Don't mow your lawn during a heatwave. Here's what to do instead, according to an expert

Yahoo

3 days ago

This summer is a hot one. So much so, in fact, that much of the country is expected to see a hotter-than-usual season, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada's summer forecast.
Though hot weather does invite people outside to enjoy patios and backyards, a heat wave is not the time to mow your lawn, according to experts.
Mowing during extreme heat can cause lawn damage and sustained temperatures above 32 degrees without water can lead to wilting, browning or even kill the grass. Plus, engaging in yard work during hot weather could lead to heat exhaustion or sunstroke.
How to care for your lawn during a heat wave
"While the warm weather might seem like a great opportunity to make your garden look neat and tidy, gardening in the heat can actually be a bad idea," said Colleen McGrory, senior product manager at Homestars.com.
"If you cut your grass, the blades will be more exposed to the sun and the soil will also suffer," she said. "This issue will lead to bare patches on your lawn, which will take time and effort to repair."
Leave it be
Sometimes the best action is no action at all. Letting the grass grow can help it cope with any heat-related stress. In hot weather, longer grass with taller stems can help sustain a microclimate at the soil level. Keeping the grass between 2.5 centimetres to 5 centimetres is recommended.
Don't water in direct sunlight
Skip the sprinkler, too. Watering your lawn in hot, direct sunlight can actually cause damage. Instead, water it during cooler parts of the day, like early mornings or late at night.
Aqua Joe Jumbo Oscillating Sprinkler
If you absolutely must water your lawn, wait until the sun goes down, or strike before it goes up. This sprinkler is backed by a whopping 38,000 reviews, with an average rating of 4.4 stars.
Leave clippings behind
While it's best to avoid mowing altogether, consider leaving clippings on the lawn as mulch, which can help retain moisture, serve as a protective barrier and add nutrients.
MEKKAPRO Leaf Scoops and Claws
If you have a pile of grass clippings lying around, scoop it up and spread it across your yard to provide extra protection from the sun.
Plant native plants
Meadow-inspired yards with diverse, native plants can cope better with drought than grass, which is a monoculture. Native plants also help support pollinators like bees, butterflies and birds. Visit Watersheds Canada's Native Plant Database to see which native species work in your area.
Canadian Wildflower Seeds
This seed mix is specifically formulated for Canadian gardens. With a mix of 20 varieties of perennial and annual wildflower seeds, this will diversify your yard and attract pollinators, too.
Add shade
Provide relief to your lawn with shade of any kind, including umbrellas, canopies, pergolas, arbours, or planting trees or shrubs. Shade can help lower water loss and create a cooler microclimate.
Simple Deluxe Outdoor Patio Umbrella
With a nine-foot diametre, this crank umbrella can help protect some of your yard (and you!) from the relentless heat by tilting and angling it towards the sun.
Protect yourself
Don't forget to shade yourself, too! If you're working in the garden in hot weather, wear a hat, apply sunscreen and take regular breaks to drink water in the shade. If not, heat exhaustion or heat stroke could strike.
EINSKEY Sun Hat for Men and Women
A heat wave is not the time to do extended outdoor work. Be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat with UV protection, like this one with UPF 50+.
Don't step on it
If possible, avoid heavy foot traffic on the grass during heat waves, which could cause further stress and cause soil compaction.
Keep Off the Grass Sign
Worried about excess foot traffic? Rope off grassy areas or install a suggestive sign.
Re-seed your lawn
A heatwave can wreck havoc on your lawn, but don't sweat it too much. By following the above tips, your lawn will likely bounce back quickly at the next rainfall. However, if it's left looking a little scorched and bald, you might have to re-seed. An ideal time to seed lawns in Canada are mid-August to mid-September.
Scotts Ez-Seed Patch and Repair
Fill in any bare spots with an easy-to-use seed. Reviewers say this product works fast to fill in gaps, with one noting a patch grew in "within a week."