Tim Mudge on his dry, browning lawnTurf experts are advising homeowners to avoid watering established lawns during the current heatwave.
The Turfgrass Growers Association, whose members produce more than 70% of the turf grown in the British Isles, says that during hot weather the watering of established lawns is, in most situations, wasteful and unnecessary.
“Our message to homeowners is not to worry if your lawn goes brown during the summer”, says its Chief Executive, Tim Mudge. “Going brown is the natural survival mechanism of grass. When water is in short supply grass responds by shutting down. The brown colour shows that it has stopped growing until more favourable conditions return. Grass is remarkably resilient, and as long as you follow a few basic rules, most lawns will recover completely when the rain finally arrives.”
• Increase your mowing height to 35-40mm – this creates deeper roots and more shade and shelter from higher temperatures
• Try not to concentrate wear in one place – move barbeques and toys such as slides around
• No need to feed as grass will not be growing during hot, dry weather
• Avoid blanket weedkillers as these may damage the grass – use a spot weedkiller if necessary
• Keep mower blades sharp as blunt blades bruise the grass leaf and it loses more water
• Apply a light dressing of compost to help keep moisture in the soil and protect the grass from higher temperatures
• Scarify your lawn once a year to remove matted and dead growth – if allowed to build up this acts as a barrier to rainfall
Tips for looking after established and newly-laid lawns during the summer are available at www.turfgrass.co.uk and on Twitter @TGATurfandWater.
The Turfgrass Growers Association is the only body in the UK and Ireland dedicated to the advancement of quality turf production. It’s constantly seeking to improve the standards of its members through unity and the sharing of knowledge for the benefit of customers.
Formed in 1994 (then called TPI (UK) Ltd.) it became the Turfgrass Growers Association in 1997 and now comprises more than 60 members and affiliated companies. Its member growers are collectively responsible for producing approximately 70% of the cultivated turf grown in the British Isles.
Source: Forte Marketing & Public Relations
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