After weeks of scorching temperatures, many UK lawns have turned from green to brown, leading gardeners to wonder if their grass has died. However, according to Hildreth's Home & Garden Centre, the grass has likely entered a dormant state.
Hildreth's Home & Garden Centre explained: "It's a clever survival mechanism that allows the plant to conserve water until conditions improve. So, although the grass blades turn brown, the roots are usually still alive and well beneath the surface."
Feeding Your Lawn
One method to help your lawn recover is to nourish it once the heatwave subsides. According to the Express, the ideal day to feed your turf is Sunday, as temperatures are set to drop to the low 20s for the first time in weeks.
It is crucial to feed the lawn once temperatures have decreased, using a balanced late-summer fertiliser. Distribute the feed evenly across your lawn, preferably when rainfall is anticipated, or give it a light watering afterwards. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines exactly.
Mowing and Recovery Tips
Lawn specialists say that feeding grass after a heatwave can speed up its recovery once cooler conditions arrive. During the recovery phase, it is also advisable to mow cautiously. Raise the mower blades to keep the grass longer, which helps it retain moisture and shield the soil from drying out too quickly.
Avoid removing more than a third of the grass height in any single mow, as this can weaken plants already stressed by dry conditions.
Building a Resilient Lawn
Climate specialists forecast that hot, dry summers will become more frequent across the UK, making it increasingly important to grow a hardy lawn. According to experts, healthy roots are the "secret" to a greener lawn year-round.
Gardeners can further protect their lawns by watering thoroughly but less often, aerating compacted turf in autumn, adding organic matter to enrich the soil, and avoiding unnecessary foot traffic during extended dry periods.
