As the summer season rolls around, the scorching heat can take a toll on your lawn. Proper mowing practices during hot weather are essential to ensure that your lawn stays green and healthy throughout the season. In this blog, we will provide you with smart tips to help you maintain a lush and beautiful lawn even in the hottest Canadian summers.
1. Mow at the Right Height
The height at which you mow your grass plays a crucial role in maintaining its health during hot weather. Taller grass provides more shade to the soil, which helps in retaining moisture and preventing weed growth. As a general rule, you should keep your grass between 2.5 to 3 inches tall. However, the optimal height varies depending on the grass type. For example, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue should be mowed at a height of 3 to 4 inches, while warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass can be mowed shorter, at about 1 to 2 inches.
2. Choose the Right Time to Mow
Mowing your lawn in the middle of a hot day can cause your grass to lose more water and become stressed. To minimize water loss and heat stress, it’s best to mow your lawn during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. Avoid mowing in the evening as this can lead to increased chances of disease due to the grass remaining wet overnight.
3. Mow with Sharp Blades
Dull mower blades can tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which can cause the grass to lose moisture and turn brown. Make sure to sharpen your mower blades regularly and replace them if they are damaged. A clean cut will help your grass retain moisture and recover more quickly from the stress of mowing.
4. Don’t Mow Too Frequently
During hot weather, it’s essential to give your lawn enough time to recover between mowings. Mow your lawn only when it reaches a height of about 4 inches or when it has grown about one-third taller than the recommended mowing height. This will minimize stress on your grass and help it stay green and healthy. Remember that it’s better to mow less frequently and maintain the right height than to mow too often and stress your lawn by cutting it too short.
5. Leave Grass Clippings on the Lawn
Grass clippings can act as a natural mulch, helping to retain moisture in the soil and providing essential nutrients to your lawn. Grass clippings contain nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for healthy grass growth. When you mow, consider using a mulching mower or attaching a mulching blade to your mower to break down the grass clippings into small pieces that decompose quickly. This practice, known as grasscycling, not only helps your lawn retain moisture but also reduces the need for fertilizers.
6. Use the Right Type of Mower
The type of mower you use can make a big difference in how your lawn looks and how healthy it is. A reel mower is ideal for hot weather because it cuts the grass cleanly, leaving behind less damage than rotary mowers. If you have a large lawn, a riding mower may be more efficient, but make sure it has sharp blades to avoid tearing the grass.
7. Monitor Your Lawn’s Health
Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of heat stress or dehydration, such as wilting, browning, or a bluish-grey colour. If you notice any of these signs, adjust your watering and mowing practices accordingly. In some cases, it might be necessary to limit foot traffic on the lawn or temporarily halt mowing to allow the grass to recover.
Conclusion
Maintaining a lush, green lawn during hot weather conditions is achievable with the implementation of smart mowing techniques and proper lawn care practices. By investing time and effort into these best practices, you can enjoy a thriving, verdant outdoor space that can withstand the challenges of hot weather and continue to provide a beautiful, functional, and inviting environment for outdoor activities and relaxation.
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