| I am sometimes asked questions about lawns, cutting lawns, and lawn care during summer, and I am sometimes badgered as to why I am in no rush to cut a client’s lawn. Well, there are many reasons why people panic at uncut lawns, and equally, there are many reasons not to. People often panic about getting their grass cut—especially during summer—for cultural, aesthetic, and social reasons, even when it’s not what the lawn needs. Here’s why: |
| Visual Expectations and Social Pressure A neat, trimmed lawn is a sign of tidiness and responsibility in the UK. When the grass gets long, especially at the front of a property, some fear it makes them look lazy or neglect their home. Neighbours’ opinions (real or imagined) can add to this pressure. Habit and Routine Many people have weekly or fortnightly mowing routines, and when the weather changes, they keep that pattern—even if the lawn is struggling. It’s part of their rhythm, and not doing it can feel like something’s “off.” Worry About Weeds and Pests Some fear that longer grass invites weeds, moss, or unwanted critters. While this can be true if left for too long, occasional length in a heatwave is usually harmless and often healthier for the lawn. Misinformation or Lack of Knowledge Many people don’t realise that mowing during extreme heat can harm the lawn. They think regular mowing is always best, not knowing that stressed grass needs time and protection, not extra cuts. Value for Money (for clients) Clients paying for regular lawn care may feel they need to see “something done” at each visit—even if it’s not the right time to mow. This can lead to pressure on gardeners to cut to meet expectations. A False Sense of Control Keeping the grass short gives a sense of order when everything else feels out of control (like during unpredictable weather). It’s a small thing people think they can manage—so they act on it. |
| What Can Help? Clear, calm communication can ease that panic. Explaining to clients that longer grass during hot spells isn’t neglect—it’s good stewardship—can offer alternative tasks like edge trimming, watering advice, or light tidy-ups to maintain value without harming the lawn. This also brings us to lawn care in the summer and during heatwaves like we have been experiencing. Lawn care in the UK during high heat and heatwaves needs a gentler, more protective approach than usual. Lawns can become stressed, dry out, or even dormant when temperatures soar, especially with little rainfall. Here’s a breakdown of the dos and don’ts to help protect and preserve your lawn in these conditions: |
| ✅ DOs 1. Mow less frequently – and raise the blade. Cutting grass too short in hot weather weakens it. Raise your mower blade so the grass stays longer (around 5–7cm). Longer blades shade the soil, retain moisture, and reduce stress on the grass. 2. Water wisely – deeply but infrequently. If you’re going to water, do so early in the morning or late evening to avoid evaporation. A deep soak once or twice a week is better than light, frequent watering, as it encourages roots to grow deeper. 3. Leave clippings on the lawn (mulch mow). Mulched clippings act as a natural moisture-retaining mulch, feeding the lawn and reducing evaporation. 4. Stay off it if it’s scorched or stressed. Avoid heavy foot traffic on browned or dry patches. Stressed grass recovers more slowly if compacted. 5. Feed only if it’s right. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds in extreme heat, but if rain is expected soon and the lawn is already green, you can use a gentle, slow-release, or organic feed. |
| ❌ DON’Ts 1. Don’t overwater. Watering every day encourages shallow roots and wastes water. In the UK, even in heatwaves, established lawns usually recover when rain returns – they often go dormant, not dead. 2. Don’t fertilise dry or brown lawns. Fertiliser can burn stressed grass and worsen damage. Wait until cooler weather or after significant rainfall. 3. Don’t scarify or aerate. These are beneficial lawn care tasks – but not in extreme heat. They put extra stress on the grass. Wait until autumn or spring. 4. Don’t panic if it turns brown. UK grasses (mainly ryegrass and fescues) can naturally dormant in dry spells and bounce back when rain returns. Resist overreacting. 5. Don’t use weedkillers. Weed control should be avoided in heatwaves. It can damage the grass and is less effective on weeds anyway when the soil is dry. |
| Bonus Tip Consider letting parts of your lawn grow longer during summer. This will protect the grass and support wildlife like pollinators and beetles that seek shade in taller swards. |
A Gardener's Curiosity 
Did you change your colors! I like this shade of green because it is easy on the eyes.
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Hi Eugenia, yes l have. I am veering away from the loud or garish as some might see it and sampling various lighter shades of green. Once the colour is perfected then it’ll carry right across the range from blog to website to marketing and attire 🙂
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Well, the current color is lovely, and calming, yet makes a statement.
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Many thanks Eugenia 🙂
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Most welcome!
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