Resist the temptation to water established lawns, even in dry spells – grass should cope well with drought and although it may die back, it will soon recover once rain returns. See our advice on caring for lawns during drought. Only new lawns (see below) really need watering.
Remove any unwanted weeds using a trowel or grubbing tool, but bear in mind that many wildflowers and flowering weeds can attract wildlife and add valuable colour to gardens.
Cut spring- and early summer-flowering meadows if the plants have shed their seeds – see our guide to meadow maintenance.
See our guide to spring/summer lawn care.
Use your new lawn as little as possible until autumn.
Browning of lawns is common in hot, dry summers and nothing to worry about (except on new lawns – see above). Avoid wasting water on established lawns if possible, as they will soon green up again once it rains. However, if you want to keep a small lawn green, use collected rainwater or grey water (washing-up water or bath water). Good autumn lawn care (scarifying and aerating) should help to reduce browning in subsequent summers. Also see our lawns in drought advice.
Smaller brown patches can have many causes, including dog urine, petrol or oil from a mower, weedkiller and fertiliser overdosing – see our guide to remedying dead patches in lawns.
See all our lawn care advice.
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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.