The December holidays are fast approaching, bringing with them days filled with braaing, swimming, and quality time with family. It’s the season when we spend more time in our gardens than at any other time of the year. But, as South Africans know all too well, summer can bring major storms or persistent rain for a day or two!
“Rain-soaked gardens are a double-edged sword, says Husqvarna’s Marketing Manager, Timothy Isabirye. “On the one hand, your lawn becomes lush and green; on the other, those dreaded weeds and the potential for lawn diseases and pests make it harder to maintain the perfect space for barefoot garden games or lounging in the sun.”
To help you tackle the challenges of a soggy lawn, Isabirye shares Husqvarna’s expert tips for maintaining a healthy, family-friendly garden during the rainy season.
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1. Aerate for a Healthier Lawn
Compacted soil is a common issue during the rainy season. It happens when the ground becomes too tightly packed, restricting air, water, and nutrients from reaching the roots. Aerating your lawn improves water drainage and ensures that essential nutrients reach them. To do this, you need to create small holes in the soil to enhance air, water, and nutrient absorption, promoting healthier grass growth. Husqvarna offers an aerator attachment, perfect for use with your Husqvarna Ride-On Front Mowers or Husqvarna Garden Tractors. For those without a tractor, a manual hand-held aerator will also work, leaving your grass healthier and better equipped to handle heavy rains.
2. Topdress Low Spots
Fill low spots with a sandy loam topdressing to level out your lawn. This will also improve drainage and reduce pooling in the future.
3. Allow the Lawn to Dry
After heavy rains, let your waterlogged lawn dry out for a day or two first before trying to mow or walk on it as this can lead to compaction. Additionally, keep an eye out for any sign of disease or pests as prolonged moisture can create the perfect environment for mould, fungi, and insect infestations.
4. Maintain the Right Height
Mow with care! While it’s tempting to cut your lawn short to reduce mowing frequency, this can damage the grass and make it more vulnerable to weeds. Set your mower to a higher cutting height to encourage strong roots and a denser lawn. Husqvarna’s range of adjustable mowers ensures precise cuts that promote healthier growth. Looking for a mowing-free summer? Consider the Husqvarna Automower to keep your lawn pristine (and at the perfect height) without you having to lift a finger!
5. Take Control of Weeds
Weeds thrive in wet conditions, so you need to stay ahead of them. Regular weeding and applying a high-quality weed killer can save your grass from being overtaken. Husqvarna’s grass trimmers are also great for targeting problem areas without disturbing the surrounding grass.
6. Feed your Lawn
Apply a slow-release fertiliser designed for your local conditions. This will provide steady nourishment to strengthen your grass as it prepares for the hot summer months ahead.
“With South Africa’s great weather, our gardens are an extension of our homes, particularly in summer,” says Isabirye. “From robotic mowers that cut your grass while you relax to versatile trimmers and aerators, Husqvarna helps you spend less time maintaining your lawn and more time enjoying it with your loved ones,” he concludes.
For more information on Husqvarna’s lawn care solutions, visit www.husqvarna.com/za
