Follow these six expert tips for a Championship lawn this summer
The summer of sport is well underway. Wimbledon’s grass courts are looking fresh and pristine, and all eyes are on the pitches of the World Cup, so what more inspiration do you need to get your own lawn pitch perfect and ready for some warm weather action?
Johnsons Lawn Seed’s parent company, DLF, has long been supplying specialist sports turf grass seed to The Premier League, Wimbledon and some of the best golf courses around the world. The same level of expertise, research and development, goes into their lawn seed varieties for gardeners and households up and down the country. So, if you are looking to get your own lawn looking championship ready, follow these tips from lawn care experts, Johnson’s Lawn Seed, and you will be on to a winner with your own lawn this summer – even during a heatwave:
- Protect your lawn during heat
During long, hot summers and periods of heat or low rainfall, grass naturally goes dormant to protect itself. You may notice areas turning straw-coloured or patchy. This is a sign the grass is conserving energy. However, extended dry weather or inconsistent watering can weaken roots, allowing weeds and moss to take hold.
Compaction and shallow watering also cause uneven patches, as moisture fails to reach the deeper roots where it’s needed most.
- Water deeply and not often
When restrictions allow, water your lawn thoroughly once or twice a week rather than little and often. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downwards, helping your grass withstand dry conditions. Early morning or evening watering reduces evaporation and ensures more moisture reaches the soil.
Uneven watering often leads to patchy lawns — some areas stay green while others dry out. To prevent this:
- Use a sprinkler or oscillating hose to achieve even coverage.
- Check that no areas are shadowed by trees, fences or walls that block rainfall.
- On slopes, water slowly to allow moisture to soak in instead of running off.
- Incorporate top dressing with sand or loam to improve water distribution and drainage balance.
- Raise your mower blades
During hot weather, avoid cutting grass too short. Keeping blades around 5–7cm (2–3in) tall helps shade the soil, retain moisture, and protect roots from heat stress.
- Feed wisely
Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilisers during drought, as they encourage leaf growth when roots are struggling. Instead, use a balanced or slow-release feed when rain is forecast to strengthen root systems and improve drought tolerance.
- Aerate compacted areas
Dry lawns often suffer from compacted soil, which prevents water from soaking in evenly. Use a garden fork or hollow-tine aerator to relieve compaction and help moisture penetrate to the roots.
6 Overseed after drought
Once rain returns, rejuvenate your lawn by overseeding bare or thinning areas. Choose a resilient, drought-tolerant grass seed such as Johnsons Lawn Seed “Anytime” or “Shady Place”, depending on your conditions. New growth will restore density and improve future drought resistance.
Guy Jenkins, consumer manager at Johnsons Lawn Seed, concludes, “Healthy lawns are more resilient to dry spells. Regular aeration, feeding, and overseeding will help develop deep, strong roots that can find moisture below the surface. Choosing drought-tolerant grass varieties and maintaining good soil structure can significantly reduce the impact heatwaves.
Don’t panic if your lawn turns brown during a drought — most UK grasses will recover naturally once moisture returns. Focus on gentle care rather than overwatering or heavy feeding during stress periods.”