Latest news with #Homestars
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Don't mow your lawn during a heatwave. Here's what to do instead, according to an expert
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 "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."
CTV News
24-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Expert shares how to protect your grass during the extreme heatwave
This week will see temperatures reach above 30C degrees across the region and while it might seem like the perfect sunny day to get outside and cut your grass, mowing your lawn in the extreme heat could cause serious damage. According to experts, cutting the grass in hot temperatures can destroy or even kill the blades, leaving ugly brown patches in the yard. Here is a tip. Allowing the lawn to grow during the heat actually protects the blade and the soil from the strong sun rays. While the nice weather might seem like a great opportunity to make your garden look glorious, gardening in the heat can be a bad idea. 'High temperatures and strong sun exposure can damage plants and that includes grass blades. If you cut your grass, the blades will be more exposed to the sun, and the soil will also suffer. This issue will lead to bare patches on your lawn which will take time and effort to repair,' said Colleen McGrory from If you really want to shape up the lawn during this scorching strike, here are a few things experts say to consider: Reduce foot traffic While you'll want to enjoy your yard in the nice weather, be mindful of heavy foot traffic on your grass. Walking along the lawn will stress it, which can cause further damage during heatwave. Let it grow Letting your grass grow a little longer allows it to cope with heat stress. Longer grass in hot weather acts as a 'micro jungle,' with taller stems helping to sustain a microclimate at soil level. Experts recommend Keeping your lawn length up to five centimeters. Raise your mower The cutting height of your mower should be increased during dry conditions. The majority of lawn mowers have different height settings. A higher setting will allow valuable moisture to be trapped, limiting evaporation and encouraging stronger, deeper roots to grow. Lots of water If you need to cut the grass when it's hot, be prepared to regularly water it with about one inch of water per week, using a sprinkler, watering can, irrigation system or garden hose. Give it shade Shade helps to lower water loss through evaporation, which in turn creates a cooler climate, reducing the need for frequent watering while maintaining grass health and providing much-needed relief for your lawn.
