Autumn is the ideal time to repair a lawn damaged by summer drought, and reseeding thinly grassed patches with drought-resistant seed will help it recover and become more resilient next year.
This summer's lengthy spells of scorching, dry weather have taken their toll on gardens throughout the UK, leaving many lawns an uninviting shade of brown. Matters have been made considerably worse for lawns in areas placed under hosepipe bans.
Why lawns recover from drought
Fortunately, grass is a hardy plant, and your lawn won't be damaged beyond repair. Domestic lawns are sturdy and can withstand dry conditions remarkably well.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) explained: "While drought can cause the top growth to turn brown and die, in a well-established lawn the underlying roots should still be alive, ready to send up fresh leaves once rain returns.
"So resist the temptation to water your parched lawn - it will recover without wasting precious mains water."
The ideal time to act
During a drought, it's best to mow as infrequently as possible and to water only when absolutely essential. Now that rainfall has returned and summer is drawing to a close, there are several steps you can take to help your lawn's recovery and better prepare it for the year ahead.
With September upon us, now is considered an "ideal time" to tend to your lawn. The intense heat and dry conditions of summer should, for many, now have passed.
The RHS said: "The autumn after a dry summer is the ideal time to carry out renovation and repair. This will help your lawn recover and also make it more drought-resistant the following year."
How to reseed patchy areas
To achieve this, you should reseed any thinly grassed patches of your lawn. It's advisable to opt for a drought-resistant lawn seed mixture, as this will provide better protection for your lawn in the year ahead.
Begin by raking away any dead grass or moss from the patch and clearing all weeds. Lightly sprinkle the drought-resistant lawn seed across the area.
Gardening expert Monty Don noted on his blog that you should water it thoroughly and keep the soil moist. The seeds should germinate and begin growing within a matter of days.
While the seeds are establishing themselves, don't mow the area for at least a month. You should also keep off the patch where you've sown the new seeds. Only when the new lawn is flourishing and strong should you trim it, using shears initially, or alternatively leave it uncut until springtime.
