Top job: summer lawn care

While your grass needs regular mowing, resist the urge to cut it too low or too hard. It’s always best to wait until conditions cool before feeding with an organic-based, slow-release lawn fertiliser. In the meantime, watering fortnightly with a seaweed solution through the hot months can help strengthen the grass roots.
In some areas, during the summer, lawns can turn brown but it’s best not to panic. They will usually bounce back with autumn rains, and this is also the perfect time to repair dead sections. Avoid using lawn-weeding chemicals during hot weather – it’s far better to remove non-grass weeds with a weeding prong or long-bladed knife.
Many lawn pests are at their most active in summer, so be on the alert for invaders eating the leaves or roots of grasses. Don’t leave outdoor lights on at night, as this can attract beetles and egg-laying moths.
Identifying lawn problems can be difficult – if you don’t know what’s damaging your lawn, take a photo and a sample, and seek expert advice. What elese is on this month? Check out our February issue – on sale now!