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Occasionally lawns can be affected by particularly dry periods resulting in them having to be watered manually.
In recent times this has sometimes become impractical due to 'hose bans'
This could lead to turf turning brown and stopping growing.
Other than the fact that the lawn looks unsightly, this is not serious as it might seem, the grass will regrow once the rains return.
As mentioned under the 'Lawn maintenance' section of this website if certain preventative measures have been taken earlier in the year, there is no reason to think the lawn won't recover when the wetter seasons arrive.
Having said that by following some do's & don'ts during the dry spell can help.
Don't apply autumn feed and weed treatment until the following spring.
If rain is forecast apply a proprietary autumn lawn fertiliser, which will be high in phosphorous and potassium and low in nitrogen to encourage strong rooting, otherwise delay the application.
Avoid using weedkiller during the dry spell, wait till the following spring when the grass and weeds are growing vigorously again before applying it.
If moss becomes a problem treat this in spring with a proprietary moss killer.
Try an keep off the lawn during the dry spell to reduce compaction.
When the dry spell is over rake the lawn lightly, heavy raking or scarification can be harmful in most cases.
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