July can be a precarious time for UK gardens, especially when we’re flocked with heatwaves like the ones we’ve seen so far this summer. Lawns can bear the brunt of the hot weather – which is why it’s wise to have a few July lawn care tips up your sleeve.
It’s arguably one of the most pivotal months in the lawn care calendar, since grass is more vulnerable to heat stress, drought and mower damage right now. You’ll also need to know the best way (and time) to water a lawn, along with other lawn care tips that could mean the difference between a yellow lawn and a lush green one.
I’ve rounded up the most important July lawn care tips, with tips from the experts, to help you keep your lawn in shape (or give it a well-needed boost!).
What you’ll need
A robot lawn mower can be gentler on a lawn in the summer, and this one is more affordable than higher-end machines.
Garden Lawncare Guy
Moisturemax™ Wetting Agent for Lawns
A wetting agent can improve lawn hydration and restore a dry, brown lawn.
The Shropshire Seaweed Company
Organic Liquid Seaweed Fertilizer
Seaweed fertiliser is suitable for summer lawn feeding, and this one is organic.
1. Keep it hydrated
Like the other plants in our garden, our lawns become extra thirsty during hot weather – which is why deep watering is the July lawn care tip experts swear by.
‘Watering matters, especially with another heatwave on the way,’ says Chris McIlroy, lawn expert at The Grass People. ‘Aim for around one inch of water on your lawn per week, ideally in one or two deep soakings rather than light sprinkles, to encourage deep roots.’
It’s worth investing in a sprinkler like this Hozelock Rectangular Oscillating Sprinkler from Argos that provides even lawn coverage up to 220 square metres (and saves you watering the entire thing yourself!)
There’s also the question of whether or not you should water your grass in the sun, and many experts advise waiting for the cooler parts of the day.
‘Watering in the morning is best so that the moisture doesn’t evaporate in the midday heat,’ says Lawnsmith’s grass expert, Jonathan Davis.
2. Consider a wetting agent
Ever heard of a wetting agent? It’s basically something you put on a lawn to make water wetter. Yep – really!
In a nutshell, wetting agents can be gamechangers for keeping a lawn hydrated in hot weather. They’re a recommendation of Jonathan’s.
‘A wetting agent is a chemical that reduces surface tension of water,’ he explains. ‘When applied to soil, it helps rain and water penetrate the turf and spread more efficiently.’
It’s also a brilliant way to make every drop count if your region is affected by a hosepipe ban this July.
‘I’d recommend using a wetting agent to prepare your lawn for dry, summer conditions, supporting its hydration ahead of warmer weather,’ advises Jonathan.
Apparently, a wetting agent can be used to revive a dry lawn, too. You can order a Garden Lawncare Guy wetting agent from Amazon.
3. Adjust your mowing schedule
It’s easy to assume that the warmer weather will have our grass growing quicker than usual, and during periods of heavy rainfall, that’s true.
During a heatwave, though, growth is likely to slow right down – so you’ll need to adjust your mowing schedule accordingly.
‘Approaching July, conditions may become drier, slowing grass growth, so mow at least once every two weeks and raise the mower height,’ says Jonathan.
It’s also important to know how to mow a lawn in hot, dry weather, and many experts recommend the one-third rule, which means never cutting more than one third of the length of the grass at a time. Longer grass creates more shade, which means less evaporation.
Robot lawn mowers are ideal for keeping on top of mowing little and often, and this approach is gentler on the grass. Machines like the Eufy E15 Robot Lawn Mower can be set on a schedule, allowing them to cut your grass at specific times, even when you’re away.
4. Leave grass clippings on your lawn
One of the best ways to reuse grass clippings in the garden? Leave them on your lawn. It’s more productive than it sounds!
‘If you’re mowing the lawn regularly, up to once a week, then your grass clippings will be short enough to leave them on the lawn to break down and decompose,’ says Michael Holden, lawn guru and gardening expert at Flymo.
‘This adds natural nitrogen-rich fertiliser to your lawn without costing you a penny and will keep your lawn a luscious, vibrant green. Plus, who doesn’t love that freshly mown grass smell that will be coming from your garden?’
That’s why robot lawn mowers than be healthier for a lawn than traditional lawn mowers – they often cut tiny amounts of grass at a time and dispense the fine clippings back onto the lawn. I’ve actually noticed that my lawn is a lot greener since using the Segway Navimow i208 LiDAR Robot Lawn Mower (which you can order from Amazon).
5. Aerate your lawn
If your lawn is compacted like mine, it’s likely that your grass is struggling more than the average healthier lawn for water and nutrients. Left unchecked, this can lead to yellow, patchy grass – but thankfully, July is the ideal time to learn how to aerate your lawn.
‘Getting hands-on to aerate the lawn will improve grass growth, ensuring a luscious, thriving lawn,’ explains Michael from Flymo.
‘Loosening the soil allows oxygen and microbes to circulate around the grass roots, promoting growth. Grab a standard garden fork to create small holes of around 2cm deep in your soil, focusing specifically on compact areas.’
You could even buy a specialised aerating tool like this Walensee Lawn Aerator Tool from Amazon.
6. Feed with caution
If you’re wondering what to put on your lawn in summer, it very much depends on the weather – and since the forecast has another heatwave in store, you’ll need to be extra careful this July.
‘You can feed your lawn in July, but avoid any heatwave or drought conditions and look out for signs of stress,’ warns Chris from The Grass People. ‘Fertiliser can burn grass if applied incorrectly. Opt for a summer lawn feed specifically designed for summer use rather than a high-nitrogen spring formula.’
Chris also recommends applying fertiliser to your lawn before or after so that the soil has some moisture, as opposed to putting it on dry turf that’s more prone to fertiliser scorch. Seaweed fertilisers like The Shropshire Seaweed Company Organic Seaweed from Amazon are generally a safe bet for lush, green grass.
Keep these July lawn care tips to hand to protect and nourish your lawn, regardless of what the weather throws at it!
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