Lawn Care During Heatwaves in West Sussex: How to Reduce Damage

Why heatwaves affect lawns so quickly

Extended hot weather places significant stress on grass, particularly in West Sussex where clay soils dry, harden and crack quickly. Lawns in exposed gardens around Chichester, Tangmere and the coastal villages are especially vulnerable.

Common mistakes during hot weather

One of the most common mistakes is mowing too short. Short grass exposes soil, increases moisture loss and weakens roots. Overfeeding during heatwaves is another issue, forcing growth when the lawn should be conserving energy.

What to do when temperatures rise

During hot spells, mowing should be reduced and set higher than usual. Foot traffic should be limited and fertiliser use paused unless advised by a professional.

Allowing grass to slow down naturally during high temperatures is not neglect. It is a survival mechanism.

How professional lawn care helps during summer stress

Targeted summer treatments focus on root health and stress tolerance rather than rapid growth. This approach keeps lawns alive and ready to recover when conditions improve.