France has experienced one of the hottest summers on record, with 90% of the country reaching at least 35°C (95°F) and nearly half of the territory hitting 40°C (104°F) or higher. This extreme heat has been paired with an unusual drought, with summer rainfall falling 40% below the historical average. The situation worsened over the months, with a 50% precipitation deficit in June, rising to 70% in July, and remaining low in August, even after some thunderstorms. This has led to widespread damage to gardens, with many people returning from vacation to find their lawns yellowed or completely bare. While the south of France, which naturally has a drier climate, is more accustomed to such conditions, even northern regions have seen significant garden stress. To assess whether a lawn is simply dormant (temporarily inactive due to lack of water) or dead, gardeners can perform a simple "pull test." Gently pull a small section of grass; if the roots hold on to the soil, the lawn is likely dormant and can recover with proper care. If the grass comes off easily with brown roots, that area is likely dead and will need reseeding. If the lawn is dormant, it should be left undisturbed—avoiding mowing, fertilizing, and walking on it. Light watering can help keep the roots alive during prolonged dry spells, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent further stress. For areas where the grass is dead, reseeding should be done in the autumn when the soil is cooler and more conducive to growth. Before sowing new grass seeds, dead material should be raked away to prepare the soil. A thin layer of soil can be added to create a good seedbed, followed by the sowing of seeds and regular watering to keep the soil moist. With proper care, new grass should begin to sprout within two to three weeks. This summer’s extreme conditions have highlighted the vulnerability of lawns and gardens to climate extremes. While many homeowners are now dealing with the aftermath, the advice on assessing and restoring damaged lawns offers a practical path forward as the region continues to adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.