How to Care for Your Garden During a Hosepipe Ban

When a hosepipe ban is announced, it’s natural to worry about your garden. Brown lawns, wilting plants and dry borders can quickly become a concern, especially after weeks of warm weather.

The good news is that with a few simple changes, you can help your garden survive prolonged dry conditions and give it the best chance of bouncing back once the rain returns.

At Cloverfields Gardening, we help homeowners throughout Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Harlow, Stansted, Takeley and the surrounding villages keep their gardens looking their best all year round. Here are our top tips for caring for your outdoor space during a hosepipe ban.

What Is a Hosepipe Ban?

A hosepipe ban, also known as a Temporary Use Ban (TUB), is introduced by water companies when water supplies come under pressure due to prolonged dry weather. The restrictions usually prevent the use of hosepipes for activities such as:

• Watering lawns
• Watering borders using a hose
• Washing cars
• Cleaning patios and driveways
• Filling paddling pools

However, in most cases, you can still use a watering can, provided it is filled directly from the tap rather than using a hosepipe. Always check the latest guidance from your local water supplier, as restrictions and exemptions can vary.

Will My Lawn Die?

This is by far the question we’re asked most during a dry spell.

Thankfully… Probably not.

Most established lawns don’t die during a hosepipe ban.Instead, they enter a natural state called dormancy. This is the lawn’s way of protecting itself during extreme heat.

Your grass may:

• Turn yellow
• Become brown
• Feel dry
• Stop growing

Although it may look dead, healthy lawns almost always recover once rainfall returns.

Should You Continue Mowing?

Yes — but with a few adjustments.

During hot weather:

✔ Raise your mower blades.
✔ Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass length.
✔ Never scalp the lawn.
✔ Leave grass slightly longer than usual.

Longer grass shades the soil, helping it retain moisture and reducing stress on the roots. If your lawn has already turned brown, it’s often best to leave it alone until conditions improve.

Which Plants Need Water First?

If water is limited, prioritise:

• Newly planted trees
• Young shrubs
• Hanging baskets
• Pots and containers
• Vegetable gardens

Established shrubs and mature trees usually have much deeper root systems and are far more resilient than many people realise.

Water Smarter

If watering is permitted using a watering can:

The best time is:

🌅 Early morning
or
🌇 Late evening

Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day when much of the moisture evaporates before reaching the roots. It’s also better to water deeply once or twice a week than to give plants a small amount every day. Deep watering encourages stronger root growth.

Add Mulch to Your Borders

One of the simplest ways to reduce water loss is by applying mulch.

Mulch helps to:

• Lock moisture into the soil
• Suppress weeds
• Keep roots cooler
• Improve soil quality over time

Organic mulch such as bark chips, compost or well-rotted manure works particularly well.

Should You Feed Your Lawn?

No. Applying lawn feed during prolonged dry weather can do more harm than good.

Fertiliser encourages new growth, but without enough moisture, the grass struggles to support it. Instead, wait until rainfall returns before feeding your lawn.

What About Hanging Baskets?

Hanging baskets dry out much faster than plants growing in the ground. To help them survive:

• Water early in the morning.
• Remove dead flowers regularly.
• Position baskets in partial shade where possible.
• Use water-retaining compost.
• Consider adding water-retaining gel crystals when planting.

Can You Wash Your Patio?

During most hosepipe bans, using a hosepipe or pressure washer to clean patios is not permitted. Rather than trying to clean your patio during restrictions, wait until the ban has been lifted. In the meantime:

• Sweep regularly.
• Remove leaves and debris.
• Pull out weeds by hand.
• Brush away moss where possible.

Regular maintenance makes deep cleaning much easier later on.

Is Now a Good Time to Landscape Your Garden?

Absolutely. In fact, many homeowners use dry weather as an opportunity to rethink their outdoor space.

A professionally designed low-maintenance garden can significantly reduce water usage while still looking fantastic throughout the year. Popular options include:

• Porcelain patios
• Decorative gravel
• Raised sleeper beds
• Drought-tolerant planting
• Artificial grass
• Permeable pathways

These features not only reduce maintenance but also help create a garden that performs well during increasingly hot UK summers.

Five Common Hosepipe Ban Mistakes

Avoid these common errors:

❌ Cutting your grass too short
❌ Watering during the middle of the day
❌ Feeding lawns in hot weather
❌ Ignoring newly planted shrubs
❌ Thinking brown grass is dead

Simple changes can make a huge difference to the health of your garden.

Looking Ahead

Long, dry summers are becoming more common across Hertfordshire and Essex. Planning your garden with drought resilience in mind can save time, reduce water usage and make maintenance much easier in the future.

Whether you’re considering a new patio, artificial lawn, raised beds or a complete garden makeover, choosing the right materials and planting schemes now can help your garden thrive whatever the weather.

Need Advice About Your Garden?

If you’re looking for expert advice on caring for your garden during a hosepipe ban, or you’re considering creating a more water-efficient outdoor space, we’re here to help.

Cloverfields Gardening works with homeowners across Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Harlow, Hatfield Heath, Takeley, Stansted, Little Hallingbury and the surrounding areas, providing professional landscaping, garden design and maintenance services.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quotation and let’s create a garden that’s built to thrive in every season.