Heat waves, drought, or excessive rainfall: summer can be a challenging time for your lawn. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your lawn in top condition, even during the hottest months of the year. In this blog post, we share practical tips for maintaining and protecting your lawn during the summer.
Watering in summer heat: how much and when?
Water is essential for keeping your lawn green and healthy during hot days. However, it's important to know how much water your grass needs and when it's best to water it.
How much water does your lawn need?
Many gardeners underestimate their lawn's water needs. As a rule of thumb, your grass needs about 20 to 25 liters of water per square meter per week, depending on sun, temperature, and wind. Too little water can lead to dehydration, but too much water is also harmful. It displaces the air in the soil, which can lead to root rot.
Tips for properly watering your lawn:
- Watering once a week: Watering once a week is usually sufficient. Aim for about 20 liters per square meter. During extremely hot periods, this can increase to two to three times a week.
- Timing is crucial: Water your lawn preferably in the early morning or late evening. This prevents the water from evaporating quickly and ensures the roots have enough time to absorb the moisture.
- Check water distribution: Use a water meter or simple glass jars to see if your lawn is getting even water. The water level in the jars should be about two centimeters after watering.
- Adapt to the environment: If your lawn is heavily shaded by trees or shrubs, adjust the amount of watering accordingly, as these areas dry out less quickly.
Common mistakes when watering
One of the most common mistakes is watering too often and too shallowly. This causes the water to reach only the topsoil, causing the grass to develop shallow roots. This makes the lawn dependent on frequent watering and more susceptible to drought and disease. Instead, try watering deeply and less frequently so the water penetrates properly to the roots.
Proper mowing in summer
A healthy lawn starts with regular mowing, but in summer it is important to pay extra attention to mowing height and frequency.
How high should your grass be in summer?
At higher temperatures, it's better to let the grass grow a little longer. This helps protect the sensitive grass roots from the heat. For sunny areas, an ideal mowing height is 4 to 5 centimeters, while in the shade, grass can be left slightly longer, up to 7 centimeters. Never cut more than a third of the grass blades to prevent burning and bare patches.
Use STIHL lawn mowers for the perfect cutting height
STIHL lawn mowers are equipped with an easily adjustable cutting height, so you can always choose the right setting, even after a holiday when the grass has grown a little longer.
Fertilizing in the summer: Nutrients for a healthy lawn
After spring, the soil's nutrient reserves are often depleted by intensive mowing and lawn use. A good summer fertilizer ensures your grass stays strong and can withstand the stresses of playing children, barbecues, and summer heat.
Choosing the right summer fertilizer
An effective summer fertilizer contains a balanced mix of minerals that are essential for the health of your lawn.
|
Active substance |
Description |
|
Potassium (K) |
Increases resistance to pests and regulates plant metabolism. |
|
Phosphorus (P) |
Strengthens root growth and protects against frost in winter. |
|
Magnesium (Mg) |
Supports the grass in the formation of chlorophyll for photosynthesis and gives the lawn a lush green color. |
|
Calcium (Ca) |
Stabilizes the cell walls of the grass plant and supports the absorption of nutrients from the soil. |
|
Nitrogen (N) |
Promotes cell division and the formation of new plant parts. Helps lawns grow. |
Tips for fertilizing your lawn in the summer:
- Start early: Fertilize your lawn in June so it's well prepared for the summer heat.
- Use long-term fertilizers: These ensure that the grass grows slowly but densely, which helps keep the lawn healthy and strong.
- Water after fertilizing: Water the lawn thoroughly after fertilizing, preferably with a sprinkler system that distributes water evenly.
A green lawn, all year round
With the right care, your lawn can easily survive the summer. By watering, mowing, and fertilizing your grass correctly, you'll ensure it stays healthy, green, and lush, even during the hottest months of the year. Kraakman Tuinmachines is ready to help you with the right products and expert advice, so your lawn is always in top condition. Visit us for more information or ask us for help with your lawn maintenance.
