How to Prevent Lawn Burn from Summer Heat: A Guide for South African Gardeners
Summer in South Africa brings longer days, plenty of sunshine and, unfortunately, the dreaded summer heat. While this is fantastic for beach days and outdoor adventures, it can be tough on your lawn. Prolonged exposure to intense heat can cause your grass to dry out, resulting in unsightly brown patches, weak growth and even permanent lawn burn. Fortunately, with a bit of care and attention, you can protect your lawn from the scorching summer sun.
Here’s a guide on how to prevent lawn burn during those hot summer months, ensuring your grass stays lush, green and healthy.
1. Water Smartly
Watering is one of the most effective ways to combat summer heat, but it’s essential to get the timing and technique right.
- Water early or late in the day: Water your lawn in the early morning or late evening to avoid evaporation during the hottest parts of the day. This helps your lawn absorb more water and reduces stress on the grass.
- Deep watering is key: Rather than watering your lawn lightly every day, aim for deep watering once or twice a week. This encourages the grassroots to grow deeper, making them more resilient to heat and drought. Aim for around 2.5 cm of water per session, ensuring it penetrates the soil deeply.
- Use a soaker hose or sprinkler system: An efficient irrigation system can ensure that water reaches the roots evenly without wasting it. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation are excellent choices as they target the roots directly.
2. Mow at the Right Height
Mowing your lawn correctly plays a critical role in preventing lawn burn.
- Set your mower higher: During the summer, set your mower to a higher setting. Cutting your grass too short exposes the soil to more direct sunlight, causing it to dry out quickly. Taller grass shades the roots, keeping them cooler and more hydrated.
- Avoid mowing in the heat: Try to mow your lawn early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Mowing in the heat can put added stress on your lawn, leaving it more susceptible to heat damage.
3. Fertilise with Organic Nutrients
A healthy lawn is a more resilient one. Fertilising is essential for maintaining the health of your grass, especially during stressful summer months.
- Use organic fertilisers like GuanoBoost: Organic fertilisers, such as GuanoBoost, provide essential nutrients to your lawn without the harsh chemicals found in synthetic products. These natural nutrients improve the soil structure and promote strong root growth, helping your lawn withstand heat stress better.
4. Add Mulch to Retain Moisture
Mulching is an often-overlooked but highly effective method to protect your lawn from the heat.
- Apply a layer of organic mulch: Spread a thin layer of organic mulch, such as grass clippings or compost, over the soil. This helps retain moisture by reducing evaporation, keeping the roots cool and maintaining soil health.
- Keep mulch away from the grass blades: Ensure the mulch doesn’t touch the grass directly, as this can promote fungal diseases. Instead, apply it around the edges of the lawn, avoiding the crowns of the grass.
5. Aerate the Soil
Compact soil prevents water and nutrients from reaching the grassroots, making it more susceptible to damage during hot weather.
- Aerate your lawn regularly: Lawn aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root zone. This helps reduce soil compaction and improves overall grass health.
- Best time to aerate: The ideal time to aerate is during the cooler months of early spring or late autumn, but if your lawn is under stress from the summer heat, aeration can help alleviate some of the damage.
6. Choose Heat-Resilient Grass Varieties
If you’re planning to reseed or renovate your lawn, choosing the right type of grass for your climate can make a significant difference.
- Opt for heat-tolerant grass varieties: Warm-season grasses such as Kikuyu, Buffalo, and Bermuda are well-suited to South Africa’s hot summers. These varieties are more resilient to high temperatures and drought conditions, reducing the likelihood of lawn burn.
7. Reduce Foot Traffic
Excessive foot traffic can weaken the grass and contribute to lawn burn, especially in hot weather.
- Limit heavy foot traffic: During peak summer, try to reduce foot traffic on your lawn to give it a chance to recover. Consider creating pathways or using outdoor rugs to direct foot traffic away from sensitive areas.
- Establish lawn-friendly play areas: If you have children or pets, create designated play areas on your lawn to limit damage and prevent concentrated wear and tear.
8. Shade and Shelter
While your lawn loves the sun, too much of it can lead to burn.
- Provide shade when possible: Planting trees or installing shade nets can help protect your lawn from intense midday sun. This is especially useful in areas of your garden that get the hottest and most direct sunlight.
Conclusion
With a little bit of attention and care, you can prevent lawn burn and ensure that your lawn thrives through the summer heat. From proper watering and mowing to using organic fertilisers like GuanoBoost, these simple steps will help your lawn stay green and healthy all season long.
Remember, a healthy lawn is a happy lawn and with the right practices, you can enjoy a lush, vibrant garden throughout the summer months. Stay proactive, and your lawn will thank you for its beauty and resilience!