ASK DIARMUID

QLike so many others after this very hot summer, our lawn has been left looking the worse for wear. It was very parched and dried out. Is there anything we can put on it or do that will help bring it back? My husband has put an autumn weed and feed on it, but wondered if there was anything else we could do? Lorraine Hobbs

AHi Lorraine. I’d imagine that recent rains have fully restored your plot to an emerald green carpet. It will also help if you give your lawn a good scratching with a rake and remove all the thatch or detritus that has built up. You could improve drainage by using a garden fork in small areas to create holes that you then top dress with some free-draining lawn sand mixed with a little bit of garden compost to fertilise. Finally, raise the blade on the mower for the rest of the season so your lawn is not scalped for winter.

A good scratching with a rake should help your lawn