Gardening expert reveals vital step to keeping your lawn green and healthy during the summer heat

The Sun

09-05-2025

USING this one simple trick will help improve the health of your garden in warm weather, according to experts.
Bokashi Living revealed that mulch is the one crucial element to keeping a healthy garden.
6
6
Applying a thick layer to your lawn will help boost soil health and protect your grass.
The mulch will protect your soil from sun exposure and ensure your plants stay healthy in the summer heat.
Gardening experts said this one trick will allow your plants to absorb all the nutrients from the surrounding soil.
A thick layer of mulch will also reduce water evaporation from the soil according to the experts.
Heatwaves can make it difficult to maintain a healthy looking lawn but a good layer of mulch will help with this.
High temperatures and blazing sunlight can leave your grass brown, dry and prone to damage.
6
6
The heat and sunlight accelerates water evaporation from your soil leaving your plants and grass parched.
Even regularly watering your garden may not help with water quickly being baked out of the soil in hot weather.
Gardening mistakes that could get you fined
Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking.
While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues.
Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research.
The gardening experts reveal: 'If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. "
While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it.
'But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn.
The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO.
You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer.
Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing.
To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries
'Most of the time, it's easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side," they add.
'Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance.
"Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height.
"Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn't have a problem.'
Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade.
But if it obstructs your neighbour's view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures.
'If you're not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you're planning and, if there's an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance," advise the gardening experts.
Overhanging branches and plants: 'When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour's tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance," reveal the pros.
However, it's important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing.
You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don't have permission to enter your neighbours garden.
A layer of mulch helps to lock in moisture and nutrients and create a cool, wet surface for your plants to thrive in.
There is a huge variety of mulch you can use to help protect your plants from the heat this summer.
6
6
Mulch is commonly made from organic material such as leaf mould, rotted manure or composted woodchips.
Standard garden compost will also do the trick but mulch can even be made out of gravel and rocks.
By composting garden and kitchen waste you can even make your own mulch.
Gardening experts recommend using a thick layer of mulch this summer, homemade or shop-bought.