Lawn care tips for managing yellowing grass and summer dormancy

Maintaining a healthy lawn during heatwaves and droughts involves distinguishing between dead grass and summer dormancy. A simple 10-second pull test can determine if a yellow lawn is still alive: if a tuft of grass resists being pulled from the ground, the roots are intact and the grass is merely dormant. If the grass lifts easily in a single block, it is likely dead.

During periods where soil temperatures reach 28 to 30°C, grasses such as ryegrass or fescue enter dormancy to conserve water, storing reserves in the crown and deep roots. Experts from the Royal Horticultural Society suggest resisting the urge to water parched lawns, as they can recover once rain returns.

To improve lawn health on a budget, gardeners can use techniques like soil aeration to prevent compaction and top-dressing with compost. Applying a thin layer of sifted compost can nourish the grass and improve water retention, potentially reducing watering needs.