Grass experts say brown, drought-stressed lawns can recover faster than many homeowners think, with a simple adjustment to mowing habits.
Why Lawns Turn Yellow
During summer heat, many lawns lose their vibrant green color and take on a yellow tinge. While this can be disheartening, it doesn't necessarily mean the grass is damaged or irreversibly harmed.
The team at GreenThumb explained: "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."
The Mowing Fix
Specialists advise raising the mower height to allow the lawn to remain slightly longer. This provides shade for the soil below and reduces evaporation, helping preserve moisture levels.
Cutting grass too short during hot weather can make it "far more vulnerable" to drying out. The experts noted: "Cutting grass too short during hot weather can place extra stress on the lawn and increase the risk of scorching."
Additional Tips
Mowing less regularly during dry spells is also recommended, while ensuring you don't remove more than a third of the grass height in a single session. Keeping mower blades sharp for a cleaner cut and scheduling a service for your lawnmower can further aid recovery.
