Is your once-pristine lawn looking more like a barren wasteland after the recent UK heatwave? Before you consider a costly re-turf, take heart! With the right approach, you can nurse your sun-scorched grass back to its former glory.
Why Your Lawn Turns Brown
Contrary to popular belief, a brown lawn isn't necessarily a dead lawn. Grass enters a dormant state to protect itself from extreme heat and drought, sacrificing its green colour to conserve energy and moisture. This survival mechanism means recovery is often possible.
Your Step-by-Step Lawn Recovery Plan
1. Assess the Damage
First, perform a simple 'tug test'. Gently pull on a handful of brown grass. If the roots hold firm, your lawn is dormant and can be saved. If the grass comes away easily, those patches may need reseeding.
2. The Gentle Hydration Method
When the weather cools, begin a deep watering regimen. Avoid frequent, light sprinkling, which encourages shallow roots. Instead, water deeply once or twice a week, ideally early in the morning, to encourage deep root growth and drought resilience.
3. The Perfect Cut
Resist the urge to scalp your lawn! Raise your mower blades to their highest setting. Longer grass blades provide shade for the soil and crown of the plant, reducing moisture evaporation and protecting against further sun damage.
4. Feed for Recovery
Once the grass shows signs of green regrowth, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. This will provide the essential nutrients needed for a strong comeback without forcing rapid, weak growth.
5. Overseed Bare Patches
For areas that didn't survive, scratch the soil surface lightly, apply a quality grass seed mix, and keep consistently moist until germination occurs.
Proactive Protection for Next Time
The best defence is a good offence. A well-maintained lawn with deep roots is naturally more resistant. Regular aeration, annual scarifying, and consistent care throughout the year will build a lawn tough enough to withstand the British summer.
Remember, patience is key. With consistent care, you should see significant improvement within a few weeks, transforming your sunburnt sorrow back into a verdant victory.
