ESSENTIAL SUMMER LAWNCARE TIPS FOR GREEN GARDEN
Summers are beautiful, but they’re tough on lawns. High temperatures, winds, and intense sunlight can quickly turn lush green grass into brittle brown patches. The good news? With the right approach and the right tools, you can maintain a healthy lawn all season long.
Here’s how to work smarter and protect your lawn during the summer.
1. Raise Your Mowing Height to Protect Grass Roots
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make in summer is cutting grass too short. Short grass exposes the soil to direct sunlight. This causes moisture to evaporate faster and weakens roots. Instead, slightly raise your mower height. Longer blades provide shade to the soil, helping retain moisture and reduce stress.
Pro Tip: Aim to cut only the top one-third of the grass blade to avoid shocking the plant. Removing more at once can weaken grass and reduce its ability to cope with summer stress (Henchem).
For smaller gardens or eco-conscious homeowners, choose cordless solutions like the XRM-18 18V Li-Ion Cordless Reel Mower. It allows for precise, low-noise trimming, perfect for maintaining neat lawns without disturbing the neighbourhood. The cylinder mower provides a scissor-like cut, sealing the grass blade instead of tearing it, which prevents brown tips and disease.
For medium-to-large sized lawns or areas without easy plug access, invest in a petrol option such as the RM-145P 145cc Petrol Lawnmower. It gives you the freedom to move without worrying about extension leads. The 4-stroke OHV engine means no messy fuel mixing, and the durable steel deck handles harsh sun better than plastic alternatives.
If you’re maintaining a large lawn with reliable access to power, select a robust electric mower like the RM-2410 2400W Electric Lawnmower. It delivers consistent cutting performance even after summer rain. The central height adjustment makes switching to a higher setting effortless, and the GT transmission ensures high torque for thicker patches.
2. Best Time to Mow Your Lawn in Summer 
Avoid mowing in the midday heat. The best times are mid-morning or late afternoon. This reduces stress on your grass and on you. Heat-stressed lawns recover slower. Pairing correct timing with efficient cutting tools helps prevent long-term damage.
If you’re maintaining smaller sections or detailed edges, the compact and manoeuvrable XBSM-330 18V Brushless Scissor Mower. It offers controlled trimming, especially around pathways and tight spaces. The brushless motor extends runtime, and the dual-action blades tackle tough grass like Kikuyu runners without damaging nearby flower beds.
3. Precision Edge Trimming for a Healthy Summer Garden
Crisp edges boost your lawn’s appearance, but over-trimming weakens grass along borders. For controlled edging around driveways and garden beds, select electric models like the RLT-710 710W Line Trimmer. It provides lightweight handling for regular maintenance. Look for an edging wheel to roll along concrete for a perfect 90-degree cut without scalping turf.
For tougher overgrowth or larger properties, the added power of the RLT-1060 1000W Line Trimmer with split shaft or a petrol-driven option like the RPT-3000 Line Trimmer 30cc 2 Stroke makes clearing dense grass more efficient. The RLT-1060 is particularly versatile for enthusiasts as the split-shaft design allows you to swap the trimmer head for other attachments like a pole pruner or hedge trimmer, adding value to your tool shed.
If you’re already using Ryobi’s 18V cordless platform, the cordless XLT-240 18V Li-Ion Line Trimmer offers freedom and quick touch-ups. Since it shares the same battery as your drill or driver, you can swap packs and continue working without downtime.
4. Clear Grass Clippings & Debris to Prevent Lawn Burn Patches
Leaving thick clumps of grass on your lawn during high heat can suffocate healthy growth and create yellow spots. After mowing, use a blower to distribute light clippings or remove excess buildup.
For smaller gardens and patios, the XJB-150 18V Li-Ion Axial Flow Jet Fan Blower is lightweight and easy to grab for quick clean-ups. Don’t let the size fool you; the axial fan design maximizes air volume to clear damp grass clippings that stick to pavement.
If you’re dealing with heavier leaf fall or seasonal debris, the versatility of the RBV-3350 3-in-1 3000W Blower Mulching Vacuum allows you to vacuum and mulch waste, keeping your lawn breathable. With a 10:1 mulching ratio, you can turn ten bags of garden waste into one bag of nutrient-rich mulch to feed back into your flower beds.
For larger properties, the RBV-5200 52cc Backpack Blower Vacuum reduces fatigue while clearing wide areas efficiently. Its anti-vibration harness is a gamechanger for long sessions, and the high air velocity handles wet, heavy debris with ease.
