How to care for your lawn if a hose ban strikes

How to care for your lawn if a hose ban strikes
With the recent spell of hot weather, a hosepipe ban may well be imminent in the UK. So we thought we would get prepared and know exactly what to do if our lawns begin to suffer from drought.
You can tell if your grass has been hit by drought conditions if it fails the ‘Bounce Back Test’. This is when grass stays flat after it has been stepped on rather than bouncing back. This is due to the grass losing water and the blades become less ridged and wilt.

Top tips for lawn watering in drought conditions

  • Water between 10 -14 days apart
  • Soak the lawn - You should see minor puddles on the surface
  • Water the grass during cooler periods - evening or night time
  • Avoid watering during hot periods of the day – most of the water will evaporate
  • With areas of lawn which don’t get much sun – don’t soak them as much

A hose pipe ban

For newly laid lawns or fescue based lawns which are more vulnerable such as STATEMENT: Front Lawn watering is vital so try to give it a good soak now before a hosepipe ban occurs. If water usage is restricted consider using a watering can to get some moisture to the lawn. Be assured established lawns are tough and have the magic power of going to sleep when it becomes very dry, unlike most other plants it will come alive when moisture levels increase.

Protect your lawn in warm weather

  • When mowing do not cut it too short. Try to maintain a height of around 4cm.
  • If possible leave a little grass clippings on the lawn to try and keep the little moisture there is in the lawn.
  • Try to avoid walking or playing on the lawn – in dry conditions grass grows very slowly and will find it difficult to recover from any damage.
See our guide to summer grass care here.