Revive wilted lawn with expert's four easy steps

A man works in the garden in early, raking the lawn
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


Amid summer's soaring temperatures, lawns across the nation are feeling the heat, often turning brown and brittle in the relentless sun. But fear not, help is at hand thanks to insights from Chris Mcllroy at The Grass People, who shares pearls of garden wisdom for those struggling to maintain a lush green lawn.

Speaking on the matter, the lawn care specialist said: "It's not easy to keep your lawn in top shape during summer as higher temperatures and less rainfall take their toll."

He explained the all-too-common sight of wilted, patchy grass during a heatwave, saying: "It's normal for grass to become wilted, patchy and brown during heatwaves as it goes into its dormant state, but all is not lost."

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His first piece of advice? Well, it requires a little elbow grease.

"The first step I would recommend would be to rake the surface and remove any visibly dead grass."

Chris then advises homeowners to get hands-on with lawn aeration, declaring: "Next, it's important to aerate the soil to allow it to breathe, and you can do this by using an aerator tool or pitchfork to create holes in the ground so water and nutrients can reach deeper."

Gardeners should then spread new seeds generously over their lawns, ensuring they select varieties tailored to their needs, reports the Express.

When cooler weather returns and scorching days are but a memory, it's time to fertilise, he says.

Offering a final reflection on the challenges lawns face, the expert remarked: "Summer months often see spells of high temperatures and reduced rainfall, which can have a negative impact on lawns."

Indeed, the phenomenon of grass turning dormant, resulting in unsightly browning, is a survival response to intense heat and drought conditions something many Brits wish to remedy to enjoy verdant gardens during peak outdoor months.

Fortunately, it's a common occurrence for lawns to dry out during the hot summer months when they're not receiving enough water. To counteract this, ensure your lawn is adequately watered, provided there are no hosepipe bans in effect.

Lawn care calendar
The Express has released a lawn-care calendar -Credit:(Image: EXPRESS)

It's best to water your lawn early in the morning before the sun gets too hot or late at night after the sun has set. Alternatively, consider investing in a timed oscillating sprinkler to keep your lawn hydrated throughout the day.