A freshly cut lawn should look clean, healthy, and even. But during extreme heat, mowing can cause the opposite effect. Homeowners may notice brown streaks, dry patches, wheel marks, or a dull, scorched look shortly after cutting. This damage is often caused by mowing when the lawn is already under heat and drought stress.
Grass is a living plant. During hot, dry weather, it works hard to hold moisture and protect itself. When you mow in the middle of the day, you remove part of the grass blade while the plant is already fighting the heat. That can shock the lawn. The result is often browning, thinning, or visible mower tracks.
The best way to avoid heat-related damage from mowing is to mow at the right height and at the right time of day. Never cut your lawn shorter than 2.5 to 3 inches. Longer grass holds moisture better, shades the soil, and helps protect the roots. You should also avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at one time. Cutting too much at once stresses the plant and can leave the lawn looking scalped.
Timing matters. When possible, mow when the lawn is dry, either early in the morning or later in the evening. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day. If you must mow in the heat, water deeply immediately after mowing to help reduce shock.
Sharp mower blades also make a big difference. A dull blade tears the grass instead of cutting it cleanly. Torn grass loses moisture faster and can turn brown at the tips. Keeping your mower blade sharp helps the lawn heal faster and look cleaner after each cut.
Watering properly is just as important. Apply about 1 inch, or 25 mm, of water every 5 to 7 days, preferably in the early morning. During extreme heat or dry conditions, increase watering to 1 inch every three days. You can measure this with an empty tuna can placed on the lawn while watering. When the can is full, your lawn has received about 1 inch of water.
A healthy summer lawn starts with smart habits. Mow high. Mow at the right time. Keep your blade sharp. Water deeply. These small steps can prevent stress and help your lawn stay greener through Ottawa’s hottest weather.
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Jody MacInnis, GM Nutri-Lawn Ottawa - Lawn Care Division
