National weed your garden day: Expert reveals top tips to keep your lawn healthy

In light of recent years’ hosepipe bans in various regions, it’s crucial to check your local regulations before implementing grass care measures. Verify restrictions through your official local water provider’s website, to ensure compliance and responsible water usage.

1. Water deeply and infrequently

Instead of frequent shallow watering, aim for deep watering sessions less often. This encourages deeper root growth, making the grass more resilient to drought conditions. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.

Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems offer efficient watering solutions by delivering water directly to the soil, minimising evaporation and ensuring optimal water usage. These methods target the root zone, reducing water wastage and the risk of overwatering while promoting healthier plant growth. By keeping foliage dry, they also mitigate the risk of fungal diseases

2. Mulch your lawn

Applying organic mulch like grass clippings or shredded leaves offers multiple lawn benefits. It retains soil moisture, suppresses weeds, moderates soil temperature, and enriches soil fertility, promoting overall lawn health and reducing maintenance needs.

Similarly, aerating your lawn enhances soil drainage and root health by allowing water, nutrients, and oxygen to penetrate deeply into the soil. This promotes healthier grass growth, reduces water runoff, and ensures your grass remains resilient and vibrant.

3. Adjust mower height

Setting your mower blades to a higher level allows grass to grow taller, providing natural soil shade, reducing evaporation, and promoting deeper root growth, improving overall grass health and resilience.

It is important to mow your lawn every X days/weeks in summer to keep grass green and healthy. With many local councils now charging for garden waste removal, it may be worth employing a waste collection service to clear away garden waste in the spring and summer months.

4. Choose drought-tolerant grass species 

When planting or overseeding your lawn, choose drought-resistant grass varieties like Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, or tall fescue. These options require less water to thrive, making them ideal for sustainable lawn care in regions prone to water scarcity or drought conditions.

5. Provide shade 

Planting trees or installing shade structures in your yard provides relief to your lawn during hot days by reducing direct sunlight exposure, which helps to lower water loss through evaporation. This results in a cooler microclimate, reducing the need for frequent watering while maintaining grass health.

6. Reseed bare patches

Fill in bare spots in your lawn with grass seed to maintain a dense turf cover, which helps reduce water loss through evaporation and prevents soil erosion.

Eco-friendly ways to protect your lawn 

1. Utilise ‘grey water’ for irrigation, repurposing water from activities like vegetable boiling or bathing to conserve water resources. However, ensure that the water does not contain harsh chemicals or human waste to maintain the health of your grass and soil.

2. Opt for sustainable gardening tools, such as non-electric and solar powered, to reduce environmental impact and promote eco-friendly gardening practices.

3. Maintain soil health throughout the year by incorporating organic enrichment methods. Planting clover and dandelions in your garden provides natural nutrients, promoting soil fertility and enhancing overall grass vitality in an environmentally friendly manner.

A spokesperson from  London rubbish removal company Rainbow Rubbish outlines:

“We believe that maintaining a lush, healthy lawn through the summer months is a combination of proper waste management and expert lawn care. Regular green waste collection, which can be done through your local council or privately, ensures that 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.”

Credit to https://rainbowrubbishremovals.co.uk/ who commissioned the story.