Battling the British climate to maintain a healthy summer lawn

It’s been a challenging summer for maintaining our lawns. June was the hottest in the UK since records began in 1884. This was then followed by the sixth wettest July in the UK on record. An optimist would say we’ve had something for everyone this summer. Keeping on top of what our lawns need as the weather changes can be tricky, but with the right approach and care, you can still achieve a healthy and beautiful lawn. Cheryl Harper, Managing Director of Greensleeves Lawn Care, has the following top tips to help you maintain a thriving green lawn.

Keep on mowing

Optimal care for a thriving summer lawn revolves around a simple yet effective approach: regular, gentle mowing. This task, however, becomes a delicate dance when confronted with the British climate. Wet grass blades are slick and tough to slice, creating an uneven shred (at best) rather than the clean cut which is healthier for the grass.

Whilst it’s advisable to keep grass longer in hot weather (the extra length helps protect from the sun and stops water from evaporating), when the weather is as changeable as it has been recently, equilibrium is key. Allowing the grass to grow excessively long during damp spells might inadvertently foster a haven for invasive weeds, susceptibility to lawn diseases, and overhydration of your lawn.

Weed watch

There are some weeds that will thrive in whatever weather conditions you throw at them, and if not managed properly, you’ll soon find them taking over your garden. When your grass has had a tough summer, the last thing you want is weeds stealing valuable nutrients and space from your lawn. Even if you successfully eradicate weeds once, new ones may appear later in the year so the key to effective weed control lies in both eliminating existing weeds and implementing preventive measures. Use a herbicide to target weeds without causing harm to your grass.

Fun in the sun

One of the most common things we see here at Greensleeves is the damage done by outdoor toys, such as paddling pools, trampolines and slides. While they provide endless amounts of fun for all the family, under the surface they’ll block air, sunlight and water from getting to your grass. The last thing you want to see is a large dead patch when you pack up the trampoline at the end of summer. To avoid this, continually reposition them around the garden to give the affected areas time to rejuvenate and recover.

Let your lawn breathe

With the kids back at home for the summer holidays, soil can quickly get compacted with increased activity in the garden. Plants that rely on the health and vitality of the soil will struggle to get the support and space they need to grow and expand, with water and air also fighting to get deep into the roots. To combat this problem, it is advisable to carry out hollow-tine and spiking aeration treatments as these methods help to loosen the compacted soil and will promote healthier growth for your lawn.

Lawn woes and fungi foes

Fungi and other lawn diseases can have big breakouts at this time of year. The mix of warm and wet weather can be the perfect breeding ground for these lawn invaders. It’s important to note that proper lawn care practices, such as regular mowing, adequate watering, and appropriate fertilisation, can help prevent and manage these diseases.

If you’re struggling to find the time to manage your garden or need help or advice with lawn care treatments, you can always rely on the services of a professional lawn care company. Local experts know how to identify common issues and it will save you time, energy, and often money. For further information about Greensleeves and how they can help you with your lawn care during these summer days, visit www.greensleeves-uk.com/