Expert reveals how to avoid brown lawn patches in hot weather

Despite the glorious forecast, sun seekers and garden enthusiasts are being warned to ease back on typical gardening tasks during the hot weather. Chris Mcllroy, of lawn specialists The Grass People, advises that intense summer heat places substantial stress on grass leading to "wilting, browning and patchiness" if not treated correctly.

He reveals that most of the damage is credited to high temperatures and, unwittingly, many worsen their lawn's condition through a number of common mistakes, including overuse and cutting too often.

The specialist explained: "Summer can be a difficult time to maintain a pristine lawn as hot weather and less rainfall take their effects. Heat stress causes grass to wilt and brown, and lawns can become patchy where it has vanished completely.

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"It's difficult enough for our lawns to remain at their best during summer, but some of us inadvertently exacerbate the problem while trying to fix the problem."

He has identified three common mistakes that could damage your lawn over summer. They are:

1. Mowing the lawn at the wrong time

Outlining common errors, he said: "The most frequent mistake people make is mowing the lawn, which can cause significant harm to the grass and leave it more susceptible to disease."

Furthermore, reports the Express, he notes: "It's advisable not to walk on grass that is showing clear signs of distress as it will compact the soil and reduce drainage, making it even more challenging for it to get the hydration it needs."

2. Adding fertiliser to a dry lawn

Despite intuition suggesting that adding fertiliser might enhance your garden's health, it's best to avoid doing so, according to the expert. Chris warned that feeding the lawn in hot weather could do "more harm than good" if not sufficiently watered.

He explained that grass often turns brown and wilts during summer as a defence mechanism against high temperatures. While this may not be aesthetically pleasing, it's a normal occurrence when lawns aren't getting enough water.

The lawn guru emphasised: "It is vital to keep your lawn watered well during periods of hot weather if you live in an area where there are no restrictions of doing so during heatwaves."

3. Not watering your lawn enough

He advised: "Aim to water your lawn early in the morning before the sun is out and late at night when the sun is down to avoid all your efforts being wasted."

He also suggested: "Alternatively, you can purchase an oscillating times sprinkler that should help keep your lawn hydrated throughout the day if you are not around."