As the long, hot and drought-ridden summer begins to draw to a close, lawns across the UK are looking parched. If you, like millions of other people, have been under a drought and hosepipe ban this summer, it is likely that your garden is looking yellowed and arid. You may be worried that your lawn is past saving altogether.
Jonathan Davis, a grass expert at Lawnsmith, has shared how long it will take for dried-out grass to recover once rain begins to fall and the weather cools.
Most Brown Lawns Are Dormant, Not Dead
Davis said: “Most brown lawns are in fact dormant, and haven’t completely died back yet.”
He explained: “When moisture is low, grass focuses its energy on protecting its root system, the beating heart of the lawn, so this is why colour drains from the visible sward above the soil.”
“Once the lawn has had significant hydration, the turf will quickly regain its flourishing green appearance.”
How Long Will It Take for My Lawn to Recover?
You might think it will take the better part of the colder months for your lawn to return to its former glory, but the truth is it could be back in a matter of weeks.
Jonathan explained: “Most lawns will show signs of green regrowth within 10 to 14 days of consistent rainfall or watering.”
“Full lawn recovery can take two to four weeks, depending on how long the lawn was dormant for and how stressed the grass was.”
Don’t panic if your garden isn’t bouncing back as fast as you might like. Jonathan said: “Be patient, some areas might take longer than others. If you have bare patches where the grass has died back completely, you may need to overseed these areas to fill in the gaps.”
How Can I Help My Garden Recover from Drought?
To give your lawn the best chance of bouncing back, it is important to keep on top of your watering schedule. Jonathan explained: “Infrequent, deep watering is more effective than a light sprinkle every day. Aim for a deep soak two or three times a week. This encourages roots to grow deeper and will ensure moisture lasts longer.”
If your lawn is especially dry and brown, avoid mowing and try to keep people off it to reduce pressure as it recovers.
What Should I Do If My Lawn Doesn’t Bounce Back?
The first thing to do is be patient and wait to see if it recovers. However, if September doesn’t show improvement, it could be time to reseed it.
Jonathan said: “The good news is, September is the best time of the year for sowing seeds. The temperatures are cooler, there’s more moisture but the soil is still warm for the new seedlings to germinate comfortably.”
“If the grass is still looking brown despite significant rehydration, you might need to investigate and look for signs of disease. Red thread is a common fungal disease which causes grass to look bleached and straw-like, very similar to its appearance in extremely dry weather.”
