THE green, green grass of home isn’t looking quite so green these days after weeks of the current heatwave – more a yellowy-brown colour.
But gardeners need not worry as although the grass may look dead it will come back to life.
Why the UK weather won’t kill your lawn
Despite having no rain for ages your grass isn’t dead, it’s merely gone into survival mode and will come back once the wet weather returns.
Grass is actually remarkably tough and resilient; it has to be to be able to survive the almost constant pounding it gets from being trampled on daily.
Essentially, unlike most plants that grow from their tips, grass grows from their base, just above their roots.
So when a period of prolonged drought and heatwave comes along it can effectively cut off the peripheral parts such as the tips and keep its core alive.
Then when the rain comes again, it springs back into life.
How you can protect your grass
Keep watering it, this is best done in the early morning as this reduces the amount of evaporation when it gets hotter later on.
Soil should be watered up to six inches deep and certain types of soil, such as sandy soil, will need watering more often.
Don’t let your pets urinate on the grass, which will cause the grass to turn yellow.
A similar effect is caused by petrol from lawnmowers.
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The grass could also be deficient in nitrogen, which enhances green, leafy growth but too much nitrogen can cause it to turn yellow.
To encourage a yellow lawn to turn green again, make sure the grass has good drainage which helps air circulation to the roots.
Rake up any grass clippings and fallen leaves as this can attract pests and harbour disease.
Always make sure the blades on your lawnmower are sharp and only cut the grass when it is dry.