Lawns during dry weather & drought
During dry weather lawn grasses may start to suffer, especially once the top 10cm (4in) of soil dries out. Given adequate rain or water they will normally recover fully. However, following severe drought you may need to relay your lawn in the autumn.

During dry spells in summer

Raise the height of cut in dry weather to avoid weakening the grasses. Letting the clippings fall back onto the lawn during dry spells can slow down the evaporation of water from the soil surface. But you must make sure the cuttings are small, otherwise they will lay on the grass and cause damage.

Water lawns once the soil becomes dry, but before the grass colour changes. If the ground is very hard, aerating before watering can aid water penetration. Watering once a week to 10 days is normally sufficient. Ensure that the water reaches a depth of 10cm (4in) after each watering.
Recovery after drought

After a dry summer

After a dry summer the autumn provides an ideal time for carrying out renovation. This will help a lawn recover from drought but also make it more drought resistant for the following year.

Rake up clippings that were allowed to fall to avoid a build up of thatch (dead grass material and other debris).

Aerate to help rain to percolate to grass roots.

Apply a low nitrogen feed high in potash and phosphates, such as a proprietary autumn lawn feed.

It may be necessary to sow seed or re-turf in bare or sparse areas.
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