Drought & Uneven Watering
Long, hot summers and dry spells can leave even the healthiest lawns looking tired and patchy. Drought stress and uneven watering are two of the most common causes of yellowing, thinning grass but with the right approach, your lawn can recover quickly and stay greener for longer.
Why Lawns Suffer in Drought
During periods of heat or low rainfall, grass naturally goes dormant to protect itself. You may notice areas turning straw-coloured or patchy. This is a sign the grass is conserving energy. However, extended dry weather or inconsistent watering can weaken roots, allowing weeds and moss to take hold.
Compaction and shallow watering also cause uneven patches, as moisture fails to reach the deeper roots where it’s needed most.
How to help your lawn survive ahotter weather or a drought
Water Deeply & Not Often
When restrictions allow, water your lawn thoroughly once or twice a week rather than little and often. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downwards, helping your grass withstand dry conditions. Early morning or evening watering reduces evaporation and ensures more moisture reaches the soil.
Raise Your Mower Blades
During hot weather, avoid cutting grass too short. Keeping blades around 5–7cm (2–3in) tall helps shade the soil, retain moisture, and protect roots from heat stress.
Feed Wisely
Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilisers during drought, as they encourage leaf growth when roots are struggling. Instead, use a balanced or slow-release feed when rain is forecast to strengthen root systems and improve drought tolerance.
Aerate Compacted Areas
Dry lawns often suffer from compacted soil, which prevents water from soaking in evenly. Use a garden fork or hollow-tine aerator to relieve compaction and help moisture penetrate to the roots.
Overseed After Drought
Once rain returns, rejuvenate your lawn by overseeding bare or thinning areas. Choose a resilient, drought-tolerant grass seed such as Johnsons Lawn Seed “Anytime” or Johnsons Shady Place, depending on your conditions. New growth will restore density and improve future drought resistance.
Preventing Uneven Watering
Uneven watering often leads to patchy lawns — some areas stay green while others dry out. To prevent this:
-
Use a sprinkler or oscillating hose to achieve even coverage.
-
Check that no areas are shadowed by trees, fences or walls that block rainfall.
-
On slopes, water slowly to allow moisture to soak in instead of running off.
-
Incorporate top dressing with sand or loam to improve water distribution and drainage balance.
Drought Prevention
Healthy lawns are more resilient to dry spells. Regular aeration, feeding, and overseeding help develop deep, strong roots that can find moisture below the surface. Choosing drought-tolerant grass varieties and maintaining good soil structure can significantly reduce the impact of future heatwaves.
Top Tip: Don’t panic if your lawn turns brown during a drought — most UK grasses will recover naturally once moisture returns. Focus on gentle care rather than overwatering or heavy feeding during stress periods.
Stay Green! Even When It's Dry
With General Purpose