Gardening Expert Reveals ‘Game-Changing’ Hacks To Keep Your Luscious Lawn Thriving – Even In A Heatwave
This summer has been an absolute scorcher.
Whether your biggest challenge has been finding focus in a sweltering office, sleepless nights spent tossing and turning in a bedroom that feels tropical or the heartbreak of watching your once-thriving, plush green lawn turn brown and crispy, the recent heatwaves have caused carnage for many Brits.
While you may find yourself instinctively reaching for your mower in a bid to keep your garden neat and tidy, Flymo’s lawncare expert, Michael Holden, says cutting the grass during a heatwave can actually do more harm than good, sharing his best-kept secrets to ensure your garden continues to bloom - even during periods of extreme heat.
By making a few simple changes to your mowing habits, Michael says you can ensure your lawn retains that all-important moisture, stays greener for longer and is more resilient, recovering more quickly from extensive dry spells.
“During a heatwave, your lawn is already working hard to cope with dry conditions and periods of extreme, prolonged heat,” Michael says.
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“Many people assume that shorter grass requires less water, but often, the opposite is true. Cutting your lawn too short can leave it exposed to the sun, causing essential moisture to evaporate more quickly, which can put additional stress on the grass.”
According to Michael, one of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is ‘scalping’ their lawns by cutting them too short. Not only can this cause weakness in your grass, but it can also leave it more vulnerable to damage during periods of prolonged hot weather.
The brilliant news for disheartened gardeners is that your beloved lawn can be protected – and Michael has shared his three top tips to keep your garden blooming during a heatwave.
Raise the blades
Top tip number one: Set your mower’s cutting height higher than usual, ideally around 5-7cm, or 2-3 inches.
“Taller grass acts like a natural sunshade,” explains Michael.
“It helps to protect the soil underneath, reduces moisture loss and encourages stronger root growth.
“While it may feel counterintuitive, allowing your lawn to grow a little longer is one of the best things you can do during hot weather.”
Mow less often
Top tip number two: If growth has slowed because of dry conditions, there’s no need to mow every week.
He says: “During a heatwave, your lawn isn’t growing at the same rate it would in spring.
“Reducing how often you mow helps to avoid unnecessary stress, giving your grass more opportunity to retain essential moisture.
“Most importantly, avoid cutting the lawn extra short in an effort to make it last longer between cuts.”
Check for signs of wilting
Top tip number three: Before reaching for the mower, take a walk across your lawn.
“If your footprints remain visible in the grass after you’ve walked across it, that’s a sign your lawn is struggling and needs water rather than a cut,” Michael explains.
“When grass begins to wilt, mowing can cause further stress and damage, so it’s best to leave it until conditions improve.”
While hot weather can cause lawns to brown temporarily, giving them a crispy, ‘dead’ appearance, Michael says there's hope for disheartened gardeners.
“Grass is remarkably resilient and generally tends to recover quickly once cooler temperatures and rainfall return,” he says.
“The key is avoiding unnecessary stress during the hottest periods and adjusting your mowing routine accordingly.”
