Lawn Treatments and Dry Weather
During hot summers with little or no rain, lawns can turn brown, stop growing, and start looking like straw. Dry grass is common, as the lawn loses moisture and becomes brittle. While this is natural in dry conditions, there are several steps you can take to help your lawn recover and make it more drought-resistant for the future.
Well-maintained lawns tend to be more resilient and recover more rapidly, which is why it is important to continue with GreenThumb treatments. If the lawn is in poor condition the grass can become weakened and the roots may deteriorate, allowing weeds and moss to take over once the rain comes. In extreme cases your lawn may even be killed off.
Watering
In periods of dry weather, the lawn will thank you for a drink. Earlier in the morning or late evening is the best time to avoid evaporation, use stored rainwater if possible.
If you can, think ahead. It is easier to get water to penetrate a moist soil than it is to try and get it into a soil that is baked hard.
Water the lawn long enough for the lawn to have had a good soaking. It's difficult to say how long this is, as lawns differ in their exposure and makeup. But, if you pushed us to make a recommendation, it would probably be between 20 and 30 minutes. For the first application and then water every other day for approx. 15-20 mins.
Recovery
The key to help with recovery is to prepare in advance, this can be achieved using all the treatments we offer along with a regular watering programme (if this is possible)
How long will it take for the lawn to recover once we have some rain?
There are many factors which affect the answer to this question but on average:
- If there is no fertiliser present: Approx. 6 weeks.
- If there is fertiliser present: Approx. 3-4 weeks.
- If there is fertiliser present and the lawn has had the GreenThumb Oasis Treatment: Approx. 7-10 days.
Worried About Your Lawn in the Heat?
Not yet signed up? Join one of our Lawn Care Programmes today and we’ll assess your lawn on the first visit, then recommend the best treatments to protect and restore it in dry weather.
Lawn Problems After Dry Weather? We Can Help
Dry spells can leave lawns stressed, patchy, or vulnerable to issues like dry patch, weeds, and even lawn disease. Our tailored treatments—like Oasis and Smart Feed—help restore hydration, boost recovery, and prevent further damage. Whether you're already seeing signs of stress or just want to protect your lawn, we're here to guide you.
Why should I have the GreenThumb treatment instead of just waiting for the rain and then having a treatment?
Applying fertiliser during dry weather means it's ready to work when rain arrives—helping your lawn recover faster. Delay or miss the treatment, and recovery takes much longer.
Are weeds likely to be more prevalent on lawns following dry weather periods, if so, why is that?
Yes. Weeds often appear after dry spells as dormant seeds blow in and germinate with rain. Lawns that were weed-free can quickly change. We're aware of this and adjust post-dry weather treatments to help keep your lawn weed-free.
Are there any common lawn problems which are more likely, after dry weather periods?
The main one would be Dry Patch, this is when the soil has become hydrophobic (the soil repels any water). This can be treated with Oasis, your local Lawn expert will be able to give you bespoke advice for your lawn.
Can dry weather cause lawn diseases like Red Thread?
Yes. After dry weather, lawns may develop Red Thread, a common fungal disease. It’s usually easy to spot and we offer treatments to effectively control and prevent it from spreading.
*Figures shown are approximate and based on available data. For illustrative purposes only.
More Tips to Beat the Heat
Looking for ways to keep your lawn green and healthy during dry spells? These articles offer seasonal strategies, expert advice, and innovative treatments to help your lawn thrive when the weather gets tough.
Why Lawn Turns Yellow
Yellow grass can stem from nutrient loss, poor watering, pests, disease, or seasonal stress. Mowing, fertilising, watering, aeration, and reseeding help restore and maintain a lush green lawn.
Read more
Oasis
A dual-action solution combining a plant bio-stimulant with a water conserver. It improves nutrient uptake, boosts resilience against environmental stress, and reduces watering needs by up to 80%.
Read More
Why should I treat my lawn?
Lawn treatments are essential for keeping your lawn healthy and vibrant, tackling issues like pests, disease, and nutrient deficiencies. GreenThumb’s tailored treatments keep your lawn lush, green, and strong all year round.
Read More