Lawn-Care Tips for Summer

Summer can be tough on your lawn. Between long dry spells, intense sun, and a sudden surge in weeds, even well-maintained grass can start to look tired. But with the right approach, it’s possible to keep your lawn healthy and looking good through the hottest months and into autumn.

Here’s a practical guide to summer lawn care in the UK.

Start with the Basics

Before doing anything else, take a moment to assess your lawn. Understanding the following will help tailor your approach:

• Grass type – Different types handle heat and drought differently.

• Soil type – Sandy soils drain quickly; clay soils hold more water.

• Watering and mowing needs – These vary depending on grass and soil.

• Current lawn health – Is it patchy, overgrown, or showing signs of stress?

• Existing issues – Moss, weeds, compacted soil, or thatch buildup?

Watering: Do It Right

In summer, watering is often necessary – especially during heatwaves or hosepipe bans. But overwatering is just as damaging as underwatering.

Best practices:

• Water deeply once or twice a week. This encourages roots to grow down, not across the surface.

• Water early in the morning. Grass dries through the day, reducing the risk of fungal disease.

• Avoid evening watering. Wet grass overnight creates a breeding ground for disease.

• Adjust based on rain. If it pours, skip your scheduled watering.

Mowing Tips for Hot Weather

Mowing isn't just about neatness – it affects the overall health of your lawn.

• Raise the blade: Keep grass longer (around 65–75mm). This shades the soil and helps retain moisture.

• Mow little and often: Cutting too much at once stresses the grass. Stick to small, regular trims.

• Use sharp blades: A clean cut reduces the chance of disease and improves the lawn’s appearance.

Weeds, Moss, and What to Do About Them

Summer growth isn’t limited to grass. Weeds like dandelions, daisies, clover, and plantain can quickly take over.

Options for tackling weeds:

• Manual removal – Time-consuming, but precise.

• Herbicides – Choose carefully and follow instructions.

• Prevention – A thick, healthy lawn naturally chokes out weed growth.

Should You Fertilise in Summer?

Lawn feeding is best done in spring, while grass is actively growing. By mid to late summer, it's usually too late.

That said, if the lawn looks weak, a light liquid feed might help – but avoid fertilising in August. Late fertiliser use can promote growth at the wrong time, leaving your lawn vulnerable as autumn arrives.

Apply feed when rain is expected, or lightly water it in after applying.

Aerating, Scarifying, and Dethatching

Aeration

If your lawn gets a lot of foot traffic, the soil can become compacted. Aerating (punching small holes in the turf) allows better air, water, and nutrient flow.

Scarifying

This is a deeper rake that removes moss and thatch. It's a good practice to start thinking about toward the end of summer as you prepare for autumn.

Dethatching

Thatch is the build-up of dead grass and organic matter. A thin layer is okay, but too much can suffocate your lawn. Rake it out if needed.

Don’t Worry About Brown Patches

Grass that turns brown during a dry spell isn’t dead – it’s just dormant. Once moisture returns, it should recover quickly. Patience and proper care are key.

Summary

Summer lawn care isn’t complicated – but it does require a bit of consistency. By mowing correctly, watering smartly, and keeping an eye on weeds and soil health, your lawn will be in great shape heading into autumn.

If you're looking to level-up your routine, tools like a sharp mower, rake, aerator, and strimmer can make the job easier – but the core principles remain the same: don’t overdo it, watch the weather, and respond to what your lawn is telling you.