Brits are in for a sizzler with the mercury set to soar, heralding for a toasty week across parts of the country. And with the heatwave, lush could transform into unsightly brown plots with a few key missteps.

Cheryl Harper from Greensleeves Lawn Care has warned what . As the expert explained it, leisure activities like BBQs and sunny lounging sessions can inadvertently compact soil and wear down the grass. She said: "One of the during the high summer months is increased footfall. Combine that with the blazing sun and very little moisture and your lawn can start to look more than just a little worse for wear very quickly."

Rather than strictly enforcing a "keep off the grass" policy in summer, gardeners can embrace several simple tactics to fend off the threat of brown patches.

Grass going brown in summer is common, but doesn't mean it has died and can't recover.

"Without sufficient water, your lawn can turn yellow and straw-like, taking months to recover," said Cheryl.

"To maintain a green lawn during these hot spells, deep watering a couple of times a week is often more effective than daily light sprinkling."

It's important to be mindful of your watering schedule, she added: "Be strategic about when and how you water your lawn, especially when it is hot."

She advised that the best time to water your lawn is in the early morning, allowing the grass to soak up essential moisture before the sun heightens evaporation rates.

Watering during the peak sunlight hours means the moisture can evaporate quickly, thus stopping water from reaching deep into the roots.

On the other hand, Cheryl noted: "Similarly, watering in the evening can increase the risk of diseases like red thread by leaving the grass damp overnight."

She also warned against fertilising during extremely warm weather because it could cause "fertiliser burn" that harms the grass.

The expert advice is to wait until cooler weather prevails or, ideally, when there's rain forecasted after the grass has a chance to dry.

Finally, Cheryl pointed out the necessity of letting your lawn breathe amidst the summer heat and dealing with weeds swiftly to prevent them from absorbing pivotal nutrients.