After the Met Office's red alert ended, many UK gardens still show signs of heat stress. Lawns develop brown, dry patches due to scorching temperatures and lack of rain. However, gardening experts say a simple early morning task can restore grass without panic.
Why Lawns Turn Brown in Heat
Lucie Bradley, gardening expert from Easy Garden Irrigation, told David Wilson Homes that drought causes grass to go dormant, stopping chlorophyll production. She explained: "In periods of drought, grass often goes dormant to conserve resources, and in doing so, it stops producing chlorophyll, the pigment that gives it a green colour." Additionally, compacted soil from summer foot traffic starves grass of nutrients, water, and oxygen.
Early Morning Watering: The Key Fix
Watering the lawn twice a week during a heatwave is crucial, but timing matters. Bradley recommends watering between 6am and 10am: "This avoids the soil from drying out and becoming hydrophobic (meaning it repels water). The best time of day to water a lawn is during the early morning between 6am and 10am, as this is typically the coolest time of day, so the water will not evaporate."
Avoid Mowing During Heat
Bradley warns against cutting grass in hot weather, as the lawn is already stressed. She stated: "Instead, wait until the temperatures cool down and for at least 24 hours after rainfall or watering." Mowing could cause permanent damage.
Aeration for Compacted Soil
For those with extra time, aerating the lawn with a garden fork can relieve soil compaction. Spiking holes no more than six inches deep helps water and nutrients reach roots, improving lawn health.
