Three lawn ‘mistakes’ leading to ‘brown’ and ‘patchy’ grass during hot weather
A grass expert has shared the common mistakes homeowners make during heatwaves that cause damage to their lawns.
With the weather predicted to be warm for many parts of the UK next week, it is important to hold hack on certain gardening jobs.
According to Chris Mcllroy, from leading lawn experts The Grass People, hot weather places grass under a great amount of stress and can lead to “wilting, browning and patchiness” if not cared for properly.
While high temperatures are mostly to blame for damaged lawns, people often make the problem worse with a few “common mistakes” such as trampling and mowing.
The expert explained: “Summer can be a difficult time to maintain a pristine lawn as hot weather and less rainfall take their effects.
“Heat stress causes grass to wilt and brown, and lawns can become patchy where it has vanished completely.
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“It’s difficult enough for our lawns to remain at their best during summer, but some of us inadvertently exacerbate the problem while trying to fix the problem."
1. Mowing lawn
“The most common mistake people make is mowing the lawn, which can cause significant damage to the grass and make it more vulnerable to disease.
“It’s also advisable not to walk on grass that is showing clear signs of distress as it will compact the soil and reduce drainage, making it even more difficult for it to get the moisture it needs.”
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2. Adding fertiliser
Some people may think adding fertiliser could be an easy way of giving the lawn a good boost, but this is best avoided, according to the pro.
Chris said feeding the lawn during warm weather could cause “more harm than good” if not applied with sufficient water.
Browning and wilting of grass are common during the summer months as it is protecting itself from high temperatures.
While some may find this unsightly, it is a normal process for lawns to undergo if they are not receiving sufficient water.
3. Not watering lawn
The lawn expert added: “It is vital to keep your lawn watered well during periods of hot weather if you live in an area where there are no restrictions of doing so during heatwaves.
“Aim to water your lawn early in the morning before the sun is out and late at night when the sun is down to avoid all your efforts being wasted.
“Alternatively, you can purchase an oscillating times sprinkler that should help keep your lawn hydrated throughout the day if you are not around.”
