Britons concerned about their yellowing, crispy lawns need not despair, as the grass is likely dormant rather than dead, according to plant expert Dr. Stuart Thompson. The prolonged dry spell, which has led to drought conditions across much of England, is causing grasses to shut down their growth to conserve water.

Dr. Thompson, an emeritus fellow in Plant Biochemistry at the University of Westminster, explained that grasses are highly resilient and adapted to survive dry periods. Under severe drought conditions, they enter a dormant state, waiting for moisture to return. He noted that after previous droughts, areas that appeared dead have recovered once rain resumed. "Our lawns will return this time too," he stated.

This dormancy is a survival mechanism. The grass moves the remaining water to the parts of the plant that will produce new leaves, which are protected deep within the outer leaves. These outer leaves then dry out and die, a process that conserves water for the critical growing parts. The accumulating sugars also help protect the plant cells from drying out. This means the yellow or brown color is a sign of self-preservation, not death.

Britain has experienced exceptionally dry weather. July was the driest on record for England, with the Met Office reporting only 10 percent of the long-term average rainfall. Across the UK, July saw just 35 percent of its average rainfall. This dry spell has continued into August, with only 5 percent of the average rainfall recorded by August 10 in some areas. The extended lack of rain has put significant pressure on reservoirs, rivers, farmland, and gardens, leading to water restrictions for millions of people.

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While the situation is serious for water supplies and agriculture, the appearance of lawns is a less critical issue. Experts suggest that as summers become hotter and drier due to climate change, the public may need to adjust their expectations for lawn aesthetics. The traditional obsession with perfectly green grass may need to evolve. "In a warmer, less predictable climate, adapting to the new environment may mean rethinking what we expect parks and gardens to look like," Dr. Thompson wrote.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), established lawns will typically recover their green color once rain returns. They advise against watering lawns during dry spells, as this can hinder the development of deep root systems. Instead, the RHS recommends mowing less often and raising the mower height to allow grass to grow longer, which encourages deeper roots. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn can also act as a mulch, helping to retain moisture.

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For those who have recently laid or sown a new lawn in the spring, watering may be necessary. However, for established lawns, the advice is to resist watering. The grass is naturally equipped to survive drought by going dormant. The RHS suggests that to prepare lawns for future droughts, maintaining their health through regular practices like scarifying and aerating the soil is beneficial, promoting strong growth and deep roots.

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