Looking After Your Lawn This July

July can be one of the toughest months for lawns. Heat, dry spells, and heavy use can all take their toll. The goal is usually to keep the lawn healthy rather than striving for perfect growth.

🌿Raise the Mowing Height

During hot, dry weather:

• Set mower blades higher than usual.
• Leave grass around 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) tall.
• Longer grass shades the soil and helps conserve moisture.

Avoid cutting off more than one-third of the grass height in a single mow.

💧Don’t Overwater

If the weather is dry:

• Water deeply and infrequently rather than little and often.
• Early morning is the best time.
• A healthy established lawn can usually tolerate short periods of drought.

Many lawns turn brown in summer but recover when rain returns.

🍃 Leave Grass Clippings

Short clippings can be left on the lawn:

• They return nutrients to the soil.
• They help reduce moisture loss.
• They save time and effort.

Remove only thick clumps that might smother the grass.

🚫 Avoid Feeding During Heatwaves

Strong fertilisers can stress grass during very hot, dry conditions.

• Wait until cooler weather or rainfall is expected.
• If feeding is needed, use a summer lawn fertiliser according to the instructions.

🌼 Control Weeds Early

July is a good time to tackle:

• Dandelions
• Plantains
• Clover
• Daisy infestations

Removing weeds before they seed helps reduce future problems.

🚶 Watch for Signs of Stress

Common symptoms include:

• Blue-grey colouring
• Footprints remaining visible after walking on the lawn
• Dry, brittle grass

These indicate the lawn may benefit from a thorough watering.

✂️ Keep Edges Tidy

Neat edges can make a lawn look well cared for even during dry weather.

• Recut borders if necessary.
• Trim grass encroaching onto paths and beds.

🎳 Avoid Heavy Wear

Where possible:

• Rotate garden games and seating areas.
• Avoid repeated traffic over the same route.
• Use stepping stones in frequently used areas.

This is especially important if the lawn is already drought-stressed.

🌱 Deal with Bare Patches

Small patches can be lightly raked and reseeded if moisture is available.
However, September is often a better time for larger lawn repairs.

📝 Plan for Autumn Improvements

July is a good month to assess:

• Drainage issues
• Compacted areas
• Moss problems
• Thin patches

Make notes now and tackle renovation work in early autumn when conditions are more favourable.

☀️ For Norfolk Gardens

In Norfolk’s often warm and relatively dry July conditions:

• Raise mowing heights to protect grass from scorching.
• Accept some browning during prolonged dry periods rather than trying to keep the lawn lush with constant watering.
• Mulch flower beds and borders so available water can be focused where it’s most needed.
• If rain is forecast, mow just beforehand to make the most of the coming moisture.