Lawn Maintenance Tips for Nature and Insects in Summer
Frequency of Lawn Mowing in Summer Months
To promote a harmonious garden ecosystem, you should lessen mowing during summer. This approach supports soil protection and biodiversity, including valuable habitats for beneficial insects. Instead of mowing weekly, consider mowing every 7 to 10 days, depending on grass type and growth rate. However, for those who prefer a manicured look, mowing every 5 to 7 days may still be necessary [1][2][4].
The Right Cutting Height to Favor Flowers
For a lush, flowery lawn resilient in summer heat, it's advised to set your mower higher. This encourages deeper root growth, helping plants endure scorching temperatures. For cold-season grasses, set the mowing height at the highest recommended level during summer. For warm-season grasses, maintain a higher height than typical to boost root growth and resist heat [1][4].
Following the One-Third Rule
Regardless of mowing frequency, remember to follow the one-third rule: never slice off more than one-third of the grass blade at once. Maintaining this rule helps grasses recover quickly and fosters robust growth [2][4].
Further Tips for Boosting Biodiversity
- Let Some Areas Grow Wild: Set aside areas of your lawn as meadows or wildflower havens to support local biodiversity.
- Opt for Variety: Incorporate flowering plants and native species into your lawn to draw beneficial insects and pollinators.
- Tend to Healthy Soil: Focus on holistic lawn care methods to foster a nutrient-rich soil teeming with beneficial microorganisms [2].
[1] Land Wandel, (n.d.), Garden Calendar: How often should you mow your lawn in the summer?
[2] The Spruce, (2020), New Lawn Care Tips for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Gardens
[3] The University of Vermont Extension, (n.d.), Garden Calendar for New England Lawns
[4] The National Wildlife Federation, (2020), Make Your Yard a Wildlife Habitat
- To further promote a balanced community in your garden, consider adopting the 'Community policy' of letting some areas grow wild, creating meadows or wildflower havens that encourage local biodiversity.
- For an eco-friendly 'home-and-garden' lifestyle, opt for a 'gardening' practice that prioritizes native plant species and holistic lawn care methods to foster a nutrient-rich soil teeming with beneficial microorganisms, attracting beneficial insects and pollinators.
