How to Take the Best Care of Your Lawn This Summer 

A beautiful, healthy lawn can make any homeowner proud. It’s crucial to give your lawn the right attention and upkeep over the summer to keep it looking its best. Here are some essential tips for maintaining your grass this summer, from watering and mowing to fertilise and pest management.

Mowing Techniques: Set your lawnmower at a higher setting during the summer to leave the grass blades longer. Longer grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and weed growth. Additionally, avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade height at a time to prevent stress and scalping. Keep your lawn mower blades sharp to ensure clean cuts and avoid tearing the grass.

Fertilising: Summer is an ideal time to fertilise your lawn to promote growth and maintain its health. Choose a slow-release, granular fertiliser with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertiliser according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and water your lawn afterward to help the nutrients penetrate the soil. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as it can burn the grass and contribute to environmental pollution.

Weed Control: Weeds can quickly invade and detract from the beauty of your lawn. Use a combination of pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control strategies to keep weeds at bay. Apply pre-emergent herbicides before weed seeds germinate to prevent their growth. For existing weeds, spot-treat with post-emergent herbicides, taking care to follow the instructions and avoid spraying on desirable plants. Regularly pulling out weeds by hand is also an effective and environmentally friendly approach.

Aeration: Lawn aeration involves creating small holes in the soil to improve water and nutrient penetration. It helps relieve soil compaction and allows air circulation to the grassroots. Consider aerating your lawn during the summer, especially if it experiences heavy foot traffic. You can rent an aerator or hire a professional to perform the task. After aeration, apply a top dressing of compost to enrich the soil and encourage healthy growth.

Pest Control: Summer can bring an increase in pests such as insects and grubs that can damage your lawn. Monitor your lawn regularly for signs of pests, such as discoloured patches or wilting grass. Treat problem areas with appropriate insecticides or enlist the help of a professional pest control service. Consider using organic or natural alternatives to minimise the impact on beneficial insects and the environment.

Proper Irrigation: In addition to regular watering, it’s essential to ensure proper irrigation techniques. Check your sprinkler system for any leaks or malfunctions and make adjustments to ensure even coverage. Avoid watering sidewalks, driveways, or other non-landscaped areas. Consider using a rain gauge or a smart irrigation system that adjusts watering based on weather conditions to avoid overwatering.

Regular Maintenance: A healthy lawn benefits from routine upkeep. Debris, such stray branches or fallen leaves, can choke the grass and serve as a breeding ground for insects and illnesses. To give your grass a neat and well-kept appearance, trim the edges. To improve airflow and nutrient absorption, rake or remove thatch (accumulated dead grass) on a regular basis.

Conclusion

It is important to take good care of your lawn during the summer to keep it looking healthy, lively, and lovely. You may have a lush, flourishing lawn that improves the appearance of your house by following these advice on watering, mowing, fertilising, weed control, aeration, insect management, irrigation, regular care, and attentive foot traffic. For more information regarding instant lawn, head over to Lilydale Instant Lawn.