Top tips for reviving a lawn after a dry spell

Comment from Matt J Adams, founder and lead gardener at The Relentless Gardener, a specialist grass seed and lawn feed company on a mission to make lawn care easy and convenient for everyone in the UK.  

1. Give your lawn a fresh start once the weather cools. When temperatures return to normal, if there are any thin or bare patches, 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. Keep the area consistently moist until the new grass is established.  
2. Water smarter, not harder. A thorough soak every few days is much more beneficial than a light sprinkle every evening. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow further into the soil, making the lawn better equipped to cope with the next dry spell. Water early in the morning or later in the evening to minimise evaporation and avoid scorching the grass. 
3. Feed to replace what the lawn has lost. Heat and drought can leave lawns depleted of nutrients, so once the worst of the hot weather has passed and the rain returns, applying a quality slow-Nitrogen-releasing lawn fertiliser can help replenish essential nutrients and encourage lush, healthy growth. Always follow the application instructions and avoid feeding if the soil is still extremely dry.  
4. Use liquid seaweed to reduce stress and aid recovery. Seaweed isn't just for the seaside! It helps condition the soil, encourages stronger root growth, improves nutrient uptake and reduces stress caused by hot, dry weather. Regular applications can also help futureproof your lawn against heatwaves by supporting a healthier root system and improving the grass's ability to retain moisture. Healthier, greener grass is naturally more resilient to heat stress, stays greener for longer during dry spells and recovers more quickly once temperatures return to normal. 
5. Don't panic if your lawn has turned brown after a heatwave. As temperatures return to normal and rainfall increases, most lawns will begin to recover naturally. Once the lawn starts actively growing again, apply a gentle, drought-friendly feed, such as the Summer Liquid Green Up Lawn Feed, to replenish lost nutrients and encourage healthy green growth. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilisers on stressed grass, as these can do more harm than good. Patience is key! With the right care, most lawns will bounce back within a few weeks. 

Ends

Editors notes

Founded by qualified gardener and plant nutrition specialist Matt J Adams, The Relentless Gardener is a specialist in grass seed, lawn feed and plant nutrition products, on a mission to make gardening and lawn care easy and convenient for everyone in the UK. The Relentless Gardener is the only lawn care brand to sell products tailored to the exact size of each customer's lawn using its unique online lawn size calculator, eliminating guesswork, reducing waste and ensuring the right amount is applied every time.

As a UK specialist in premium lawn care products, The Relentless Gardener is helping homeowners achieve healthier, greener lawns through expert advice and scientifically developed solutions. Working in partnership with one of the UK's largest and most trusted lawn feed and fertiliser manufacturers, the brand has developed a range of high-performance grass seed, lawn feeds and plant nutrition products specifically formulated for UK gardens.

Alongside market-leading lawn care products, including its Premium Shade Grass Seed and Signature Spring & Summer Lawn Feed, the brand shares practical, evidence-based gardening advice to help gardeners achieve professional results while gardening more sustainably.

Expert Bio: Matt J Adams Matt J Adams is the founder and lead gardener at The Relentless Gardener, a specialist in grass seed, lawn feed and plant nutrition products, on a mission to make gardening and lawn care easy and convenient for everyone in the UK.

Matt combines horticultural knowledge with hands-on experience to develop premium products tailored to the needs of UK gardens.

Working alongside one of the UK's largest and most trusted lawn feed and fertiliser manufacturers, he has helped create scientifically developed formulations and pioneered an innovative lawn size calculator that enables customers to buy the exact amount of product they need. Matt regularly shares practical, evidence-based advice on lawn care, soil health and plant nutrition, and is a trusted media commentator on seasonal gardening topics, helping gardeners achieve healthier, greener gardens with less waste.