If the recent hot weather has left your lawn looking more like straw than grass, don't panic just yet. In many cases, a brown lawn isn't dead at all – it's simply dormant and waiting for better conditions.
Whilst we've already covered three ways to stop your lawn turning brown during a heatwave, it may be a little too late if the damage has already been done. Thankfully, all hope isn't lost, and with a little patience and the right care, your lawn should spring back to life.
Here are three simple steps to help it recover and turn green again.
1. Water deeply – not little and often
If your lawn has turned brown, resist the temptation to give it a quick sprinkle every day. Instead, water deeply once or twice a week, preferably early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
This step obviously replies on whether you have a hosepipe ban or not, but a deep soak encourages the grass roots to grow further into the soil, making them more resilient to future dry spells.
If your lawn is dormant rather than dead, this consistent watering approach will help it recover naturally once temperatures begin to drop.
2. Resist mowing
It might seem like giving your lawn a close cut will tidy it up, but doing so during hot, dry weather can actually make things worse.
If your lawn is already brown, it's best to avoid using your best lawn mower altogether until it begins to recover. This reduces further stress and gives the grass the best chance of bouncing back when conditions improve
However, if it's only slightly brown and still growing, set your mower to its highest setting and leave the grass slightly longer than usual. Taller grass blades provide shade for the soil beneath, helping it retain moisture whilst protecting the roots from intense sunlight.
3. Wait before feeding your lawn
Contrary to some belief, lawn feed is best applied once the weather cools and your grass starts actively growing again. Applying fertiliser during extreme heat can place unnecessary stress on already struggling grass and may scorch it further.
Instead, continue watering where appropriate and wait for cooler temperatures or rainfall to kickstart growth. Once you begin to see green shoots returning, use a quality lawn feed to replenish lost nutrients and encourage thicker and healthier grass.
