Summer can be tough on your lawn. High temperatures, intense sunlight, and periods of drought can stress grass and make it challenging to maintain a lush, green yard. However, with the right strategies – and the help of reliable tools like those from GARDENA – you can help your lawn thrive throughout the hottest months. Here are practical summer lawn care tips, along with suggested GARDENA products, to keep your grass healthy and attractive all season long.
1. Watering Wisely
Water is essential during the summer, but how and when you water can make a big difference. Aim to water your lawn deeply but infrequently, encouraging deep root growth. Early morning—between 4:00 and 7:00 AM—is the best time to water, as this reduces evaporation and fungal growth. Most lawns require about one inch of water per week, including rainfall. For efficient watering, consider GARDENA’s range of Water controls that allow you to schedule irrigation any time of the day, week or season depending on your plants needs. night. The GARDENA Water Control Bluetooth®, allow you to automate watering schedules using your smart phone and from the comfort of your couch. Now that is innovation at its best. The GARDENA drip systems allow water to reach the roots of the plants and the AquaBloom solar irrigation set is perfect for irrigating your plants when you are on holiday or have a busy schedule.
2. Mowing Best Practices
Raise your mower blade during the summer months. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing water evaporation and keeping roots cooler. Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, as cutting too short can stress the lawn and promote weed growth. Keep your mower blades sharp to ensure a clean cut and reduce plant injury. GARDENA offers high-quality lawn mowers like the GARDENA PowerMax™ Electric and Battery powered Lawnmowers, which features adjustable cutting heights for seasonal care, and the GARDENA Robotic Lawnmower SILENO for automated silent and precise mowing. GARDENA also offers a range of lawn trimmers for perfect edges to all lawns.
3. Fertilise With Care
Avoid heavy fertilization during the peak of summer heat, as this can burn your lawn and cause excess growth that strains roots. If your lawn is looking pale or thin, opt for a slow-release fertilizer and apply sparingly. Consider soil testing to determine what nutrients your lawn actually needs. For easy and accurate fertilization, use the GARDENA Spreader, which ensures even distribution of fertilizer across your lawn. Spreaders are available for small, medium and large lawn areas and suitable for granular fertilizers.
4. Managing Weeds and Pests
Summer is prime time for weeds and lawn pests. Regular mowing, proper watering, and a healthy lawn can naturally reduce weed and pest problems. If you notice signs of pests—such as brown patches, thinning grass, or visible insects—identify the culprit before choosing a treatment. Spot-treat weeds by hand-pulling or using targeted herbicides if necessary. GARDENA’s combisystem Tools, including weed scrapers, grubbers, patio weeders and hand forks, are ideal for precise weed removal without damaging your garden beds or lawn area. If you prefer to remove weed without bending or dirtying your hands, then the Weed Puller is the perfect tool for you. Simply place the tool, that has two incorporated blades, over the weed, twist and remove from the ground. To dispose of the weed, simply push the handle and pop the weed in the GARDENA Pop-Up Waste bag.
5. Aeration and Overseeding
If your lawn is compacted or thin, late summer can be a good time for aeration and overseeding. Aeration helps relieve soil compaction, improving water and nutrient flow, while overseeding fills in bare spots for a thicker, more resilient lawn. GARDENA offers combisystem rakes with aerator, to make these tasks easier and more effective.
7. Mulching and Grasscycling
Leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing (a practice called grasscycling). Clippings decompose quickly and return valuable nutrients to the soil, helping retain moisture and improve lawn health. If you use mulch in garden beds, keep it a few inches away from the base of trees and shrubs to prevent rot. GARDENA’s cylinder mowers with mulching function is designed for efficient grasscycling and mulching, making it simple to maintain your lawn and garden beds.
Conclusion
With a little planning and the right care—and by using GARDENA’s specialized lawn care products—your lawn can remain healthy, green, and beautiful throughout the summer. Water wisely, mow high, fertilize carefully, and address weeds and pests quickly for the best results. By following these summer lawn care tips and choosing the right GARDENA tools, you’ll enjoy a vibrant yard all season long. Explore the full range of GARDENA products at www.gardena.com/za.
