How to Fix a Lawn After a Dry Summer

Marcus Bergin
Jun 29
2 min read

It’s a common sight in late summer – lawns turning brown and looking lifeless after weeks of heat and little rain. But don’t worry, most lawns bounce back well with the right care once cooler, wetter weather returns.

Why does your lawn go brown in summer?

Grass naturally goes dormant in hot, dry conditions to protect itself. While it might look dead, most of the time it’s simply waiting for moisture to return before regrowing.

When should you repair a drought-damaged lawn?

The best time to repair is early autumn (September to October) when rainfall increases and soil is still warm, giving grass seed the perfect conditions to germinate.

Steps to revive your lawn after drought

1. Watering

If the drought continues into early autumn, give the lawn a thorough watering to soften the soil before repairs. Aim for 20 litres per square metre to reach the roots.

2. Scarifying

Drought often leaves lawns with dead grass and thatch. Scarifying removes this layer, allowing light and air back to the soil surface.

3. Aeration

Dry conditions can cause soil to become compacted. Aerating by spiking or hollow-tining helps water and nutrients reach the roots again.

4. Overseeding

Overseeding bare or thinned areas will thicken the lawn and improve appearance. Choose a ryegrass-based seed mix for durability and quick establishment.

5. Feeding

Finish with an autumn feed, such as Johnson Lawn Care Direct Autumn Guard Pro (17-5-20), to strengthen grass before winter and encourage strong root growth.

Should you repair in summer or wait?

It’s usually best to wait until temperatures drop and rainfall increases. Trying to overseed or repair in mid-summer heat risks seed drying out before germination.

Professional drought recovery services

If your lawn has suffered badly this summer, I offer complete lawn recovery treatments, including scarifying, aeration, overseeding, and feeding to restore it for the year ahead.