What happened to Spring?
Do you feel like we went from an incredibly long winter through a short and wet couple of months to oh my god it’s July already? I know I felt like our traditional Spring has been & gone in the blink of an eye. With no significant dry or warm spells during April, the perception was that winter dragged on even more than usual, with more of the same in May so by June I for one was getting desperate for some spring or summery weather and the chance to wear my summer shoes. However in terms of temperature the Met Office tell us that April was actually around normal, May although wetter and cloudier than average was apparently the warmest on record and while June started settled and we had a few nice days it wasn’t the long stretches of warm days we would really like to see.
Ongoing climate change really appears to be with us and the seasons are either merging together or disappearing into months of cool, cloudy nothingness. This actually means that monthly temperatures are more likely to be above average and this was, according to the experts, the case for Spring 2024 although there was only 80% of the normal sunshine we’d expect. The climate changes also play a surprising role in bringing heavier rain. Warmer air can evaporate more water from the oceans and for every 1°C rise in temperature we get 7% more moisture in the atmosphere. Across the UK we’ve had around one and a half times more rain than average and the wettest April since 2012.
What about Summer?
For July and August we are looking at more changeable conditions, with occasional bands of yes, more rain. The Met Office says there will be a good deal of dry, warm and settled weather in between the frontal systems and we are possibly looking at the best conditions here in the east of England where winds are meant to be lighter. It doesn’t sound like we’re in for a great summer but we’ll just have to wait & see, although the experts predict this summer will be warmer than average maybe even hitting that 1.5°C over pre-industrial levels we were meant to be trying to avoid.
Climate change has certainly impacted East Anglia which is actually the driest area in the UK. Fields flooded for months in the Spring when farmers were trying to sow crops, most people unable to get onto their grass until late May, it was like the fens had been reclaimed. Warmer temperatures and extended dry periods in Summer can also increase the risk of wildfires, you may remember from last year when the record high temperature of 40.3°C in Lincolnshire was a stark reminder of these changes.
How does the weather effect my mower?
We would expect that everyone is cutting their grass by now but for most of the spring it was too wet to get on the lawn due to the huge amount of rain we had. Grass grows over 5°C so warm and wet means the grass has been growing like mad. Once the ground has dried out enough to step foot onto the grass, we advise that for the first few cuts the mower is set at it’s highest level and lowered over the summer to give a shorter cut. It’s best to rake off long clippings as these can create a mat over the remaining lawn cutting out light and oxygen possibly damaging the grass underneath. Any diseased grass may also spread spores across the rest of the lawn with the same to be said for weeds, in both cases this can cause issues to the wider lawn.
So, if we do get extended dry periods during the summer, we gardeners should adapt to these conditions and take extra precautions as needed to prevent any fire hazards. One critical aspect related to lawnmowers is that dry debris around the engine, combined with heat and fuel, could easily ignite. Regular cleaning under the mower deck and removing grass buildup around the engine, exhaust and cooling fins is essential. You should avoid refueling a hot engine and always refuel on a hard surface away from dry grass.
Routine maintenance also plays a vital role in preventing overheating as clean air filters and adequate oil levels are crucial for the engine’s performance and safety. Simple tasks like checking the lawn for rocks and debris before mowing can prevent sparks from the blade by striking hard objects. These steps can significantly reduce the risk of fires caused by lawnmowers. In addition to maintenance, consider mowing during cooler parts of the day to reduce heat stress on both you and your equipment.
How green is your grass?
If you are looking for new grass in your garden, you have a number of options, from seed or turf to artificial grass. Seed may be the cheapest option, reduce transport costs and be an easier DIY job, however if you want an instant result with real grass you will need to look to turf instead. There are several alternatives within the world of turf these days, wildflower turf which can boost biodiversity and the more familiar standard turf of different grass types which is available from several local suppliers.
If you choose turf, the most important thing to remember once it’s laid, whether by a professional or yourself, is to ensure you give it enough water for it to establish. This may involve soaking the grass for long periods of time. When the weather is dry, experts advise watering during the cooler parts of the day and new turf needs the water to reach it’s roots. A tip from Sid Bibby Turf at Sutton is to carefully lift one corner of your turf and see if there is any moisture, if it is dry at the roots then you need further watering. The soil should be saturated with water twice daily for a couple of hours and remember joints need more water. You should avoid walking on the new lawn for at least 2 weeks, if the turf starts to shrink or shows gaps, it needs more water.
