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If that recent heatwave had you out enjoying the garden, chances are you’ve had a proper look at your lawn – and if it’s looking more dried out than lush green, you’re not alone. All that sunshine’s great for us, but it can be tough going for the grass. A well-kept lawn makes all the difference in how your garden looks and feels. Whether you’re hosting a few BBQs, playing out with the kids, or just putting your feet up with a brew, having a nice bit of grass underfoot just makes it all feel more put together.
Now, we’re not saying you need to be out there every day with a mower and a tape measure, but your lawn does need a bit of looking after – especially in summer when the heat and foot traffic can take their toll. Luckily, you don’t need a shed full of equipment to get the job done. At Smiths Hire, we offer a wide range of gardening tools for hire, including mowers, grass trimmers, aerators and more – all available to hire exactly when you need them, and without the bother of finding a place to store them long-term. So, let’s dig into the five essential lawn care tips that’ll help keep your grass green and healthy all summer long.
Mow regularly, but don’t scalp it
No matter the size of your garden, having the right mower is essential to keep your lawn looking its best. At Smiths Hire, we’ve got petrol rotary mowers that are perfect whether you’ve got a small patch or a bigger space to tackle. These mowers deliver a clean, even cut and make the job far easier than using a less powerful machine.
When mowing in summer, aim to cut only about a third of the grass height each time, keeping it around 2.5cm to 4cm tall is ideal. Cutting too short stresses the grass, especially in the heat, and can leave your lawn looking patchy and dry. Try to mow during the cooler parts of the day and avoid cutting immediately after a dry spell unless you’ve watered first. Keeping your grass a bit longer helps it stay healthier and greener through the summer months.
Give compacted soil a breather
If your lawn’s looking a bit flat or worn out, the soil underneath might be the problem. Over time, especially if the kids have been playing on it or you’ve had garden furniture in the same spot, the soil can become compacted. That just means it’s been squashed down, making it hard for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots properly.
That’s where an aerator comes in handy. You can hire one from us, and it makes the job much quicker and easier than trying to do it manually. It works by pulling out small plugs of soil, creating gaps that help your lawn breathe, soak up water, and grow stronger. It might not sound exciting, but a quick aeration can make a big difference to how green and healthy your grass looks, especially in summer.
Water properly, not just in little drizzles
When it comes to watering your lawn in summer, a quick sprinkle now and then won’t do much good. What your grass really needs is a proper soak a couple of times a week. This helps the water reach right down to the roots, encouraging them to grow deeper and making your lawn stronger and more able to cope with the heat. Light watering only wets the surface, which can actually make things worse by encouraging shallow roots that dry out quickly.
The best time to water is early in the morning before the sun gets too hot. That way, the water has time to soak in properly instead of evaporating off the surface. It’s a simple step but getting it right can make all the difference to how healthy and green your lawn looks through the summer.
Tidy up the edges
This one’s a small job that makes a big difference. Even if you haven’t had time to do much else in the garden, trimming the edges of your lawn instantly makes the whole space look neater and more looked after. It frames everything nicely and gives your lawn that sharp, clean finish.
Whether you’ve got borders running alongside paths, patios, or flowerbeds, giving them a quick tidy with a strimmer can really lift the look of the garden. It doesn’t take long, but it adds that extra bit of polish that makes everything feel a bit more put together.
Get rid of thatch and moss
If your lawn’s looking a bit dull, spongy, or just not growing the way it should, you might have a build-up of thatch. That’s the layer of dead grass, moss, and other bits that sit on the surface and stop water, air, and nutrients from getting down to the roots where they’re needed.
To sort it, you’ll want to scarify the lawn, in layman’s terms, it just means giving it a proper clear-out. A lawn scarifier makes the job much easier and pulls all the rubbish out in no time, so your grass has space to grow back healthier and thicker. It’s one of those jobs where you’ll see the improvement really quickly, especially during the growing season.
No matter what you have planned for your lawn this summer, we have all the tools and expertise necessary to help you get the job done. With over 50 years of experience and 18 tool hire depots located across the North West, as well as in major cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, we’re never too far away!
If you can’t make it to one of our depots, no problem. You can order online, and we’ll deliver your equipment straight to your door. If you have any questions or want some advice on the best gear for your garden, don’t hesitate to give our friendly team a call on 0333 323 2100. We’re always happy to help!
