How to Help Your Lawn Survive the Six Week Summer Holidays

For many families, the six week summer holiday is packed with days out, holidays, barbecues and children making the most of the garden. While that's exactly what a lawn is for, it can also leave it looking tired by the time September arrives.

The good news is that a few simple steps before and during the summer holidays can keep your lawn healthy without spending hours maintaining it.

Raise Your Mower

One of the easiest ways to protect your lawn is to avoid cutting it too short.

Longer grass shades the soil, helping it retain moisture during warm weather. Before the holidays get into full swing, raise your mower by one setting. Your lawn will be better equipped to cope with both heat and heavy family use.

Water Smarter, Not More

If dry weather arrives, resist the temptation to give the lawn a quick spray every evening.

Instead, water thoroughly once or twice a week, preferably early in the morning. This encourages deeper roots, making the grass more resilient if temperatures climb.

If you're heading away for a week or two, give the lawn a deep soak before you leave rather than relying on light watering beforehand.

Give Children a Play Zone

Football goals, paddling pools and trampolines can quickly wear out one area of the lawn.

If possible, move larger items every few days to spread the wear more evenly. Rotating where children play can prevent one section becoming permanently bare.

Don't Panic if the Lawn Turns Brown

Many lawns naturally turn brown during prolonged dry spells. This doesn't necessarily mean the grass has died.

Grass often enters a dormant state to conserve water and can recover surprisingly quickly once cooler weather and rain return. Before replacing patches, give your lawn time to recover naturally.

September Is the Perfect Time to Repair Damage

If your lawn has taken a beating over the holidays, don't worry.

Early autumn offers some of the best conditions for repairing worn areas. Warm soil and increased rainfall help new grass establish quickly, making it the ideal time to overseed bare patches and restore your lawn after a busy summer.

A lawn is there to be enjoyed, especially during the school holidays. A little preparation now means you can focus on making memories with your family instead of worrying about the garden.

For expert advice on repairing worn lawns and choosing the right grass seed for family gardens, explore the range available from Rural Supplies.