoting a healthier, stronger lawn.
Fertilising
Fertilising up to three times per year—in early spring, mid-summer, and autumn—will help maintain a lush, green lawn throughout the year and prevent weeds from invading.
Types of Fertilisers:
- Synthetic Granular Fertiliser: Ensure pets are safely indoors during application and water it in thoroughly. Avoid applying fertiliser when temperatures exceed 30°C, as it can burn your lawn.
- Organic Pelletised Fertiliser: This eco-friendly option enriches your lawn naturally and improves soil health.
Mowing
During the heat of summer, it’s not unusual for your lawn to slow its growth due to stress. Proper mowing techniques can help alleviate this stress.
- Raise Mower Height: Set your mower to a higher cutting height to leave the grass longer. This provides shade and natural cooling for the roots and soil.
- Timing: Mow early in the morning or late in the day to reduce the risk of the grass developing burned tips.
Mulch Mowing
Mulch mowing involves using a mower that is designed to double cut and force the grass back into the lawn, which helps insulate soil and roots and reduces evaporation.
Mulch mowing your lawn can provide up to a quarter of the fertiliser required by your lawn. Fresh grass clippings are 85% water, so they dry out quickly and break down into the soil. This encourages microorganisms to break down waste material and the worms help aerate the soil.
Important Mulch Mowing Tips
It’s important that you don’t cut off more than one-third of the grass in a single mow. If you’ve had some time away and your grass has grown higher than usual, you should reset the mowing height so that it doesn’t cut more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mow.
Using this length to mow, you can come back after a few days to re-cut your grass to get it down to its normal cutting height. If you cut any lower than one-third of the grass blade, it will reduce the mulching ability of your grass.
Benefits of mulch mowing
- Fewer weeds in your lawn. A regularly mulched lawn will grow thick and lush, and this makes it difficult for weeds to get established. Weeds prefer weaker, unhealthy or unkempt lawns.
- Mulching shades the roots. This helps form a protective layer that will protect roots in heavy rain or frosts. If the roots are well covered, grass can grow healthier and faster.
- Mulch will help your lawn cope with droughts as it reduces evaporation and keeps the soil temperature cool.
Watering
Watering your lawn properly is vital during the hot summer months.
Timing Matters: Water early in the morning or late in the evening for about 15 minutes twice a week. This allows water to penetrate deeply into the soil without being lost to evaporation.
By watering your lawn thoroughly you encourage the development of strong root growth in the lawn.
For all the products, expert advice, and a seed range specially selected for the unique conditions of the Southern Highlands region, visit us at Bowral Co-op. Together, let’s keep your lawn looking its best!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended as general advice only and may not suit the specific needs of every lawn or garden. Always read and follow the instructions on product labels and seek professional advice if unsure. Bowral Co-op is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use of this information.
