As a ‘super heatwave’ is forecasted to hit the UK in June, many are looking forward to enjoying their lawns. However, maintaining a lush, green lawn can be challenging, especially during hot weather. Here are some expert tips and interesting facts to help keep your grass healthy this summer, provided with thanks from Top Wasters- the rubbish removal company, based in London, which has been doing garden clearance for many years, along with some unique insights from the vast experience the company has. You can find out more about their garden clearance services here: https://www.topwasters.co.uk/garden-clearance
Key Tips for a Healthy Lawn
- Water Deeply and Infrequently: Watering your lawn deeply but less often encourages deeper root growth, making your grass more drought-resistant. It’s best to water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
- Use Efficient Watering Systems: Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems are effective as they deliver water directly to the soil, minimising evaporation. These systems focus on the root zone, promoting healthier plant growth.
- Apply Mulch: Organic mulch, such as grass clippings or shredded leaves, helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, moderate soil temperature, and enrich soil fertility. Additionally, aerating your lawn improves soil drainage and root health.
- Adjust Mower Height: Setting your mower blades higher allows grass to grow taller, which provides natural shade to the soil, reduces evaporation, and encourages deeper root growth. This improves overall grass health and resilience.
- Choose Drought-Tolerant Grass Species: Planting drought-resistant varieties like Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, or tall fescue requires less water to thrive, making them ideal for areas prone to water scarcity.
- Provide Shade: Planting trees or installing shade structures reduces direct sunlight exposure, lowering water loss through evaporation and creating a cooler microclimate.
- Reseed Bare Patches: Filling in bare spots with grass seed helps maintain a dense turf cover, reducing water loss through evaporation and preventing soil erosion.
Interesting Lawn Facts
- Oxygen Production: A healthy 50×50 foot lawn can generate enough oxygen for a family of four. Lawns are three times more effective at producing oxygen compared to trees. An acre of grass produces more oxygen than an acre of rainforest (RYAN Lawn & Tree) (VandeHeys) .
- Cooling Effect: Eight healthy lawns have a cooling effect similar to air conditioning for 16 homes. Grass not only cools the environment but also reduces runoff, absorbing millions of gallons of water from rainfall (VandeHeys) .
- Economic Impact: The United States spends approximately $30 billion annually on lawn care. This significant investment underscores the importance of maintaining healthy lawns, with about 22 million Americans relying on professional services (Excel Lawns & Landscape) .
- Caloric Burn: Using a push mower can burn around 380 calories in 30 minutes, making lawn care not only beneficial for your yard but also a good workout (PLOWZ and MOWZ) .
- Grass Diversity: There are about 10,000 different species of grass worldwide. Grasslands, which include prairies, savannas, and steppes, make up over 20% of the Earth’s vegetation (PLOWZ and MOWZ) (VandeHeys) .
Eco-Friendly Practices
- Use ‘Grey Water’: Repurposing water from activities like vegetable boiling or bathing for lawn irrigation helps conserve water resources. Ensure the water is free from harsh chemicals to maintain soil health.
- Opt for Sustainable Tools: Non-electric or solar-powered gardening tools reduce environmental impact, promoting eco-friendly gardening practices.
- Maintain Soil Health: Incorporate organic methods, such as planting clover and dandelions, to naturally enrich the soil and promote grass vitality.
By integrating these tips and understanding the fascinating aspects of lawn care, you can maintain a vibrant, healthy lawn throughout the summer heat. Remember to check local regulations regarding water usage, especially during hosepipe bans, to ensure compliance and responsible lawn care practices.
A spokesperson from Top Wasters highlights:
“Maintaining a lush, healthy lawn through the summer is a blend of proper waste management and expert lawn care. Regular green waste collection, whether through your local council or privately, ensures your garden stays clean and free from debris, which can block essential sunlight and water from reaching your grass. By integrating comprehensive lawn care practices, including regular mowing and strategic watering, you can prevent your lawn from drying out and keep it thriving all season long.”
Important Note Due to recent hosepipe bans in various regions, it’s essential to check your local regulations before implementing grass care measures. Verify restrictions through your local water provider’s website to ensure compliance and responsible water usage.