Gardening experts advise on reviving lawns after summer heat

Following periods of intense summer heat and drought, experts suggest that late August and early September are the ideal times to revive parched lawns. Rather than immediate intervention during heatwaves, which can stress young grass, gardeners should wait for more favorable conditions when the soil remains warm but air temperatures decrease.

To determine if a lawn is truly dead or merely in summer dormancy, a diagnostic test is recommended. If grass tufts offer resistance when pulled, the root system is likely still active. Conversely, brittle roots that detach easily indicate a need for renewal.

Recommended steps for lawn recovery include cleaning the area of dead debris, loosening the soil by two to five centimeters in bare patches, and using specialized overseeding mixes designed for rapid germination. Light scarification can also help improve conditions once the soil begins to moisten.