In the run-up to summer, we Brits hope for a long, dry and hot few months after a wet and grey winter and unpredictable spring. However, for our lawns, this is a nightmare! It is during
this dry and hot weather that grass can suffer from drought stress. This strain is amplified when the dry period becomes hot or windy. You may start to notice your lawn changing to a paler green, yellow or brownish colour and beginning to look patchy.
Do not worry ‘“ a little forward planning now can make all the difference come drought season. There are several ways you can improve the hydration of your lawn. Firstly, ensure that you increase your mower’s blade to the highest possible setting. This will prevent putting the lawn under more pressure and weakening the turf. To stop scalping and reduce moisture loss, ensure the mower’s blades are sharpened and well-maintained as the aim is to achieve a nice, clean cut.
In order to retain a luscious lawn it is vital to water it frequently. This is essential if your lawn has been scarified and/or overseeded recently. We recommend watering your lawn first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening with enough water to penetrate the soil to a depth of 50-75mm twice a week for best results. A sprinkler is an effective method of doing this and can be sourced relatively cheaply from good garden and DIY centres.
However, if your lawn has a history of becoming severely dehydrated, do not despair. Greensleeves Lawn Care can offer expert advice and provide essential treatments to reduce the impact of drought. They offer a spiking and hydration treatment that works in the soil to ensure optimum use of available water. The technology allows applied water to efficiently enter and remain in the soil. It gives complete coverage deep down into the root zone, ensuring the benefits are evenly distributed into the whole rooting area of the lawn.
A treatment of hollow tine aeration can also assist lawns before drought. The process of taking small plugs from the lawn will ease compaction and sub-surface thatch, allowing air, water and fertiliser to penetrate the root zone. This is particularly effective at the beginning and end of the growing season. Spiking is a specialist treatment that creates small holes in the lawn, using a professional machine, which allows water to penetrate through the thatch deep down into the soil and reach the grass root zone, facilitating the nourishment and growth of healthy grass.
If you have any questions or concerns relating to your lawn during dry periods please do not hesitate to contact your local Greensleeves Lawn Treatment Expert who will be happy to help. The main aim is to be preemptive ‘“ by taking steps now you can prepare your lawn so that it is in the best condition to face the challenges that drought may bring.
If your lawn is looking dry then head over to our advice page for more information.
