Gardeners can keep their lawns green during hot July weather by simply raising the cutting height on their mower once a week, according to lawn care expert Robbie Lynn from Premier Lawns. This easy adjustment helps grass retain moisture, stay healthy, and resist heat stress.
Why Lawns Turn Yellow in Summer
Many lawns become yellow and lifeless in summer because most people mow the grass incorrectly. Cutting grass too short causes the soil to dry out faster and forces the grass to focus energy on regrowing blades instead of developing deep roots. Without strong roots, grass cannot store enough water or energy to survive high temperatures, leading to dry, patchy, yellow lawns.
The Simple Fix: Raise Your Mower Blades
Robbie Lynn explained: “A longer sward will shade the ground and help to retain soil moisture. Nature has designed grass blades to channel rainwater towards the soil – the longer the grass blades, the better they can perform this task.” Raising the mower blades allows grass to stay taller, which keeps the ground cooler, reduces water evaporation, and prevents root stress.
Additional Tips for a Greener Lawn
Mowing later in the day, when temperatures are cooler, helps reduce water loss from freshly cut grass and gives it a better chance to recover. Removing as little grass as possible each time you mow also reduces stress and prevents bare patches. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing retains moisture and keeps the blades hydrated.
By following these simple practices, gardeners can maintain a lush, green lawn that becomes the envy of the neighborhood, even during summer heatwaves.
