It’s always exciting to jet off on vacation or even a ‘staycation’ during summer. But besides doing the essential home checks before every vacation, you’ll also need to ensure you don't come home to a dying yard, brown grass or wilted plants. This is especially the case during a heatwave.
Luckily, an expert has shared their pre-vacation steps before you leave that’ll keep your yard healthy, and your lawn green.
In fact, these simple tips are quick and easy to set up, and will give you peace of mind whilst you’re away — saving you the extra cost too.
1. Give your grass a pre-vacation trim
You might not feel the need to cut your grass right before you leave; however, experts suggest a little trim is a great way for your lawn to stay healthy.
“Cut your grass about a day before departure, but don't go too short,” Doug O'Connor, lawn care expert at DeerFencing.com.
“Taking off just the top third of the grass blade is perfect — it reduces growth without stressing the lawn. If you cut it too short, you might come home to brown patches instead of green grass.”
Not only will cutting your lawn reduce the risk of potential sun damage or drying out, but can also protect lawns from unsightly weeds and pests who want to hide underneath.
2. Set smart watering schedules
Whether you’re going away on vacation or simply don’t have the time to water your yard, a smart water sprinkler can handle all your needs.
Not only can you customize your watering schedules via an app, but you simply set it and forget about it.
Nowadays, there are so many sprinkler systems on the market to suit every yard. These automated gadgets can adjust watering schedules according to real-time weather, which will avoid overwatering or underwatering your lawn, and it also reduce water consumption.
“The latest smart sprinklers can check local weather forecasts and adjust watering accordingly,” adds O'Connor. “They won't run during rainstorms, saving water and preventing overwatering, which can be just as harmful as underwatering.
For a less smart option, ask a trusted neighbor to water for you. But if you want to remove the human element, installing a simple automatic sprinkler system with a timer can be a game-changer for frequent travelers.”
3. Add a slow-release fertilizer
While late summer is an ideal time to fertilize your lawn, feeding it before leaving can help maintain its health while you're away.
“Apply a slow-release fertilizer about a week before you leave,” O'Connor advises. “This gives your lawn nutrients that gradually release over time, supporting steady growth without promoting the sudden surge that would require more frequent mowing.”
Just don’t be tempted to use quick-release products right before vacation: “Those will just make your grass grow faster while you're away, which is exactly what you don't want!”
Whether you choose an all-purpose fertilizer or one with a specific purpose will depend on the needs of your turf. Nitrogen fertilizer will promote a lush green lawn, while phosphorus supports root development, and potassium aids overall plant health and stress resistance.
By combining these top methods, homeowners can have peace of mind before they leave for vacation, and will still return to a healthy, green yard.
More from Tom's Guide
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
