Keep Your Lawn Healthy Through the Summer Heat
Summer is when warm-season grasses are at their most active, but the extreme heat experienced throughout Albury Wodonga and North East Victoria can also put your lawn under stress.
A healthy natural lawn can help keep your outdoor areas noticeably cooler during hot weather, while the right watering, mowing, fertilising and weed control will help your turf stay green and strong throughout summer.
Watering Your Lawn in Summer
Deep, less frequent watering is generally better than regular shallow watering. A good deep soak encourages roots to grow further into the soil, helping your lawn cope with hot, dry conditions and improving its resilience throughout the year.
Keep an eye on summer rainfall and let natural storms do some of the work when possible. The best time to water your lawn in summer is early morning, when evaporation is lower and the grass has time to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day.
Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day when much of the water can be lost through evaporation.
Summer Lawn Fertilising
Your lawn is actively growing during summer and needs the right nutrients to maintain healthy growth and colour.
Applying a quality slow-release lawn fertiliser can provide a steady supply of nutrients without producing excessive growth all at once.
Murray Turf recommends fertilising approximately every 10 weeks during active growth, following the application instructions for the fertiliser and your turf variety.
Mowing Your Lawn in Summer
Regular mowing is one of the secrets to maintaining a great-looking summer lawn.
Avoid removing too much grass in a single mow. As a general rule, remove no more than one-third of the leaf blade at a time. Scalping your lawn can expose the soil and place unnecessary stress on the grass during hot weather.
Try mowing earlier in the morning or later in the day rather than during extreme heat.
And don't forget your mower blades. Sharp mower blades produce a cleaner cut, helping reduce damage and stress while giving your lawn a much neater finish.
Summer Weed Control
Warm weather doesn't just encourage your lawn to grow – it also creates ideal conditions for many summer lawn weeds.
Remove individual weeds by hand before they have an opportunity to spread. For larger problems, suitable pre-emergent or selective herbicides may help control weeds before they take over your lawn.
Always check that any lawn treatment is suitable for your particular turf variety and carefully follow the product label before application.
A Greener, Stronger Lawn All Summer Long
A little extra attention during hot weather can make a big difference. Deep watering, regular mowing, appropriate fertilising and early weed control will help your lawn cope with summer conditions and remain healthy throughout the growing season.
For local advice on summer lawn care in Albury Wodonga, talk to the team at Murray Turf.
