With more than two-thirds of England now in official drought conditions and hosepipe bans in force for many households, lawns across the country are turning brown and patchy. However, a scorched lawn is rarely a dead one — grass is a surprisingly tough plant that shuts down into dormancy during harsh conditions rather than dying off entirely.
The challenge lies in knowing how to help it recover without causing further damage, since both underwatering and overwatering carry risks, from weak surface roots to the spread of lawn disease.
Expert advice on restoring your lawn
Many homeowners may turn to online platforms such as Reddit or TikTok for guidance, but it's crucial to seek expert advice. Emily Green, home and garden expert at Howarth Timber, outlines methods to help resurrect your lawn.
The recent rainfall that has reached the UK will assist your grass on its journey to recovery, but there are additional strategies you can implement to support it.
Wait for the rain and aerate
During a hosepipe ban, there's no cause for alarm if your grass begins to appear brown. Grass is inherently resilient and will become dormant during extended dry spells, rather than perishing. If watering is allowed under restrictions, use a watering can to provide a thorough soaking, or allow the rain to revive it naturally.
Compacted soil can make it more difficult for water and nutrients to penetrate the roots, particularly during periods of intensive use. Aerate your lawn using a garden fork or lawn aerator, making small holes distributed evenly across the surface to enhance drainage and air circulation.
Reseed, feed and mow wisely
Make the most of warm soil temperatures to restore bare or sparse patches. Reseeding during summer can prove effective during wet periods while new grass becomes established, helping to create a denser, more uniform lawn.
A summer lawn feed can help promote healthy growth. Opt for slow release fertilisers that deliver steady nourishment without encouraging weak, rapid growth that is more susceptible to future drought.
Keep mowing consistent, but adjust the height. Once your grass begins to grow again, ensure you mow regularly. During periods of vigorous growth you may need to mow every 5 to 7 days, while during hot, dry spells you can typically reduce this to every 10 to 14 days. As a guide, follow the 'one third rule' and never cut more than a third of the grass height in a single mow. Maintaining a slightly higher cut helps shade the soil, retain moisture and encourage stronger root development.
