The prolonged heatwave and drought conditions during the summer of 2026 have left many UK homeowners struggling with severely damaged lawns, according to experts from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Following a record-breaking summer, marked by an unprecedented number of hot days and water restrictions, there has been a sharp increase in demand for lawn repair supplies and advice.

The Met Office reported that the summer of 2026 saw 40 days with temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F), surpassing the previous record of 34 such days. This extreme heat, combined with widespread drought, prompted millions of households across the UK to adhere to hosepipe bans to conserve water.

As a result, grass growth suffered significant setbacks. The RHS noted a 90 percent increase in visits to its lawn care advice webpages over the past week, while sales of grass seed soared by 575 percent year-on-year. RHS adviser Nick Turrell suggested homeowners remain patient, recommending that they wait several weeks for potential rainfall, which could allow many damaged lawns to recover naturally. “If after a few weeks the patches don’t green up, simply spread some lawn top dressing and re-seed the patches. This can still be done in October,” he said.

Meanwhile, Guy Barter, the RHS’s chief horticulturist, described 2026 as possibly “the worst year ever” for lawn conditions in the UK due to the combined effects of record temperatures and prolonged dry spells. Gardeners and families, having enjoyed outdoor activities during the hot summer months, are now facing the challenge of restoring their gardens after the drought-induced damage.

The summer’s extreme weather highlights growing concerns about the impact of climate change on household gardening and water management practices. As the UK braces for future summers, the emphasis may increasingly need to shift toward drought-resistant landscaping and sustainable watering strategies.