stop dry patches in summer

Dry patch is one of the main causes of grass appearing dead and yellowed, especially during the summer months. The hot, dry months cause the ground to turn brown, but this usually recovers quickly once rain returns. However according to the Royal Horticultural Society, there is no recovery from dry patch after rainfall, as the water cannot penetrate the soil.

It will be obvious if your turf has dry patch or is in danger of getting it. During heavy periods of rainfall, the water will puddle on top of the grass rather than be absorbed; patches of grass will turn first dark green, and then brown; and there will be a high level of ‘thatch’ (dry grass) mixed amongst the healthy stems.

Now is the best time to get on top of your lawns summer routine. By lightly de-thatching and removing the moss from the turf during the spring just as the weather is warming up allows for quick recovery and regrowth of any patchy areas.

August to September is the time for heavy scarifying. It is going to seriously this the lawn, creating a perfect situation for sewing new seeds. The benefit of heavy scarifying or raking in the autumn is that you don’t have to worry about weed seeds taking root in the freshly exposed earth.

If this routine still isn’t having much of an impact on your garden, then it may be an idea to start using a wetting agent, which aids the absorption of water by soil particles. Using wetting agent in conjunction with the methods mentioned above should reduce if not completely clear up any dry patch.

If none of these methods have any positive impact, then the next step would be to replace the turf and top three to four inches of topsoil. Take a look at our Eco Lawn Turf and top soil for ideas and tips.