Common gardening mistake could cause grass to 'weaken' in hot weather

As summertemperatures rise, gardeningenthusiasts are being urged to take care when tending to their lawnsand plants. Experts warn that common mistakes could leave grass weakened and more susceptible to damage. Rhiannon Odey, content creator at Easy Garden Group, has highlighted frequent errors that homeowners often make during the warmer months.

One of the most damaging mistakes, according to Odey, is cutting the lawn too short. "Cutting grass too close weakens the roots, causes bare patches, and encourages weeds," she said. Grass that is mowed too short struggles to retain moisture, leaving it vulnerable to heat stress and drought.

To keep lawns healthy during summer, she recommends maintaining a height of around 5-7 cm.

For patchy or thinning areas, she suggests overseeding and applying a summer lawn feed to help lawns recover and maintain their strength.

Other common gardening missteps highlighted by Odey include overwatering, planting at the wrong time of day, skipping mulch, and ignoring shade requirements.

Overwatering can suffocate roots and promote disease, while planting in the heat of the day can shock young plants.

Skipping mulch reduces soil moisture retention and increases weed growth, and failing to consider shade needs can leave delicate plants scorched by the sun.

Each of these errors can compromise plant health and make gardens harder to maintain during the hottest months.

Protectivity, a provider of insurance for small businesses, collaborated with Odey to help homeowners understand these pitfalls. Sean Walsh, Head of Marketing at Protectivity, said: "Summer can be a great time to tackle DIY, home renovation, and home maintenance tasks. However, without proper planning, homeowners can easily end up making mistakes which could prove costly."

By following expert guidance and paying close attention to their garden's needs, homeowners can avoid these common mistakes and enjoy a lush, resilient garden throughout the summer.

Regular maintenance, careful watering, and mindful mowing practices not only improve the appearance of lawns and plants but also help prevent costly repairs or replacements later in the season.

With the right approach, even inexperienced gardeners can keep their outdoor spaces healthy, green, and thriving under the summer sun.