Expert shares how to protect your grass during the extreme heatwave

CTV News

4 days ago

This week will see temperatures reach above 30C degrees across the region and while it might seem like the perfect sunny day to get outside and cut your grass, mowing your lawn in the extreme heat could cause serious damage.
According to experts, cutting the grass in hot temperatures can destroy or even kill the blades, leaving ugly brown patches in the yard.
Here is a tip. Allowing the lawn to grow during the heat actually protects the blade and the soil from the strong sun rays.
While the nice weather might seem like a great opportunity to make your garden look glorious, gardening in the heat can be a bad idea. 'High temperatures and strong sun exposure can damage plants and that includes grass blades. If you cut your grass, the blades will be more exposed to the sun, and the soil will also suffer. This issue will lead to bare patches on your lawn which will take time and effort to repair,' said Colleen McGrory from Homestars.com.
If you really want to shape up the lawn during this scorching strike, here are a few things experts say to consider:
Reduce foot traffic
While you'll want to enjoy your yard in the nice weather, be mindful of heavy foot traffic on your grass. Walking along the lawn will stress it, which can cause further damage during heatwave.
Let it grow
Letting your grass grow a little longer allows it to cope with heat stress. Longer grass in hot weather acts as a 'micro jungle,' with taller stems helping to sustain a microclimate at soil level.
Experts recommend Keeping your lawn length up to five centimeters.
Raise your mower
The cutting height of your mower should be increased during dry conditions. The majority of lawn mowers have different height settings. A higher setting will allow valuable moisture to be trapped, limiting evaporation and encouraging stronger, deeper roots to grow.
Lots of water
If you need to cut the grass when it's hot, be prepared to regularly water it with about one inch of water per week, using a sprinkler, watering can, irrigation system or garden hose.
Give it shade
Shade helps to lower water loss through evaporation, which in turn creates a cooler climate, reducing the need for frequent watering while maintaining grass health and providing much-needed relief for your lawn.