With more scorching hot days ahead of us this summer season, many gardeners will no doubt be itching to get out and about in the garden, where they will take great pleasure in keeping on top of their flourishing flowerbeds and blooming bushes.
When it comes to caring for your lawn, however, there are some hints and tips you'll need to bear in mind to keep your grass looking gloriously green and luscious all summer long.
Lawncare expert and director at leading turf-growing company Rolawn, Jonathan Hill, has now revealed the one thing you absolutely shouldn't do to your lawn when it's boiling outside, no matter how tempted you might be.
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Getty Images/iStockphoto)Drawing from more than 20 years worth of lawn wisdom, green-fingered Jonathan has advised that the worst thing you can do to your lawn during a heatwave is to over-mow it, as much as it may feel like the perfect time to whack the lawnmower out.
Jonathan told the Mirror: "When temperatures in the UK rise, mowing can actually cause stress to a lawn so it's often best to leave your grass to grow a little longer in these conditions.
"The shorter the grass, the less shade there is to protect the roots and therefore the amount of moisture held by them is reduced - grass that is too short will dry out."
According to Jonathan, growth slows down during the warmer months, so you won't need to mow your grass as much. When you do, however, it's important to make sure your mower blade is sharp enough so you don't end up tearing your grass.
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Getty Images/Cultura RF)Jonathan continued: "To avoid scalping the lawn, the cutting height of your mower should be increased during dry conditions. A higher setting will allow valuable moisture to be trapped, limiting evaporation and encouraging stronger, deeper roots to grow, which improves drought tolerance overall.
"When mowing, never take more than one-third of the length of the plant off in any one cut to avoid damaging the lawn."
It's understood that soaring heatwave temperatures can create heat stress, and can even bring lawn growth to a halt as the grass seeks to protect itself from the blazing sun.
He added: "We often recommend that, during drought or particularly dry conditions, gardeners don't mow their lawns. Survival is more likely in a heatwave if you don't mow at all."
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