A lawn care expert has shared the common garden mistakes that cause grass to turn brown and patchy – and how to keep your lawn green all summer
Gardeners can adopt a simple strategy to ward off brown patches in summer(Image: Getty Images)
With temperatures climbing across the UK this week amid the heatwave, you might notice your lawn turning an unsightly brown colour with patches.
Grass turning brown in hot weather is common, but it doesn’t mean it is damaged and can’t bounce back to its healthy green state. Cheryl Harper from Greensleeves Lawn Care has warned gardeners of what causes grass to become brown and patchy during extreme heat.
As the expert put it, BBQs and activities on your grass can unintentionally compact soil and damage the grass. Cheryl said: “One of the most common things that impact lawns during the high summer months is increased footfall. Combine that with the blazing sun and very little moisture and your lawn can start to look more than just a little worse for wear very quickly.”
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Rather than imposing a strict “keep off the grass” rule in summer, gardeners can adopt several straightforward strategies to ward off the risk of brown patches, reports the Express.
“Without sufficient water, your lawn can turn yellow and straw-like, taking months to recover,” said Cheryl. “To maintain a green lawn during these hot spells, deep watering a couple of times a week is often more effective than daily light sprinkling.”
It’s also crucial to be conscious of your watering routine. “Be strategic about when and how you water your lawn, especially when it is hot,” advises Cheryl.
Without sufficient water, your lawn can turn yellow and straw-like(Image: Getty Images)
She recommended that the optimum time to water your lawn is early in the morning, giving the grass the opportunity to absorb vital moisture before the sun increases evaporation rates.
Watering during the height of the day means moisture can evaporate rapidly, preventing water from penetrating deep down to the roots.
“Similarly, watering in the evening can increase the risk of diseases like red thread by leaving the grass damp overnight,” the expert added.
Mowing, feeding and watering are important lawn care tasks in May(Image: EXPRESS)
She also warned against applying fertiliser during particularly hot weather, as it could result in “fertiliser burn” that damages the grass.
The expert recommendation is to hold off until cooler conditions arrive or, ideally, when rainfall is forecast after the grass has had a chance to dry out.
Finally, Cheryl highlighted the importance of allowing your lawn to breathe during the summer heat, while tackling weeds promptly to stop them from stealing crucial nutrients.
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