Summer is synonymous with outdoor living – and spending as much time as possible in the garden. But rising temperatures, persistent heat and prolonged dry conditions could take their toll on your lawn. Make sure you have the right tools for your specific shape and size of garden.

Watering regularly – and well – are your two best allies in summer lawn care.

You’ll also need to mow regularly – probably once a week. However, if the weather is dry, the growth rate of the grass will slow down, so allow the lawn to rest during dry spells and take care not to cut it too short to avoid causing lasting damage. Never take off more than a third of the growth, otherwise the individual grass plants will struggle to regenerate and this will further deplete your lawn. Weak grass will also struggle to compete with invading weeds.

Don’t waste your time – or precious water – when irrigating your lawn. It is far more effective to water deeply once or twice a week than to give a quick, superficial splash every day. Water your lawn at dusk to limit evaporation and really soak it thoroughly so that the water filters through to the soil around the roots of the grass. This will encourage the development of deeper roots and reduce the chance of roots forming on or near the surface, where they are much more susceptible to temperature extremes.

These basic tips will help you to enjoy your lawn and garden this summer. After all, it’s the perfect place to host a cocktail party, outdoor dinner or even an al fresco Christmas lunch.

Words and image: Home magazine