Green-fingered expert shares best way to keep lawn looking lush in hot weather

Watering the grass
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


Every summer, gardening enthusiasts search for ways to maintain their lush green lawns when the temperatures rise.. As the UK experiences a heatwave, the task of keeping grass vibrant and healthy without any brown or dead patches becomes more challenging.

High temperatures and dry conditions can cause lawns to dry out quickly, leaving them looking less than appealing. For those finding it difficult to keep their lawn fresh, a gardening expert from Rainbow Rubbish Removals has offered some top tips for maintaining greener grass, even in the midst of a heatwave.

Water deeply and Infrequently

Choose to water deeply rather than frequently to encourage deeper root growth, which makes the grass more resistant to drought conditions. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation, reports the Mirror.

Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems are effective watering solutions, delivering water directly to the soil and reducing evaporation. These methods target the root zone, minimising water waste and the risk of overwatering while promoting healthier plant growth.

Moreover, keeping foliage dry helps prevent fungal diseases.

Mulch your lawn

Applying organic mulch, such as grass clippings or shredded leaves, provides multiple benefits. It retains soil moisture, suppresses weeds, moderates soil temperature, and improves soil fertility, promoting overall lawn health and reducing maintenance needs.

Aerating your lawn can enhance soil drainage and root health by allowing water, nutrients, and oxygen to penetrate deeply. This not only promotes healthier grass growth but also reduces water runoff, ensuring your lawn remains resilient and vibrant.

Adjust mower height

Adjusting the height of your mower blades allows grass to grow taller, providing natural shade for the soil, reducing evaporation, and promoting deeper root growth. This can improve overall grass health and resilience.

Regular mowing is crucial for maintaining a green and healthy lawn. With many local councils now charging for garden waste removal, it might be worthwhile to hire a waste collection service for garden waste during the spring and summer months.

Man mowing the lawn
Setting your mower blades to a higher level allows grass to grow taller -Credit:Getty

Choose drought-tolerant grass species

When planting or overseeding your lawn, consider choosing drought-resistant grass varieties like Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, or tall fescue. These options require less water to thrive, making them ideal for sustainable lawn care in regions where water is scarce.

Provide shade

Planting trees or installing shade structures in your yard can reduce direct sunlight exposure, lowering water loss through evaporation. This creates a cooler microclimate, reducing the need for frequent watering and helping to maintain grass health.

Reseed bare patches

Filling in bare spots in your lawn with grass seed can help maintain a dense turf cover, reducing water loss through evaporation and preventing soil erosion.

For those green-fingered enthusiasts looking to reduce their carbon footprint, there are several eco-friendly methods to safeguard your lawn. Gardeners could use 'grey water' for irrigation, reusing water from activities like boiling vegetables or bathing to save resources and choose sustainable gardening tools, such as non-electric or solar-powered options.

Rainbow's experts suggest that planting clover and dandelions can provide natural nutrients, promoting soil fertility and boosting overall grass vitality in an environmentally friendly way.