In the summer, it seems almost inevitable: brown, dry patches on your lawn. However, there are several things you can do to ensure your grass can better withstand a heatwave and recover quickly in the fall. Read our tips below to protect your lawn from drought.
Why is my lawn damaged?
Grass is sensitive to extreme weather conditions and can easily become damaged if not properly cared for. Before starting restoration work, it's important to determine the cause of the damage. Are only small patches affected, or is it larger? Is the damage the result of drought, or are other factors such as disease, animals, or water retention a contributing factor? By determining the exact cause, you can take targeted steps to restore your lawn and prevent future problems.
Common causes and how to solve them
Insufficient water and nutrients
During prolonged dry spells, a lack of water and nutrients can cause your lawn to dry out and become susceptible to weeds and disease. Grass that doesn't get enough nutrients can't protect itself from dehydration. As a result, it can quickly turn brown and withered.
Solution : Make sure you water your lawn regularly, especially in the early morning or late evening when the sun is less intense. Also, fertilize your lawn regularly with a high-quality fertilizer to provide the grass with the necessary nutrients.
Damage due to intensive use
In summer, lawns are often used intensively for children playing, barbecues, and garden parties. This can lead to bare patches or compacted soil under garden furniture, trampolines, or swimming pools.
Solution: Regularly move your garden furniture and other heavy objects to prevent excessive stress on the grass. Give the grass time to recover by reseeding bare patches.
Uneven sowing and mowing techniques
Uneven distribution of grass seed when sowing or mowing too short can lead to weak spots in the lawn that are susceptible to drying out.
Solution: Use a lawn mower with an adjustable cutting height to keep the grass at the right length. Also, be sure to sow evenly and use high-quality grass seed for a dense lawn.
Removing weeds
Weeds thrive in weakened grass, especially during dry spells. Clover, dandelions, and other weeds can spread quickly if your lawn doesn't get enough water or nutrients.
Solution: Mow the grass to a height of about 2 centimeters first, then scarify your lawn to remove weeds. Regular fertilization helps keep your grass healthy and prevents weeds from re-emerging.
Prevent water retention
If your lawn retains water, it could be due to soil that's too compact, preventing water from draining properly. This can suffocate the grass.
Solution: Improve drainage by regularly scarifying and loosening the soil. Add sand if necessary to improve soil structure and promote drainage.
Damage from shade and leaves
Grass that is constantly in the shade doesn't get enough sunlight and can become weak and unhealthy. Leaves and other garden debris left on the grass can retain moisture and cause rot.
Solution: Use grass seed specifically formulated for shady areas, such as shade grass. Also, keep your lawn free of leaves and other debris using a Stihl leaf blower.
Restore your lawn after drought
When summer is over and temperatures drop, it's time to restore your lawn. Bare patches can easily be repaired by reseeding or laying new turf. Scarifying helps loosen compacted soil and improves water and nutrient absorption.
With the right care and attention, your lawn can survive the summer without lasting damage. By watering regularly, fertilizing correctly, and addressing common problems like weeds, waterlogging, and shade, your lawn will stay healthy and green. Don't forget to give your lawn extra attention in the fall so it's ready for the next season.
