If your lawn has turned brown in the summer drought, don’t panic
As the prolonged, scorching and parched summer starts to wind down, lawns throughout the UK are looking rather worse for wear. With Londoners subject to strict hosepipe bans since mid July, chances are your garden is looking faded and brown.
Indeed, you might be concerned that your lawn is beyond recovery. If you’re anxious about the timeframe for your lawn’s recovery, the good news is it could bounce back surprisingly quickly.
Jonathan Davis, a grass specialist at Lawnsmith, has revealed the expected recovery period for withered grass once rainfall returns and temperatures drop.
He said: “Most brown lawns are in fact dormant, and haven’t completely died back yet. When moisture is low, grass focuses its energy on protecting its root system, the beating heart of the lawn, so this is why colour drains from the visible sward above the soil.”
He added: “Once the lawn has had significant hydration, the turf will quickly regain its flourishing green appearance.”
How long will it take for my lawn to recover?
You might assume it will require the majority of the cooler months for your lawn to restore itself to its previous condition – however, in reality, it could bounce back within weeks, explains the Express.
Jonathan explained: “Most lawns will show signs of green regrowth within 10 to 14 days of consistent rainfall or watering. Full lawn recovery can take two to four weeks, depending on how long the lawn was dormant for and how stressed the grass was.”
Don’t worry if your garden isn’t recovering as quickly as you’d hoped. Jonathan advised: “Be patient, some areas might take longer than others. If you have bare patches where the grass has died back completely, you may need to overseed these areas to fill in the gaps.”
How can I help my garden recover from drought?
To maximise your lawn’s chances of recovery, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent watering routine. Jonathan explained: “Infrequent, deep watering is more effective than a light sprinkle every day. Aim for a deep soak two or three times a week. This encourages roots to grow deeper and will ensure moisture lasts longer.”
If your lawn is particularly parched and discoloured, refrain from mowing and try to minimise foot traffic to reduce stress while it recovers.
What should I do if my lawn doesn’t bounce back?
The initial step is to remain patient and monitor whether it recovers naturally. However, if there’s no improvement by September, reseeding may be necessary.
Jonathan said: “The good news is, September is the best time of the year for sowing seeds. The temperatures are cooler, there’s more moisture but the soil is still warm for the new seedlings to germinate comfortably.”
He added: “If the grass is still looking brown despite significant rehydration, you might need to investigate and look for signs of disease. Red thread is a common fungal disease which causes grass to look bleached and straw-like, very similar to its appearance in extremely dry weather.”
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