Brown lawns can bounce back quickly with a simple adjustment to your mowing routine. According to specialists at GreenThumb, cutting grass at a higher setting during hot weather helps lawns recover and regain their green color.
Why Lawns Turn Brown
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 or turn brown, feel dry and brittle underfoot, stop growing as quickly, and become thinner or patchier in places.
However, in many cases, this doesn't mean the lawn is dead. Grass often goes dormant during extreme conditions to protect itself, and many lawns recover once temperatures cool and rainfall returns.
The Simple Fix: Mow Higher
The key is to maintain slightly longer grass during summer. Longer grass helps shade the soil, reduce evaporation, and protect roots from intense sunlight. Cutting grass too short during hot weather can place extra stress on the lawn and increase the risk of scorching, making it far more vulnerable to drying out.
Additionally, it's advisable to reduce mowing frequency during drier spells, and never trim more than a third of the grass blade length in a single session. Keeping mower blades sharp ensures a cleaner cut, and it's worth booking your lawnmower in for a service.
