Master summer lawn care - How to keep your garden green and vibrant
After a tough winter, your lawn is ready for a boost. With summer rains on the way, now's the perfect time to feed your grass and help it bounce back. A little care now will have your lawn thriving all season long.
But with the proper preparation and care, your lawn can thrive all summer. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your property remains a lush, green haven throughout the season.
Pre-summer lawn prep essentials
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The best way to keep your lawn looking its best in summer is to start your prep work early. Taking steps during the cooler months will help your grass establish deeper roots and develop a stronger resistance to the harsh summer conditions. A crucial part of this preparation is applying lawn dressing in late winter or early spring. This boosts the soil's nutrient levels and promotes vigorous root growth, giving your lawn a solid foundation to weather the summer heat.
Another essential task is aerating (perforating the soil with small holes) your lawn. Aeration improves soil drainage and allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more effectively. This is especially important if your lawn experiences heavy foot traffic or is compacted. After aerating, consider dethatching if necessary. Removing thatch, the layer of dead grass and organic debris, helps prevent disease and improves overall lawn health.
You can find all your lawncare essentials at these local nurseries:
The importance of sharp mower blades
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A well-manicured lawn starts with a properly functioning mower. One often overlooked aspect of lawn care is ensuring your mower blades are sharp. Dull blades tear at the grass, leaving jagged edges that make your lawn vulnerable to heat stress and disease. Conversly, sharp blades deliver clean cuts that allow the grass to recover quickly and grow healthier.
It's essential to adjust your mowing height for summer. Keeping your grass slightly taller helps shade the soil, retain moisture, and keeps roots cooler. For Kikuyu lawns, a common choice in South Africa, aim to keep the height between 30-50mm during the hot months to ensure optimal growth and resilience.
Where to replace your lawnmower blades:
Watering strategies to beat the heat
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Watering is one of the most crucial components of summer lawn care. However, overwatering or watering at the wrong time of the day, can do more harm than good. During the summer, deep but infrequent watering is best. Aim for around 20 litres of water per square metre once a week, encouraging root growth and helping the grass better withstand dry spells.
It's also important to water at the right time of day. Early or late afternoons are ideal since this minimises evaporation and gives the grass enough time to absorb moisture. Monitor soil moisture levels and adjust based on your local weather conditions. Overly dry soil can lead to brown patches, while waterlogged areas can cause root rot and fungal problems.
Sprinkler systems help make tracking all these details easier, since you can automate them. Here's some of the best brands and systems available:
Protecting your lawn from sun damage
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The intense summer sun can significantly stress your lawn, causing dehydration, thinning, and discolouration. To combat sun damage, consider adjusting your landscaping design to provide natural shade in areas where the sun is most intense. Planting trees or using shade sails can offer protection during peak sunlight, particularly for garden sections that receive harsh midday sun.
Another way to protect your lawn is to mulch after mowing. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn is a natural protective layer, helping retain soil moisture, reduce evaporation, and prevent weed growth.
Fertilising for a healthy summer lawn
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Fertilising is a key element in maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn throughout the summer. Choose a nitrogen-rich, slow-release fertiliser that nourishes your grass over time. Apply it in early summer and again in mid-season to ensure your lawn has the nutrients to withstand heat stress and stay green.
Be sure to water your lawn thoroughly after applying fertiliser to help the nutrients penetrate the soil. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive thatch build-up and weak grass, so always follow the recommended application rates to avoid damaging your lawn.
Top fertiliser brands are stocked at the following stores:
Growing and caring for Kikuyu lawn
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Kikuyu grass, a favourite for many South African homeowners, is well-suited to the country's warm climate. This grass variety is known for its rapid growth, drought resistance, and ability to maintain a lush, green appearance even in challenging conditions. It's ideal for properties with children, pets, or heavy foot traffic because it recovers quickly from damage and wears well.
To care for Kikuyu grass in summer, follow the basics of watering deeply but infrequently and adjust your mowing height to protect the roots. Fertilising in early summer with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser will keep the lawn thick and green. Additionally, keep an eye on the edges of your lawn, as Kikuyu's aggressive growth habit can cause it to spread beyond your intended areas. Regular trimming and the installation of barriers can help contain this hardy grass.
Though Kikuyu grass is drought-resistant, it will still benefit from consistent care and attention during the hotter months. With the right strategy, your lawn can stay strong, offering a beautiful green space for outdoor gatherings, play, and relaxation.
Where to buy your Kikuyu lawn:
Follow these tips; your lawn will be the perfect setting for all your home's summer activities.
Contact Ikonic Real Estate today.
For Real Estate professionals you can trust and rely on for industry-related expertise, contact us below for more information.
If you are looking to live in Silver Lakes Golf and Lifestyle Estate, Silver Stream Estate, Lombardy Estate & Health Spa, The Ridge Estate, Six Fountains Estate, or Willow Acres Estate and surrounding areas, then Ikonic Real Estate is your preferred property practitioner to assist you in all aspects of the selling and buying process.
Office Number: 083 452 5599
Cell Number: 083 452 5599
Email: martin@ikonic.co.za
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02 Oct 2024
Author Bryce Anderson