Common lawn mistake that causes 'yellow and straw-like' patches

27 June 2024 , 12:18

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One common mistake that could leave your lawn looking brown and patchy (Image: Getty)

The UK is currently basking in hot weather, with temperatures set to remain warm throughout the week.

However, this could spell disaster for your garden, particularly if you're making one common mistake that could leave your lawn looking brown and patchy.

Cheryl Harper, managing director of Greensleeves Lawn Care, has warned that increased footfall during the summer months can have a detrimental impact on lawns. She said: "With families enjoying their garden space, BBQs with friends and leisurely afternoons of sunbathing, the lawn gets much more use than the rest of the year and the soil can start to get compacted."

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This, combined with the scorching sun and lack of moisture, can quickly cause your lawn to "look more than just a little worse for wear very quickly," according to the gardening expert.

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But don't worry, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent this from happening. While it may be tempting to enforce a 'do not step on the grass' rule, this isn't necessary.

Instead, focus on providing your lawn with sufficient hydration. If your lawn turns brown, don't panic - this is common during the summer months and simply means it's not getting enough water, reports the Express.

There are some simple steps you can take to prevent yellow grass (Getty)

As Cheryl said: "Without sufficient water, your lawn can turn yellow and straw-like, taking months to recover."

To keep your lawn looking lush and green, she recommends deep watering a couple of times a week rather than daily light sprinkling. And remember to be strategic about when and how you water your lawn, especially during hot spells.

Cheryl suggests that the best time to water your lawn is in the early morning, as this allows the grass to soak up the necessary moisture before the heat of the day causes rapid evaporation.

She advises against watering in the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak, as the water will evaporate quickly and won't reach the grassroots.

The expert also added: "Similarly, watering in the evening can increase the risk of diseases like red thread by leaving the grass damp overnight."

Fertilising your lawn during a heatwave is another mistake, as it can lead to "fertiliser burn".

To avoid this, wait until the heatwave has passed, or even better, wait for a rainy day and apply fertiliser after the lawn has dried.

Lastly, Cheryl recommends letting your lawn breathe during the warm weather and ensuring you tackle any weeds so they do not steal precious nutrients.

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