You should wait until the grass is about 3 inches long before even thinking about cutting it for the first time. When you do cut, you should take no more than 1/3 of the grass height each time. This is true of all real grass lawns not just new turf.
Hidden Costs of Artificial Grass
Artificial grass has gained popularity for its low maintenance and evergreen appearance, but its environmental impact is often under-estimated. While it might seem like an eco-friendly choice, synthetic turf has several hidden drawbacks. Firstly, the production of artificial grass involves a significant amount of petrochemicals which contribute to pollution and carbon emissions with the end product being basically plastic. Artificial grass also requires regular cleaning with water and chemicals to prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors, counteracting the low-maintenance appeal. Can you see yourself hoovering the grass? Plus over time synthetic turf degrades and must be replaced, adding to landfill waste.
Did you know that real grass actually has the ability to hold onto carbon almost as well as woodland, producing oxygen which is released into the atmosphere. In fact the World Resources Institute found that 34% of carbon is held in grassland while 39% is held in forests so if you are interested in the environment, having grass in your garden is a good thing. Real grass provides habitat for insects, birds, and small animals, supporting local biodiversity. Artificial grass holds no carbon at all and it can cause local temperatures to be higher due to absorbing and radiating heat. Natural grass cools the air and is lovely and cool to walk on if it’s a warm day while fake grass is hot and sticky in comparison.
So while artificial grass offers aesthetic advantages, its environmental costs are substantial. Natural grass remains a superior choice for those looking to support biodiversity, reduce carbon footprints, and create a healthier, cooler environment. For eco-conscious homeowners, the greenest option is still the real deal, grass!
Hayfever
A big summer downside for some 13 million people each year is Hayfever. It is a common allergy that causes sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes amongst other problems. You cannot cure it and symptoms extend from March to September, making the summer agonizing for sufferers especially when it’s warm, humid and windy.
Hayfever affects over a fifth of the UK population, with some people suffering their whole life while others can develop it later in life or find that it comes and goes from year to year. It is more common in people whose family members already have it or if you have asthma and occurs when people are sensitive to pollen, a fine powder which is released by lots of different plants and trees. Stuart used to suffer when he worked next to an oil seed rape field while Lee, who works with us on ride on mowers has to keep up with regular medication just to do his job!
The tree pollen season is from February to June and can cause very early hay fever symptoms. Grass pollen is usually in the air from May to July and is the most common allergen to cause hay fever while the weed pollen season runs from June to September. This explains why your hay fever symptoms may occur at a different time of year to someone else’s. The changing climate has seen some symptoms starting sooner and recent studies suggest that some types of pollen could be released earlier and for longer as temperatures rise, this may mean levels high enough to trigger hay fever as early in the year as January or February. It’s possible that climate change will also lead to changes in the potency of pollen, not good news for those who suffer from hayfever already.
The NHS suggests a variety of measures to help those who suffer
- Put petroleum jelly (eg Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen
- Wear wraparound sunglasses, a mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes
- Avoid freshly cut grass – not easy when you’re a lawnmower mechanic!
- Spend less time outside in the early evening when the pollen count can be higher.
- Close your windows at night-time.
If you need some medication which could include antihistamine drops, tablets or steroid nasal sprays these are available from the chemist. Honey from local beehives is also rumoured to be helpful for hayfever, with many people swearing that a teaspoon of local honey each day desensitises them to pollen and helps alleviate hay fever symptoms, this is based on the idea that the bees will be collecting the same pollen as the hayfever sufferer is inhaling and can therefore have an effect. Sadly, there is no scientific evidence to support this and since bees don’t pollinate grass and trees and the pollen in honey is the heavy, flower-based pollen that doesn’t cause hay fever, it’s a sweet thought but may not be accurate however it is true that local, unprocessed honey does contain small amounts of pollen from the environment, so if you like honey on your toast enjoy it anyway.
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