But Chris McIlroy, lawn expert at The Grass People, is on hand to offer some practical advice to help your grass stay resilient – even if a restriction was to come in.
“The best advice for lawn care during hot weather,” says Chris, “is to simply leave your lawn alone.
“During a heatwave, it’s best to avoid feeding or mowing the lawn as it can stress the grass further. Instead, focus on watering deeply but infrequently, allowing moisture to reach the roots.”
He adds: “Early mornings or late evenings are ideal times to water.”
Adjusting your mowing habits can make a significant difference.
“Longer grass shades itself from the sun and reduces evaporation,” Chris says.
“By setting your mower to a higher setting and mowing less frequently, you help the lawn retain moisture and reduce stress during dry periods.”
Collecting rainwater is an effective way to irrigate your lawn without breaching any restrictions.
“You can install water butts which will capture rain from gutters and provide a sustainable water source for your garden.
“This method not only conserves water but also ensures your lawn receives chemical-free hydration.”
Aerating your lawn by creating small holes allows water and nutrients to penetrate deeper, promoting healthier root growth.
“This important process increases the lawn’s ability to withstand dry conditions,” says Chris.
Applying fertiliser during a hosepipe ban can do more harm than good.
“Feeding the lawn will mean the grass looks for extra water as it attempts to grow,” Chris explains.
“But without enough water, the grass can become stressed and this can actually cause damage.”
“It’s natural for grass to turn brown during extended dry spells,” says Chris.
“This is a survival mechanism, and the lawn will typically recover once rainfall resumes. Try not to panic and resist the urge to overwater or overcompensate.
“This will only make things worse.”
So even if a hosepipe ban does come in, rest easy that you can still maintain a healthy lawn.
As Chris advises, understanding and adapting to your lawn’s needs is key – and most of all, try not to panic!
