How to Look After Your Lawn in Summer

Challenges of lawn care in hot weather

Hot weather and dry spells provide common challenges:

Dry patches & browning grass - to protect its roots, grass can enter a dormant state, where it appears to brown.
Compacted soil - the lack of water and excess water can harden your soil, making it difficult for water and nutrients to reach the roots.
Patchy areas - some sections may die back; these will require overseeding or patch repairs.
Hosepipe bans - in really dry situations, watering restrictions can make recovery a larger challenge. 

Refreshing your lawn after a dry spell

1. Rake & Water
Remove any debris from the lawn using a rake, then give the lawn a thorough watering. If your soil is compacted, make sure to aerate with a hollow-tine tool or garden fork to ensure the water can reach the grass roots. If your area is affected by a hosepipe ban, consider using our Hydrate Plus Lawn Wetting Agent to improve water distribution, reducing the amount of water you will need to use.

2. Feed your lawn
After raking and watering, your lawn will need a pick-me-up to get it back to a lush green state. A good lawn feed will help promote recovery in worn-out grass. Our Spring Summer Fertiliser is specially designed for summer conditions, ensuring both the blade and the roots get the nutrients they need to thrive this time of year. 

3. Assess your lawn's health
Check if your grass has died by gently tugging at the roots. If it comes away easily, the section will need patch repaired. Otherwise, it may recover with feeding and watering.

4. Repair Bare Patches
Dry spells may leave patches of dead grass; overseeding can restore these areas to keep your lawn neat and tidy.

Need some help with overseeding? Read our guide How to Overseed an Existing Lawn for tips and tricks.
For dead or thin lawns, choose from our wide range of grass seed, including:

• Multi-Purpose Grass Seed
• Shade & Drought Grass Seed
• Luxury Hard Wearing Grass Seed
• Premiership Pro Grass Seed

Tips for maintaining your lawn in hot weather

• Keep mowing height slightly higher than usual to prevent excess stress on the grass
• Water deeply, but less frequently, to encourage deep root growth
• Apply Spring Summer fertiliser to maintain strength and colour during the heat
• Treat weeds and moss proactively with Double Strength Feed, Weed & Moss Killer

FAQs

How do I look after my lawn in summer?

• Ensure you are watering slowly and thoroughly to saturate the soil several inches down.
• Mow your lawn on a higher setting.
• Feed your lawn with a seasonal fertiliser.
• Repair bare patches when needed.

Can I repair dry patches during a heatwave?
Yes, prepare your lawn by raking out any dead grass, ensure you have watered your grass and soil, and use a good lawn feed to help aid germination and root strength. Utilise suitable grass seeds for your lawn.

What if my lawn has died after a dry spell?
Not to worry, sections of dead grass can be resown with new grass seed and pre-seed fertiliser, whilst healthy areas can be overseeded to help thicken the lawn.

How do I look after my lawn in hot weather?
Ensure any compacted soil is being aerated when found, use wetting agents for efficient water distribution, and opt for a drought-tolerant grass seed when overseeding.