Expert tips to rescue your lawn after a drought

As high temperatures and lack of rain threaten to turn green lawns brown, experts are offering guidance on how to salvage grass during drought conditions. Many gardeners mistakenly believe a drought-stricken lawn is beyond repair, but simple horticultural practices can help it survive and recover.

Specialists from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the UK advise that during dry periods, grass naturally slows its growth to conserve moisture and energy. While the surface may turn brown and dry, the root system of a well-maintained lawn typically remains alive. To help the grass withstand water scarcity, experts recommend mowing less often and leaving the grass slightly longer than usual.

Longer grass can develop deeper roots, making it more resilient. Conversely, very short mowing weakens the plant and increases its susceptibility to dry conditions. The RHS also suggests leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing. These clippings act as a natural mulch, helping to retain soil moisture, reduce water evaporation, and return some nutrients to the ground.

If the grass stops growing entirely, it is best to cease mowing temporarily to avoid further stressing the plant. While occasional watering with collected rainwater can help during prolonged droughts, it is often unnecessary if the grass has a well-developed root system. The lawn should naturally re-green once rainfall returns. If drought damage is severe, early autumn is the optimal time for lawn renovation, including reseeding sparse or bare patches with drought-resistant grass varieties.