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Summer Lawn Care

By: Mark Bartley


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In the summer the lawn will be growing like mad, so it should be cut at least once a week, even twice, during the peak summer months. Try to mow when the grass is not damp or wet, however, if its been raining for an extended period, in other words a typical British summer, then it's better to mow wet than let the grass grow long. Mowing is stressful for the plant, so don't cut more than one third of the grass blade at one time, and do not mow too short. As a rule of thumb, setting the blades to medium height should do the trick. Another problem associated with cutting too low is that it allows moss to establish itself.

An average garden lawn will need to be an inch or slightly more long. Tall grass blades mean a healthy root system below ground, and the deeper the root system, the more sturdy the lawn. It is also a good idea to use a box on your mower, or if you don't have a box, use a rake to remove long grass cuttings. This will help to stop thatch from forming. However, if you manage to mow regularly, and the cuttings are short, they can be left on the lawn as they will not contribute to thatch, and nutrients will be returned to the soil as they break down. Regular mowing also helps to coax the grass into spreading sideways, which will choke weeds.

Trim the edges of the lawn with long handled lawn shears. Not only will it appear smarter, but it'll stop the grass from creeping in your flowerbeds and borders.

Careful watering is very important. Although grass will stand up to a few dry weeks, it's best to give your lawn a regular, thorough watering in the evening or early in the morning, every 7-10 days. Be careful not to water too much though as it will cause shallow rooting, which means grass will require much more frequent watering, and will make the lawn much less resilient.

Providing nutrients in the summer is very important, the lawn needs it to strengthen roots and become drought resistant. Feed when the soil is damp to touch every six to eight weeks until September with a proprietary, nitrogen rich, thick green growth promoting lawn feed. Don't feed during extreme hot or dry conditions, because the lawn can scorch. Another cause for scorch is over application, so use either a suitable spreader, or a liquid feed that can be attached to a hosepipe. This will ensure even distribution at the correct rate.

Usual wear and tear can take its toll, especially if the lawn gets frequent use by a family. In times of extreme drought or hot conditions, avoid walking on the lawn as much as possible. This will help to avoid further damage to the lawn during a particulaly stressful time for the grass plants.

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The best advice for garden lawn care is always worth seeking. Understanding what your lawn needs and how to look after it will ensure a great looking garden and somewhere for all the family to enjoy.

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