How to Mow Your Lawn Properly in South Africa’s Summer Heat

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Learn how to mow your lawn properly during South Africa’s hot summer months. GSR Outdoor shares expert tips for healthy, green grass - even in the heat.

South Africa’s summer brings long days, plenty of sunshine, and the perfect conditions for your lawn to thrive – if you care for it correctly. But that same heat that helps your grass grow can also stress and scorch it if mowing isn’t done properly.

At GSR Outdoor, we know that achieving a lush, green lawn isn’t just about watering and fertilising – it starts with how you mow. Here’s how to keep your grass looking healthy and vibrant all summer long.

1. Mow at the Right Time of Day

Mowing in the peak of the day might seem convenient, but it’s one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make during summer.

The heat and direct sunlight can cause your grass to lose moisture quickly, leaving it stressed and vulnerable. Instead:

  • Mow early in the morning or later in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler.
  • Avoid mowing immediately after watering or rain – wet grass can clog mower blades and cause uneven cuts.

This simple timing adjustment helps your grass recover faster and maintain its colour and density.

2. Adjust Your Cutting Height

In South Africa’s summer, longer grass equals healthier roots. Short, closely cropped lawns dry out faster, making them more susceptible to sunburn and drought.

To protect your lawn:

  • Raise your mower blade to 5–7 cm for most grass types.
  • Avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mow.

Longer blades provide shade to the soil, reduce water loss, and promote stronger, deeper roots – essential during those dry, hot weeks.

3. Keep Your Mower Blades Sharp

A dull blade tears rather than cuts, leading to brown, frayed edges and a stressed lawn. Always make sure your mower’s blades are sharp and clean before you begin.

Regularly sharpen or replace your blades – especially if you mow often during summer. This ensures a clean, even cut that helps your grass heal quickly and grow evenly.

4. Leave the Clippings (Sometimes)

Grass clippings aren’t just waste – they’re natural fertiliser. When left on the lawn in small amounts, they decompose quickly, returning valuable nutrients and moisture to the soil.

However, during very hot weeks or when mowing long grass, collect excess clippings to avoid clumps that smother the lawn. A good balance between mulching and collection keeps your turf breathing freely.

5. Mow Regularly but Responsibly

In summer, your lawn grows faster – but that doesn’t mean you should over-mow. Cutting too often, especially in heatwaves, can stress your grass.

A good rule of thumb:

  • Mow once a week for most residential lawns.
  • Increase to twice weekly for fast-growing kikuyu or coastal grass varieties.
  • Adjust based on rainfall and growth – consistency is key.

6. Use the Right Equipment

Whether you’re maintaining a small yard or a sprawling estate, choosing the right mower makes all the difference. At GSR Outdoor, we offer a range of walk-behind, ride-on, and zero-turn mowers designed to handle South Africa’s diverse conditions with ease.

Our expert team can help you find a machine that fits your lawn size, terrain, and maintenance goals – so you can mow smarter, not harder.

Keep Your Lawn Thriving This Summer

Proper mowing is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to protect your lawn through South Africa’s heat. With the right technique, timing, and equipment, you can keep your grass looking green and healthy all season long.

Visit GSR Outdoor to explore our full range of lawnmowers, tools, and expert advice for creating a lawn you can be proud of this summer.

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