July Turf Tips

You may have noticed your lawn discolouring to a light brown, or grass growth slowing down. Don’t worry – this is normal! Although it might appear to be struggling, this is just a response to July’s hot and dry conditions. It will quickly revive itself once it rains. And in the UK, it’s sure to rain!

But there’s also lots you can do to support your turf’s health during the summer. Helping to maintain a gorgeous, usable lawn and continue to rebuild its strength and resilience. Whether you’re a professional landscaper, a developer sprucing up show homes or a homeowner chasing lawn envy from the neighbours, this is the guide for you.

8 Top Turf Care Tips for July Lawns

1. Mow Like a Pro

July is the perfect time to give your lawn a lift! And maintaining high turf heights will deliver optimal results. Aim to cut as little as possible, as much as possible. Regular cuts at a high mower setting will still encourage grass growth, while maintaining a decent height to provide sufficient shade for the soil and roots. Longer grass blades also collect more water, which goes directly to the roots.

2. Mow at Dawn or Dusk

When it comes to mowing your lawn, we strongly recommend mowing either first thing in the morning or at night (obviously, be mindful of the neighbours). These are times when the sun and evaporation levels are at their lowest, and air temperatures are at their coolest. Not only will this help protect your turf, but it will be a nicer experience for you, too!

3. Leave Short Grass Clippings

Higher mowing heights should mean shorter grass clippings. During July, it won’t hurt your turf if you leave a thin surface layer of grass clippings. This will act as organic mulch, shading the grass and soil below and helping to retain moisture during the warm weather. As the grass clippings decompose, they also feed your turf with essential nutrients – win-win!

Still unsure our grass clippings? Our blog on whether your should leave grass clippings on your lawn might help.

4. Feeding Your Lawn

Warmer weather and humid conditions mean our turf is working overtime! So, if you’re wondering whether you should feed your lawn in July, the answer is: yes! A little seasonal boost won’t do it much harm. If you applied a spring fertiliser earlier in the year, then now is the ideal time to add a second treatment.

Look for a low-release summer lawn feed, such as our Envy fertiliser, with lower nutrient levels or drought-tolerant qualities. If you’re a landscaper or developer, regular summer feeding ensures lawns on your properties stay show-ready and vibrant for potential buyers or clients. New to fertilising? Discover everything you need to know with our fertilising guide.

5. Weed Out the Competition

Weeding is a continuous turf task throughout the summer. If you give them an inch, they’ll take over the entire lawn! Dandelions and clovers thrive this time of year, but regular mowing will help suppress them. For odd weeds that pop up, remove them by hand or with a weed puller, and treat the area with a weed killer. Don’t leave them for too long, as they will flower and self-seed, causing more work for yourself!

Worried that weeding might damage your turf? Our blog guides you how to weed your lawn without killing your grass!

6. Water Smarter, Not Harder

Established lawns with healthy root systems shouldn’t need watering. Browning is a natural seasonal occurrence, but if you don’t like the look or feel of brown grass, you can give your lawn a deep soak once or twice a week. Deep watering encourages strong root growth, helping your lawn withstand heat waves and dry spells.

New lawns laid in July will require regular watering, sometimes twice a day, depending on the weather conditions. Read our helpful blog for more information on how often to water your new summer lawn.

7. Let Your Turf Breathe

Typically, when we refer to this, we are talking about aeration. However, when the nice weather draws us outside, we’re prone to leaving furniture, ornaments and toys across our lawns for the entire summer. This can cause indentations within the turf. Large items can block sunlight, air and water from reaching the grass below – causing it to stress, suffocate or die.

8. Check for Ants

Ants and their nests can become more prevalent during the summer months. Left alone, an ant nest can create mounds above your turf, causing an uneven surface and an unsightly view. They can also stunt grass growth, allowing weeds and moss to take over. If you spot an ant’s nest, sweep it away with a broom and use a pest killer on the area if they keep returning.

Are ants taking over your lawn? Head to our blog to discover how to get rid of ant nests on your lawn.

Can You Lay Turf in July?

Absolutely! We’ve supported numerous landscapers and homeowners in transforming their gardens with fresh turf. As we always say, the secret to a successful lawn is effective group prepping. In July, timing and watering are also essential. Due to the heat, turf rolls have a shorter life span in July. Even though we can deliver them to you within 24 hours of being harvested, you must be ready to roll them out to get the most out of your July and summer lawn.

Choose The Right Type of Turf for Your Project

We have a wide range of natural grass turf ideal for your commercial or domestic landscaping project:

Trident Turf

Clover Turf

Wild Flower Turf

RTF Turf

Species Rich Turf

Shade Tolerant Turf

Speak to the Experts

Giving your lawn a little care and attention in July really sets the stage for summer success. A healthy lawn doesn’t just look the bees’ knees, it saves time, money, and effort down the line. Meaning you can enjoy your lawn for years to come. For more information, get in touch with our helpful customer service team.

For landscapers, be sure to check out our Trades Account and how we can help you elevate your projects and services further.

FAQs

Should I feed my lawn in July?

If you fertilised your lawn in spring, then July is the perfect time to apply a second treatment. It’s important to note that fertiliser needs water and moisture to really take effect. So, if we’re experiencing a very dry July, fertiliser might not work. Check the weather conditions and wait to apply after a day or two of rain. Discover everything you need to know about seeding and feeding right here.

Should I scarify my lawn in July?

No. July and hot summers are not the ideal time to be scarifying your lawn. The soil may be too dry or stressed from the heat, and scarifying the area can cause further damage. Again, wait for cooler, damper conditions so your lawn can get the most from scarifying.

Can I lay grass seed in July?

Regrowing or repairing your lawn is better during spring and autumn weather conditions. In July, the ground air may be too dry and the air temperature too high for the grass seed to root and thrive. If it’s a small area you’re seeding, soak the area with water, scatter the grass seeds, and gently press them into the ground. We recommend covering the area to prevent pets from walking over it and to deter hungry birds from eating the seeds.

How often should I cut my grass in July?

In July, you should aim to mow your lawn at least once a week, depending on the weather conditions. You should also set your lawn mower at a higher height to keep the grass blades longer. This will still encourage growth, whilst helping to protect turf from the heat. Curious about seasonal mowing heights? Our guide on ‘how high to mow your lawn’ should help.

How often should I water my lawn in July?

Firstly, if we experience heavy or regular rain in July, then your turf will not require further watering. In fact, you should keep an eye on your lawn to see if any water is pooling on the surface. This could indicate poor drainage, and your turf may need aerating.

If we’re having a hot, dry July, water your lawn once or twice a week, giving it a thorough drink. Aim to water your lawn in the morning or evening, before the sun is too strong and evaporation levels become too high.  For more information, head to our handy blog on how often you should water new turf.