FAQs about patio, decking and driveway care

• How often should I mow in a heatwave?

  When the weather's exceptionally hot and dry, grass growth significantly slows to conserve energy. During these heatwave periods, you should reduce your mowing frequency. If the grass isn't growing, don't mow it. If you must mow, raise the height of your cordless lawn mower to its highest setting so the remaining grass keeps the soil shaded.

   

• My lawn has gone brown. Is it dead?

  Unlikely! Most UK lawns go dormant during prolonged dry spells to protect themselves. It's a natural survival mechanism. While summer lawn care tips focus on keeping it green, don't panic if it loses some colour. Once the autumn rains arrive, a healthy lawn will usually revive.

• Can I apply fertiliser in August?

  You can, but only if the soil is moist. Applying fertiliser to a bone-dry lawn can actually 'burn' the grass. Fertilisers fuel growth, and a plant stressed by heat can't keep up with the pressure of producing new leaves. Wait for a break in the weather or a forecast of rain before applying a summer-specific feed.

• Is there a way to ensure my summer fertiliser is applied evenly?

  Yes, and even distribution is critical to avoid 'burning' your grass with too much product in one spot. One of the most practical lawn tips for summer is to move away from scattering by hand, which often leads to patchy results. Instead, use a RYOBI 18V ONE+™ Cordless Lawn Seed Spreader. It allows you to precisely control the flow rate and spread width, making it much easier to achieve a uniform, professional finish across the entire lawn.
   

• What is the best way to handle dry patches?

  Dry patches or localised dry spots occur when the soil becomes water-repellent, which is a common hurdle when keeping your lawn green in summer. Use a garden fork to aerate the area, allowing water to penetrate the surface again, and follow up with intense, infrequent watering to encourage the roots to grow deeper and stronger.
   

• What should I do with grass clippings that end up on my driveway?

  After a summer mow, clippings often find their way onto your paths and driveway, where they can quickly become a slippery mess when it rains. A garden blower is the quickest way to tidy up after you've finished.
  These blowers are lightweight and quiet, allowing you to clear debris from hard surfaces and flower beds in seconds, so your entire outdoor space looks as manicured as the grass itself.