5. Avoid Overworking Your Grass in Extreme Temperatures
In extreme heat, less is often more. Avoid mowing too frequently during dry spells. Let the lawn develop deeper roots by maintaining consistent but moderate cutting intervals.
Keep blades sharp. Dull blades tear grass, causing jagged edges that turn brown and lose water rapidly. Ryobi service centres can restore your blades to like-new performance.
TL;DR
Keeping your lawn green in peak summer isn’t about working harder — it’s about working smarter. Adjust your mowing height, trim responsibly, clear debris regularly, and choose tools suited to your garden’s size and needs.
With the right approach and reliable equipment, your lawn can stay vibrant long after the heatwave passes. And with Ryobi’s wide network of parts and service support across Africa, you can rest assured that your machines will be ready for next season too.
FAQs
How often should I mow my lawn in peak summer?
Mow weekly in summer to keep grass healthy. Fast-growing varieties like Kikuyu may need mowing twice weekly, but never remove more than one-third of the grass height at once to avoid stress.
What’s the best time of day to mow in summer?
Mow mid-morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Midday mowing in high heat increases stress on the grass and can scorch turf.
Should I set my mower blade higher in summer?
Yes, raising your cutting height helps shade the soil, reduce moisture loss, and protect roots. Taller grass also helps crowd out weeds.
How much should I water my lawn during hot weather?
Lawns typically need deep, infrequent watering, about 20–30 litres per m² once or twice a week, to encourage deep roots and reduce evaporation.
Can I leave grass clippings on the lawn?
Yes. Leaving small amounts of clippings returns nutrients to the soil, helping moisture retention and reducing fertiliser needs — a technique known as grass-cycling.
When and how should I spray pest or nutrient treatments?
Apply sprays during the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late afternoon) and target specific areas with equipment designed for even distribution.
What’s the difference between a trimmer and a brush cutter?
A trimmer is ideal for edging and light weed control, while a brush cutter handles tougher vegetation and thicker patches that a mower can’t.
How do I trim hedges without damaging plants?
Use the correct hedge trimmer and trim after inspecting plants for nesting birds or wildlife. Always cut sparsely to maintain airflow and light through the plant.
Is it better to water lawns in the morning or evening?
Morning watering is best; it reduces evaporation and fungal disease risk, allowing water to soak into the soil before nightfall.
How do I choose the right garden power tools for summer?
Match tools to the job: lawnmowers for regular grass cutting, trimmers & brush cutters for edges and overgrowth, and sprayers for pest control and nutrient applications.
Reference List:
Click to expand references
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), 2023. Lawn Care and Maintenance Guidelines for South Africa. [online] Available at: https://www.daff.gov.za/ [Accessed 20 Feb. 2026].
Efficacy News Africa, 2025. Summer Garden Care Made Easy with Husqvarna Tips. [online] Available at: https://efficacynews.africa/2025/11/04/summer-garden-care-made-easy-with-husqvarna-tips/ [Accessed 20 Feb. 2026].
Garden & Home, 2023. Keep Your Lawn Healthy and Vibrant in the Heat. [online] Available at: https://www.gardenandhome.co.za/gardening/keep-your-lawn-healthy-and-vibrant-in-the-heat/
[Accessed 20 Feb. 2026].
GSR Outdoor, 2022. How to Mow Your Lawn Properly in South Africa’s Summer Heat. [online] Available at: https://gsroutdoor.co.za/how-to-mow-your-lawn-properly-in-south-africas-summer-heat/ [Accessed 20 Feb. 2026].
Henchem. n.d. Turf grass management. South Africa: Henchem Environmental Management Solutions. Available at: https://henchem.co.za/turf-grass-management/ (Accessed: 12 February 2026).
Lifestyle & Tech, 2025. Your Summer Garden Game Plan: Kwagga Smith’s Winning Tips for the Season. [online] Available at: https://lifestyleandtech.co.za/just-life/article/2025-10-30/your-summer-garden-game-plan-kwagga-smith-s-winning-tips-for-the-season [Accessed 20 Feb. 2026].
SA Gardening Advice, 2022. Grasscycling and Lawn Management Tips. [online] Available at: https://www.sagardeningadvice.co.za/ [Accessed 20 Feb. 2026].
Smith, A., 2023. How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn? Tips for a Greener Garden. [online] Available at: https://smithpower.co.za/how-often-should-you-mow-your-lawn-tips-for-a-greener-garden/ [Accessed 20 Feb. 2026].