#How To
Summer Garden Care Tips
Whether you hail from year round warmth in the northern states, or are used to dressing for four seasons in one day down south, the summer sun and heat can have a major effect on the health of your garden no matter what part of the country you’re in. STIHL has a number of helpful tips to combat dry conditions and keep your backyard green this summer.Whether you enjoy year round warmth in the northern states, or are used to dressing for four seasons in one day down south, the summer sun and heat can have a major effect on the health of your garden no matter what part of the country you’re in. STIHL has a number of helpful tips to combat dry conditions and keep your backyard green this summer.Whether you enjoy year round warmth in the northern states, or are used to dressing for four seasons in one day down south, the summer sun and heat can have a major effect on the health of your garden no matter what part of the country you’re in. STIHL has a number of helpful tips to combat dry conditions and keep your backyard green this summer.hether you enjoy year round warmth in the northern states, or are used to dressing for four seasons in one day down south, the summer sun and heat can have a major effect on the health of your garden no matter what part of the country you’re in. STIHL has a number of helpful tips to combat dry conditions and keep your backyard green this summer.Whether you enjoy year round warmth in the northern states, or are used to dressing for four seasons in one day down south, the summer sun and heat can have a major effect on the health of your garden no matter what part of the country you’re in. STIHL has a number of helpful tips to combat dry conditions and keep your backyard green this summer.
Whether you enjoy year round warmth in the northern states, or are used to dressing for four seasons in one day down south, the summer sun and heat can have a major effect on the health of your garden no matter what part of the country you’re in. STIHL has a number of helpful tips to combat dry conditions and keep your backyard green this summer.
Bye Bye Bald Spots!
Bald spots on your lawn make it more vulnerable to summer heat. Thick grass will hold moisture better, resulting in a greener lawn with stronger roots giving it a better chance of survival. Here are some ways you can promote growth in thinning areas and keep your lawn green this summer:
- Familiarise yourself with the noticeable bare spots on your lawn. Grass growth can sometimes be spotty on sloped areas and due to water run-off and areas prone to puddles.
- Use premium topsoil and an organic, nutrient-rich compost to help the seeds germinate and keep it from being washed or blown away, or eaten by birds. Dress the bare spots with approximately one 2cm of compost and then hand spread the seed, covering about 40% of the area. Use a standard household broom (not a rake) to gently mix the soil and seed together. Fertilizing grass in summer will help to keep it healthy and growing strong.
- Water these newly seeded areas twice a day for the first few weeks to ensure the soil stays moist for maximum germination and growth.
- To prevent bald spots from occurring, mow your lawn on the highest setting on your mower and avoid stepping on your lawn when it is wet. Also avoid treading on any new or immature grass.
Surviving Summer Rain
While winter is typically associated with heavy rainfall in most parts of the country, sudden summertime storms can leave your garden just as waterlogged, particularly in the northern parts of the country which are prone to summer rain, ‘wet seasons’ and high humidity.
Here are some tips to help you deal with a deluge of rain:
- Avoid treading on freshly wet or damp grass as it will damage it. Avoid walking in areas prone to waterlogging until the water levels have completely subsided. TIP: If you’re leaving footprints, it’s still too wet!
- If you want to mow the lawn once it has dried out, set the mower blades to the highest possible cutting height. It’s best to avoid mowing a saturated lawn as this will most likely lead to soil compaction.
- Lawns that have been very wet will benefit from some serious aeration – either manually using a garden fork or with the help of a powered aerator like the MM 56. Moss is also likely to build up in damp conditions if the soil has not been aerated.
- Identify the low areas of your lawn most vulnerable to flooding and work to even out the ground or improve drainage.
Mow Maintenance
- Mow High
Studies have shown that mowing at a height of at least 5-7cm yields a healthier lawn than one mowed at 2-4cm.
- Mow Often
Regular mowing promoting a lusher, more uniform lawn. How often is enough? That depends on how quickly your grass grows. Ideally, you should remove no more than a third of the grass length with each mowing. This will result in smaller-sized clippings, which act as a natural fertilizer for your lawn.
- Mow Differently
Vary your mowing direction each time you mow to keep your grass looking straighter. Change it up each time, moving north to south, east to west or diagonally to promote straight growth.
- Mow Maintenance
After mowing is complete, check your lawn for any remaining clumps of grass clippings. Remove these clumps to prevent them from blocking nutrients to your lawn.
Dealing with Drought
Lack of rain can have a major effect on your lawn, killing your grass and the surrounding trees and plants. There are a number of ways to tackle the side effects of dry periods and ensure your lawn stays healthy through these sometimes lengthy spells. If you’re experiencing drought like conditions this summer, check out our garden survival guide here.
For more advice on garden care, visit your local STIHL Dealer.
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