How to care for your lawn in the summer season? 6 tips

Summer is the time when our lawn is most susceptible to stress. High temperatures, intense sun, and lack of rainfall can cause us to have yellow, dried grass instead of a green carpet. But don't worry! With the right knowledge and a few simple tricks, you can enjoy a beautiful lawn throughout the summer. Read this comprehensive guide to help you care for your lawn in the summer.

1. Proper watering

Correct irrigation is fundamental to lawn care in summer. Contrary to popular belief, frequent and shallow watering does more harm than good. Instead, opt for less frequent but heavier watering. Why? This method encourages grass roots to grow deeper into the soil, making them more resistant to drought.

The best time to water the lawn is early morning, preferably between 4 and 8 AM. During this time, the water has a chance to soak deep into the soil before the sun starts to evaporate it. If you can't water at that time, the second-best option is late afternoon, after the worst heat has passed. Avoid watering in the middle of the day - most of the water will evaporate before it reaches the roots.

How much water does the lawn need? The general rule is 2.5-3 cm of water per week. You can easily measure this by placing a flat container on the lawn while watering. When the water reaches the desired level, you know the lawn has received enough. However, remember that during particularly hot and dry periods, the lawn may need more water.

2. Mowing grass on hot days

Mowing is another key element of lawn maintenance, but it requires special attention in summer. The basic rule is: the taller the grass, the better it withstands heat. Longer blades of grass provide more shade for the soil, helping to retain moisture and protect the roots from overheating.

During summer, raise the mower height by about 1-2 cm. For most grass species, this means mowing at a height of 6-7.5 cm. Also, remember the "one-third rule" - never cut more than one-third of the blade length at once. Cutting too short weakens the grass and makes it more susceptible to sun damage.

As for mowing frequency, you can reduce it slightly during the summer. Grass grows slower in the heat, so mowing every 7-10 days should be sufficient. Avoid mowing on the hottest days - if the temperature exceeds 30°C, it’s better to wait for a cooler day. The best times for mowing are early morning or late afternoon when the temperature is lower.

3. Fertilizing the lawn in summer - yes or no?

The issue of fertilizing the lawn in summer raises many controversies. On one hand, grass needs nutrients to survive the stress of the heat. On the other hand, improper fertilization can do more harm than good.

The general guideline is that intensive fertilization should occur in spring and autumn, not in the middle of summer. However, if you decide to fertilize in the summer, choose a slow-release fertilizer. This type of fertilizer will provide the grass with a steady supply of nutrients without the risk of "burning" the roots.

The best time for summer fertilization is the beginning of the season, before temperatures reach their peak. Avoid fertilizing during dry spells - fertilizers can "burn" the grass if there isn't enough water available. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage and application frequency. Also, remember to water the lawn thoroughly after fertilizing, which will help distribute the nutrients and reduce the risk of grass damage.

4. Fighting weeds and pests

Summer is the time when weeds and pests can make their presence felt on our lawn. However, in the fight against them, we need to exercise caution so as not to harm the grass, which is already weakened by the heat. When it comes to weeds, the best method is to remove them by hand. Use a special weeding tool that allows you to remove them along with their roots. If you decide to use herbicides, choose selective products that only target weeds. Avoid using herbicides on hot days - they can damage the grass.

In the case of pests, such as beetle larvae or ants, early identification of the problem is crucial. Regularly check your lawn for signs of pest activity. If you notice a problem, consider using natural control methods, such as nematodes (for larvae) or diatomaceous earth (for ants). Use chemical insecticides only as a last resort, as they can also harm beneficial insects.

Remember that a healthy, well-maintained lawn is more resistant to weed and pest invasions. Thus, the best defense is consistent, year-round lawn care.

5. Regenerating worn areas

In summer, we often spend more time on the lawn, which can lead to the formation of worn paths and bare patches. Fortunately, there are ways to regenerate these areas and restore the lawn to its former glory.

The first step is to limit traffic in damaged areas. If possible, designate alternative paths or consider laying paving slabs in the most frequently used spots. For already existing worn areas, start by loosening the soil with a fork or aerator. Then, overseed the area, choosing a mix suitable for your region and sun conditions.

After overseeding, cover the area with a thin layer of compost or special lawn soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged by lightly watering several times a day. You can also cover the area with landscape fabric, which will help retain moisture and protect the seeds from birds. Remember that regeneration can take several weeks, so be patient!

6. Preparing the lawn for autumn

Although summer is still ongoing, it’s worth thinking about preparing the lawn for the upcoming autumn. Appropriate actions at the end of summer will help your lawn survive winter better and start beautifully in spring.

One of the key treatments is aeration, which means aerating the lawn. This involves making small holes in the soil, improving air and water circulation. The best time for aeration is late summer or early autumn when the grass is still actively growing. You can do this using special spike shoes or rent a professional aerator.

Another important treatment is scarification, which involves removing the thatch layer (dead grass) from the lawn's surface. Excess thatch hinders water and nutrient access to the roots. Scarification is best done at the end of summer when the grass is still in good condition and will regenerate quickly.