How to maintain a lush green lawn during the hot summer months

The southern hemisphere is about to experience its annual summer heat. Gardeners know how quickly brutal summer temperatures can affect their lawns. There are, however, a few tricks to keep lawns green during this extreme heat season. If your lawn is suffering, try these five ways to keep it green and prepare it for future heat waves.

1. Mow at the right height

Always mow like a pro. Mowing your lawn may seem straightforward, but cutting your grass too short can actually stress it out, especially in high heat. It is essential to keep your lawn mower blades sharp and your grass height about a few inches, just removing a third of the grass, depending on how long your grass is. Doing this helps shade the soil, conserve moisture, and protect against scorching sun.

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2. Water at the right time

Your lawns do not need to be watered every day. What you need to do is wait until most of the lawn shows signs of moisture stress, such as footprints that remain or wilted grass. Watering for short periods daily will produce shallow-rooted grass that succumbs to heat more quickly. It’s better to water deeply once or twice a week. Aim for deep, infrequent watering in the early mornings to prevent evaporation.

3. Always protect against pests

While you are focusing on keeping your lawn green, don’t forget the pests that thrive in dry lawns. Moles, mosquitoes, and other critters love to take advantage of neglected lawns. Ensuring your lawn remains consistently green helps control pesky mosquitoes and keeps your yard safe, bite-free, and enjoyable throughout the season.

4. Limit foot traffic

During a summer heat wave, your lawn is already under stress, and excessive foot traffic can further damage the grass through heat tracking. If you can, try to limit activities on your lawn and create designated paths for walking.

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Taking precautions helps your lawn withstand the challenges of a heat wave. The lawn is also a living organism that requires care and attention, especially during extreme weather conditions.

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