The UK’s weather can’t seem to make its mind up at the moment, but one thing’s for sure – the hotter, drier summer months can wreak havoc with your lawn if you’re not keeping a close eye on it.

If patchy grass is getting you down at the moment, you’re not alone. Over the last three months, there’s been a whopping 841% increase in the number of Brits searching Google for terms like ‘patchy lawn repair.’

And after reports that May’s weather has been some of the hottest in 76 years, it’s no surprise people are concerned about the damage it’s done to their lawns.

Turns out, it’s not easy to bring a tired lawn back to life – unless you’ve got a little know-how from the experts. So, we spoke to Chris Cooper, Senior Product Manager at lawncare specialists Hayter, who’ve made battery mowers for over 75 years, for his top tips.

Step 1: Find out what’s causing patchiness

“Before you start actually trying to tackle your patchy lawn, take a moment to think about why your lawn is patchy,” says Chris. “There can be loads of reasons behind this, particularly in the hot, dry summer months.

“Heat damage and drought stress are the most common weather-related causes, but other pests like crane fly larvae (aka leatherjackets) and chafer grubs are also likely to be active during the summer months.

“Grass compaction from foot damage is another common contributor to lawn patchiness, so make sure you’ve got a handle on why your lawn is patchy. There’s no point seeding without fixing the problem!”

Step 2: Scarify

“Scarifying refers to the process of removing any organic matter – thatch, moss or dead grass – from your lawn’s surface,” says Chris. “All this build-up can prevent your grass getting enough oxygen, water and nutrients to grow, so getting rid is a vital step.

“If the soil on your lawn is especially dry and compacted, be sure to water the lawn a day or two before scarifying. If not, you risk damaging the grass, and penetrating the soil will be less effective – tearing the turf rather than piercing it,” Chris clarifies.

“Using a dedicated scarifying tool is best for this, especially if you have a big lawn. Otherwise, a springbok rake will do the trick. You’re aiming to leave yourself with a clean, open surface, where new grass seed can make direct contact with your soil as easily as possible and combat your patchy problem.”

Step 3: Aerate

“Once the scarification is complete, it’s time to aerate,” Chris continues. “This is essentially making a load of holes in your lawn that allow nutrients, water and all that good stuff to reach your lawn’s root zone.

“Focus on any bits of your lawn that are looking and feeling compacted, as it’ll be tough for nutrients to get to the roots here. Tell-tale signs are hard soil, poor drainage and extra patchiness. Use a garden fork or a dedicated aerator to make holes about 10cm deep and wriggle to open up the holes.

Step 4: Top up the soil

“Now you’ve done everything you can to improve the state of your current grass, it’s time to add some fresh soil to the mix to give your new grass the best chance of healthy growth. Use loose topsoil or lawn dressing to add another level of lustre to the healthier parts of your grass.

“For the really patchy parts, you can even use compost – this will help create a hospitable seedbed with a strong structure and nutrient-rich soil.”

Step 5: Sow your grass seed 

“Prep done, it’s time to reseed your lawn,” Chris says. “Be sure to select a grass seed that’s suitable for UK climates and your application – perennial ryegrass is a great shout for patchy lawns due to its durability, but shaded areas might call for a specific type of grass from the fine fescue family.

“Now, the most important factors are seeding evenly and accurately. Aim for up to 50g of seed per m2 in patchier areas and between 20-35g per m2 in the healthier areas. A handheld spreader is the best way to ensure even coverage – these are available for cheaper than you think at your local garden store and will make a huge difference.

“Lightly rake your seed into the surface of the grass to guarantee good contact and you’re good to go!”

Step 6: Watering and protecting

“Give your new seed a good water immediately after seeding and keep it moist daily for about 10 days, until the seeds germinate. If the weather’s colder, once a day might be enough – if it’s hot, you might need to water twice a day.

“Best practice for this time of year is to water in the early morning and/or late evening, avoiding peak temperatures. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for birds, who are prone to thieving seeds. If your garden is home to a community of birds, it might be worth investing in netting or fleece to keep the sun shining on your grass while protecting it from a cheeky peck here or there.”

Step 7: Mow and feed

“The final step to guaranteeing the long-term health of your grass is to begin mowing and feeding it as you normally would,” concludes Chris. “The key point here, though, is not to jump the gun. Patience is vital! Don’t mow until your grass has reached a length of seven or eight cm, and don’t be tempted to cut it too heavily. Never cut more than a third of your grass height.

“Finally, apply a low-nitrogen summer feed to encourage and strengthen growth, and there you have it! You should have turned your patchy lawn into a lush, dreamy slice of paradise.”

So, there you have it. If you want to take your garden to the next level, then it’s not enough to chuck a few new seeds over a patchy lawn. But, if you want to do things right and create a luscious lawn that lasts, this is the way to go.