2018 has been a year of seasonal extremes. As Spring set in the UK was beset by record rainfall and snow. In the height of summer heat waves, droughts and hosepipe bans are making headlines in the media. While bans are yet to be enforced in Oxfordshire, millions have been hit in the North West this year.
As seasoned landscapers we’ve weathered these storms before. This post will address just a few of the FAQ’s our Banbury Turf clients ask us under the sun. These include:
Should I buy turf during a heat wave?
How often do I water my lawn over the summer?
Will there be a hosepipe ban this year?
Buying Turf
Turf is resilient and will grow under heavy rain and record temperatures. Whether you’re a groundsmen at Wimbledon or a residential home owner you can follow common sense steps to ensure your lawn endures.
Water Your Lawn
Watering your lawn an hour a day will typically suffice after laying new turf. However, if you’re faced with record breaking temperatures you’ll want to ensure that your lawn is subject to regular spot-checks. Signs your lawn are dehydrated include turf shrinkage, gaps between the turves and changes in colour.
Some environmentalists are quick to point out the hypocrisy of ministers. Agricultural farming, they note, wastes far more water than watering a lawn. If ministers insist on hosepipe bans, they argue, they should also encourage their constituents to eat less meat.
It’s also worth noting turf has a broadly positive effect on the environment. Lawn turf releases oxygen, absorbs CO2 and improves drainage to protect your garden against flooding.
Mowing
What’s the optimal mowing height over the summer? While the grass courts of Wimbledon are cut at an optimum playing height of 8mm during the Championships, through the rest of the summer the groundsmen heed to the heat.
Their advice is ours; During the dry and hot weather conditions raise your mower a notch. Doing so will prevent the sun from scorching the soil resulting in damage to your newly laid lawn. This can include gaps appearing between the rolls and discolouration.
Did this post address your question? Whether you’re an old or prospective client, don’t hesitate to contact us with your queries.