Summer Lawn Care: Professional Tips for Peak Season
As the summer heat intensifies in the Boland, your lawn needs regular, expert care to remain lush, resilient, and visually appealing. High-end residential estates and corporate campuses are judged by their green spaces, and nowโs the time to invest in a few critical tasks to keep your grass in top condition.
1. Mow WeeklyโBut Not Too Short
In high summer, lawns should be mown once a week, taking off just the top growth each time. Avoid scalping, cutting too short increases stress and can expose roots to the harsh sun. This approach encourages strong, steady growth and reduces weed invasion across larger landscapes.
2. Apply Fertiliser for a Vital Boost
Early summer is the perfect window for fertilising your lawn before the brunt of the heat arrives. The past summer was especially hot (Christmas Day reached 45ยฐC), and the difference between those who pre-fertilised before summer and those who didn’t was clear for all to see. Fertiliser strengthens both colour and root system, helping grass look its best over the festive period, no matter how hot. At Greenfingers Landscaping, we recommend BOOST 31, which not only enhances colour but also improves root health for lasting results. Always water fertiliser in thoroughlyโpoor watering can scorch the grass, an expensive mistake especially on large properties.
3. Control Lawn Pests and Weeds
Summer is prime season for lawn pests, especially worms and weeds. Warm, moist soil and fewer rain showers mean itโs an ideal time to apply treatments. We use products like cypermethrin (also known colloquially as Super-Mitrine) for grub control, and apply targeted weed solutions at this time to ensure effective absorption with minimal runoff. Watch for signs of activity: if you see small yellow wasp-like insects (called scoliid wasps, from the family Scoliidae) hovering above the lawn, you may have a worm problem beneath the surface.
4. Water Daily and Monitor Closely
During peak heat, established lawns in exposed sites may require daily watering, especially in the absence of rain. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow deeper, which improves drought-resilienceโa key concern for commercial and estate landscapes in the Western Cape. Remember that both overwatering and under-watering can cause long-term damage.
Quick Checklist for Dedicated Estates, Facilities & Homeowners
- Mow weekly, but never scalp.
- Fertilise with BOOST 31 or a similar balanced formula; water in well.
- Treat for worms and weeds as soon as symptoms appear.
- Water deeply; early morning is best.
- Remove mower clippings for a neat finish unless mulching is specified.
- Watch for signs of pests (like yellow wasps) or uneven growth.
Proper summer lawn care is an investment in your propertyโs long-term value and aesthetic standard. For high-end residential, estate, or commercial landscape management in Paarl and the Boland, partner with Greenfingers Landscaping for expert, proactive solutions all season long.
