Ah, the noble task of taming the wild grasses under the fiery gaze of the sun! First and foremost, unless your grass is more than 6″ tall, my advice is DO NOT MOW. You’ll thank me in the morning. Mowing your lawn in temperatures exceeding 100°F is a daring endeavor indeed; but worry not, brave lawnscaper, for if the desire to mow is all-consuming, here are some dos and don’ts of lawn care in the heat:
Dos:
- Choose the Right Time: Even the mightiest landscapers rest during the peak heat of the day. Opt for early morning or late afternoon when the blazing sun takes a slight breather.
- Stay Hydrated: Just as a mower needs fuel, your body needs hydration. Guzzle water like it’s liquid armor and protect yourself from dehydration.
- Dress like SPF is a matter of life and death: Cover up like you’re preparing for an epic walk in the desert. Long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen will be your shield.
- Adjust Mower Height: Set your mower blades to a higher setting and mow rarely. This leaves your grass slightly taller, shading the soil and retaining moisture better.
- Mulching Magic: If your mower has a mulching option, use it. Mulched grass acts like a protective force field, keeping moisture locked in and shielding the soil from the unforgiving sun.
Don’ts:
- No Midday Madness: As tempting as it might be to prove your mettle in the blazing sun, avoid mowing during the midday inferno. This is a recipe for both a crispy lawn and an even crispier you.
- Say No to Short Cuts: Cutting your grass too short might seem like a brilliant shortcut, but it’s more like diving into a black hole of parched soil and lawn stress. Keep it a bit longer to hold onto moisture (see above dos).
- Skip the Rush: Rushing through the job with all possible haste won’t end well. Slow down, take breaks, and appreciate the lushness of your lawn.
- Don’t Be a Sensitive Sensor: If your mower has a heat sensor that prevents it from starting in high temperatures, don’t try to outsmart it. The machine knows its limits better than you do.
- Avoid Energy Wastage: Save your precious energy for exploring the inside of your air-conditioned home. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the heat, it’s okay to postpone the mowing until the weather is more reasonable.
Just remember that this too will pass, and you will have green lawns once again!