After a summer of high temperatures and dry weather, your lawn is likely looking patchy, brown and tired. But don’t write it off just yet: a brown lawn isn’t necessarily a dead lawn. As temperatures begin to return to normal and rainfall increases, autumn is an excellent time to help your grass recover. A few simple changes can encourage healthier growth – and even help it become more resilient during the colder months and future heatwaves.
Here, we share four simple steps to revive your lawn after a heatwave.
1. Overseed thin and bare patches
If your lawn has developed thin or bare areas after the heatwave, autumn is a good time to encourage new grass growth.
‘Lightly rake out dead material before overseeding to help the new grass seed – especially if it’s shaded grass seed – make contact with the soil to encourage germination,’ explains Matt J Adams, founder and lead gardener at The Relentless Gardener.
Once you’ve sown the seed, keep the area consistently moist until the new grass is established. This gives it the best chance of germinating and filling out sparse areas before winter.
2. Water deeply, rather than little and often
It might be tempting to give a struggling lawn a quick sprinkle of water every evening – but this isn't necessarily the best way to help it recover.
‘A thorough soak every few days is much more beneficial,’ says Matt. ‘Deep watering encourages the roots to grow further into the soil, making the lawn better equipped to cope with the next dry spell.’
When watering your lawn, aim to do so early in the morning or later in the evening. This helps minimise evaporation and reduces the risk of scorching the grass.
3. Feed your lawn as it recovers
Heat and drought can leave grass depleted of essential nutrients, so feeding can help support new growth once conditions improve.
‘As rain returns, applying a quality slow-nitrogen-releasing lawn fertiliser can help replenish essential nutrients and encourage lush, healthy growth,’ explains Matt.
However, timing is important. Always follow the application instructions on your chosen fertiliser and avoid feeding if the soil is still extremely dry. Then, wait until the lawn has had a chance to rehydrate and is actively growing again.
4. Improve your lawn’s resilience with liquid seaweed
Liquid seaweed isn't just useful for plants – it can also help a lawn recover from the stresses of a hot, dry summer.
‘It helps condition the soil, encourages stronger root growth, and improves nutrient uptake,’ says Matt. ‘Regular applications can also help future-proof your lawn against heatwaves by supporting a healthier root system and improving the grass's ability to retain moisture.’
Healthier grass is naturally more resilient to heat stress, can stay greener for longer during dry spells, and should recover more quickly when temperatures return to normal.
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest
The Garden Edit
