Lawn Maintenance During Drought: Keep Your Lawn Healthy & Green

With the UK summer weather forecast to set dry, hot and sunny for the coming weeks, maintaining a lush, green lawn during a drought can be challenging, but with the right strategies and techniques, it can be possible to keep your lawn looking healthy, fresh and vibrant even in hot and dry weather conditions. In this Hyundai Power Equipment guide, we'll explore a range of tips and practices to help you ensure the well-being of your lawn during a drought, keeping it beautiful while conserving water.

Understand Your Lawn's Water Needs:

Different types of grass require different water requirements, so it's essential to know your lawn's specific requirements. Research the type of grass you have and understand its drought tolerance. Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or fescue, may go dormant during drought but will recover once water becomes available. Warm-season grasses, like Bermuda grass or Zoysia grass, are more drought-tolerant but still require some water to remain healthy.

Adjust Mowing Practices:

Raise the cutting height of your lawnmower to about 3 inches (75mm) or higher during a drought. Longer grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and improving water retention. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, as this can stress the lawn further. Also, leave the grass clippings on the lawn as they act as a natural mulch, helping to retain moisture. Using a mulching lawnmower with variable cutting heights like to Hyundai Electric 1200w HYM330E or a Self-propelled petrol lawnmower like the HYM40LI420SP will help make light work of this.

Water Efficiently:

Conserving limited water is crucial during a drought and hot weather. Instead of watering your lawn daily, aim for deep, infrequent watering sessions. Watering deeply encourages the grass roots to grow deeper, making them more resilient to drought conditions. Water in the early morning or evening to minimise evaporation, and use a rain gauge or moisture sensor to ensure you're only watering when necessary.

Practice Smart Watering Techniques:

To maximise water efficiency, consider using a sprinkler system with adjustable heads or a drip irrigation system. This allows you to target specific areas and avoid wasting water on non-essential areas like sidewalks or driveways. Additionally, regularly inspect your irrigation system for leaks or clogs that may lead to water wastage.

Implement Proper Lawn Care:

A healthy lawn is better equipped to withstand drought conditions. Regularly fertilize your lawn with slow-release or organic fertilizers to provide essential nutrients. Avoid using quick-release fertilizers during a drought, as they can stimulate growth that demands more water. Aerate your lawn annually to improve soil compaction and allow better water absorption.

Apply Mulch:

Mulching around trees, shrubs, and flower beds helps retain soil moisture, reduces evaporation, and prevents weed growth. Use organic mulch like wood chips or bark, spreading it around the base of plants while keeping it a few inches away from the stems. This practice minimizes competition for water and keeps your landscape beds healthy.

Be mindful of Foot Traffic:

During a drought, it's important to minimize foot traffic on your lawn as much as possible. Constant walking or playing can compact the soil, making it harder for water to penetrate the surface and reach the roots. Encourage family members and pets to stay off the lawn during drought conditions to maintain its health.

Consider Drought-Tolerant Grass Varieties:

If you live in an area prone to frequent droughts, you might want to consider replacing or overseeding your lawn with drought-tolerant grass varieties. These grasses, such as Buffalo grass or Tall fescue, have deeper root systems and can withstand extended periods without water. Consult with a local lawn care professional or nursery to determine the best options for your region.

Maintaining a healthy and green lawn during hot weather in the UK requires proper planning, regular maintenance, and smart lawn care practices. By following these tips, you can ensure that your lawn remains resilient and vibrant, even during scorching summer months. Remember, adapting your lawn care routine to the specific needs of hot weather conditions will result in a beautiful and thriving lawn throughout the year.

View All Hyundai Lawnmowers to keep your lawn looking good this summer!

We hope you’ve found these tips helpful and remember: if you need any further advice, our team of experts is on-hand to help you, so just get in touch! If you have any questions please visit www.hyundaisupport.co.uk. For expert advice or any questions you may have, you can give us a call on 01646 687880, fill out the contact form here or drop us a message on any of our social media pages - Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.