As global temperatures continue to rise, summer heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a real challenge for maintaining a healthy lawn. What once required only occasional watering and mowing now demands a more strategic approach. If you want to keep your grass green, resilient, and thriving through the scorching months ahead, preparation is key.
Getting your lawn ready for a heatwave isn’t just about keeping it alive—it’s about making it stronger before the high temperatures arrive. With some forward-thinking care in late spring and early summer, you can equip your lawn to withstand drought, heat stress, and even foot traffic during the hottest days of the year.
1. Switch to Deep, Infrequent Watering
One of the most common lawn care mistakes during hot weather is watering too frequently but too lightly. This encourages shallow roots, which are far more vulnerable to heat and drought. Instead, train your lawn to grow deeper roots by watering deeply but less often—typically once or twice a week, depending on your soil and grass type.
Ideally, your lawn should receive about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. Water in the early morning (between 6 and 10 a.m.) to minimise evaporation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid watering at night, as it can lead to prolonged moisture on the grass blades, encouraging disease.
2. Raise the Mower Blade
During summer, longer grass blades provide natural shade to the soil, reducing moisture loss and protecting the roots from scorching sun. By raising your mower blade by a notch or two, you allow the grass to grow taller, which also encourages deeper rooting.
Make sure your mower blades are sharp to prevent tearing the grass, which can make it more susceptible to heat stress and disease. Also, avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Scalping the lawn during a heatwave can cause irreversible damage and make it much harder for your lawn to bounce back.
3. Apply a Summer-Appropriate Fertiliser
Using the right type of fertiliser is crucial in preparing your lawn for heat. A slow-release or organic fertiliser applied in late spring can help your lawn build strength without pushing it into rapid, shallow growth that can be vulnerable during high heat. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilisers just before or during a heatwave, as they can increase the risk of burning the grass and making it more susceptible to drought.
Instead, look for fertilisers that are balanced and include micronutrients like potassium, which supports stress resistance in plants.
4. Aerate for Better Soil Health
Aeration is often associated with spring or autumn lawn care, but if your soil is compacted or drains poorly, it can be beneficial before summer hits. Aerating your lawn allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to reach the root zone more effectively critical for heatwave preparation.
If you’re not sure whether your lawn needs aeration, check for signs like pooling water, excessive thatch, or difficulty pushing a screwdriver into the soil. For particularly stressed or clay-heavy lawns, aeration can make a noticeable difference in summer resilience.
5. Mulch Grass Clippings for Moisture Retention
Rather than bagging your grass clippings, consider using a mulching mower to return them to the lawn. Grass clippings act as a natural mulch, helping retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, and provide nutrients as they decompose.
This technique, known as “grasscycling,” not only saves time but also contributes to a healthier lawn that’s better equipped to handle heatwaves.
6. Repair Bare Patches Early
If you notice any bare or thinning areas in your lawn, address them before the summer heat intensifies. Reseed or patch these areas in late spring when temperatures are still moderate enough for grass to establish. Keep these areas well-watered and protected from foot traffic until new grass takes hold.
According to Ron Smith, a seasoned garden machinery expert with decades of experience, preparing your lawn for the stress of summer heat is one of the most overlooked—but most important—parts of lawn care. With the right preparation, your grass can stay green and healthy even in extreme temperatures.
7. Minimise Lawn Stress
During heatwaves, try to reduce stress on your lawn. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day, and delay major lawn activities like dethatching, seeding, or applying herbicides until cooler weather returns. Even regular foot traffic can compact the soil and damage grass, so limit use of the lawn as much as possible during heat peaks.
If your lawn begins to go dormant (turning brown), don’t panic. Grass often goes into a protective state during extreme heat and will bounce back when cooler, wetter conditions return—provided it was healthy beforehand.
Conclusion
While you can’t control the weather, you can absolutely control how well your lawn copes with it. By implementing the right care strategies before and during summer heatwaves, you’ll give your grass the best chance to stay vibrant and strong. From smarter watering techniques and proper mowing to expert insights like those from Ron Smith, the key lies in preparation. With just a little effort and planning, you can enjoy a green, healthy lawn all summer long—even when the heat is at its worst.
