To help a brown lawn recover quickly, simply adjust your mower to a higher setting. This one change can make a significant difference in how well your grass bounces back from summer stress.
During hot, dry weather, lawns often lose their vibrant green color and turn yellow or brown. While this can be alarming, it doesn't necessarily mean the grass is dead. In many cases, grass goes dormant to protect itself, and it can recover once temperatures cool and rain returns.
Why Mowing Higher Helps
Leaving the grass slightly longer provides shade for the soil, which slows down evaporation. Taking off less when mowing also helps maintain moisture levels in warmer conditions. The experts at GreenThumb explain that cutting grass too short during hot weather can place extra stress on the lawn and increase the risk of scorching.
They note that grass naturally struggles during long periods of dry, hot weather. As temperatures rise, moisture evaporates more quickly from the soil, leaving less water available for the roots. During heatwaves, lawns may lose color, feel dry and brittle underfoot, stop growing as quickly, and become thinner or patchier in places.
Additional Mowing Tips
The experts recommend mowing less frequently during dry periods and avoiding removing more than one-third of the grass height at once. Keeping mower blades sharp for a cleaner cut is also advised, and it can help to book your lawnmower in for a service.
