As the UK continues to experience hot weather, many gardeners are left wondering if their lawns and flower-beds can recover. According to horticultural experts, the answer is yes, but with caution.
With three heatwaves already this summer, areas such as the West Midlands, East Anglia, and Hertfordshire have been edging towards drought conditions. Drought status was triggered this week in parts of Wales, leaving many lawns dry and brown. However, experts say that grass is remarkably resilient and won't die because of a period of drought.
John Cushing, owner of Goldstone Hall Hotel & Gardens in Shropshire, advises gardeners to do nothing and let nature take its course. 'Grass is asleep rather than dead,' he said. 'The roots are alive, and you don't need to worry about your lawn.' Cushing recommends trimming seed heads to prevent them spreading, but otherwise leaving the lawn alone.
Another expert, Daniel Puicar, head gardener at Middleton Hall and Gardens, suggests using a rake or scarifier to remove moss and dead grass and break up the soil crust. This allows more water to seep into the soil, reducing water runoff. Puicar also advises using a wetting agent to help the grass recover faster.
Garden designer Jon Norman cautions against drastic repairs, saying that the soil will need to rehydrate after the fierce heat. He recommends raising the blades on your mower to protect the grass and keep moisture in. Norman also suggests waiting until early autumn to treat bare areas on the lawn once conditions are cooler and consistently moist.