Looking After Your Lawn This August

Looking after your lawn in August it’s all about helping it cope with heat, dryness, and wear from summer use — while setting it up for autumn recovery. Here are the top lawn care tips for August:

🌞 1. Mow Wisely 

• Raise the mower blades slightly — longer grass (around 4–5 cm) copes better with dry weather. 

• Mow once a week or as needed — don’t scalp the lawn. 

• Leave clippings (if using a mulching mower) to help retain moisture. 

💧 2. Water Deeply (If Needed) 

• Only water if the lawn is really struggling — grass can go brown but usually recovers in autumn. 

If watering: 

• Do it early morning or evening.

• Soak deeply once or twice a week (rather than light watering every day). 

🍃 3. Deal with Dry Patches 

• Use a lawn wetting agent if water seems to run off or not soak in. 

• Lightly scarify (rake) small patches to break surface crust and help moisture reach roots. 

🧹 4. Remove Weeds & Moss 

• Spot-treat persistent weeds with a lawn weedkiller. 

• Avoid moss killer until autumn unless you’re overseeding soon. 

🐜 5. Watch for Pests 

• Leatherjackets and chafer grubs (which eat grass roots) may become noticeable. 

• Signs: birds pecking at lawn, yellow patches. 

• Treat in late August/September if needed using biological controls (like nematodes). 

🚫 6. Avoid Feeding with High-Nitrogen Fertilisers 

• These can scorch grass in hot, dry weather. 

• If feeding now, use a slow-release summer feed (low nitrogen, higher potash) or wait until early autumn for a full feed. 

🛠️ 7. Light Repairs 

• Patch bare spots: rake, loosen soil, sow grass seed, and keep moist. 

• Ideal time for major lawn renovation is September, so start prepping now. 

👣 8. Minimise Wear 

• Lawns can get stressed in dry spells. 

• Rotate play or seating areas if possible to avoid compacted patches. 

🪱 9. Aerate if Compact 

• For small areas or heavy use zones, use a garden fork to spike holes and improve drainage and root growth. 

• Save full aeration for autumn. 

📅 10. Plan for Autumn Lawn Care 

• August is the perfect time to book in or plan a lawn renovation:

• Scarifying 

• Hollow-tine aeration 

• Overseeding 

• Autumn feed