Gardening experts at The Grass People have shared a simple four-step method to repair patchy grass and restore your lawn to its best this summer, as previously reported by the Express.
Before this week's cooler spell, the UK endured a scorching few months, with several regions experiencing heatwaves during May, June and July. The weather has taken a dramatic turn in recent days, with millions waking up to grey skies and cloud instead of the blue skies and sunshine that dominated earlier this month. At the peak of the heat, temperatures climbed above 30°C (86°F) across parts of England and Wales. While this is great for sunbathing, sweltering temperatures can ruin your garden, leaving your lawn appearing dry and abandoned.
How to revive wilted grass
They explained: "It's not easy to keep your lawn in top shape during summer as higher temperatures and less rainfall take their toll. It's normal for grass to become wilted, patchy and brown during a heatwave as it goes into its dormant state, but all is not lost. The first step recommended would be to rake the surface and remove any dead grass."
To enable your lawn to breathe properly and recover, aerating the soil is essential; this can be accomplished by piercing the turf with a garden fork to create air vents. After aeration, the next stage is to overseed the lawn, distributing a substantial quantity of appropriate seed throughout the affected area. When the heat eventually eases, that's your signal to apply fertiliser, according to the specialists.
Watering and care tips
They continued: "Summer months often see spells of high temperatures and reduced rainfall, which can have a negative impact on lawns. The unattractive browning and wilting represent the lawn's natural defence mechanism, entering a dormant period to withstand water shortages. Nevertheless, you can assist by ensuring the roots receive adequate hydration. For best results, water your lawn in the early morning to avoid midday heat, or in the evening once the sun has set." Alternatively, consider purchasing a timed oscillating sprinkler to keep your lawn well-watered throughout the day.
Four steps to revive your lawn
- Rake the surface and remove any dead grass
- Aerate the soil by using a pitchfork to create holes in the ground
- Apply seeds across the grass
- Fertilising in cool weather
