How to Help Your Lawn Survive a Drought

With temperatures rising and rain fall decreasing (though there has been more than usual rainfall where I live so far this summer), summer time drought seems inevitable and it putts a serious strain on your lawn. With little rain fall and water restrictions it makes things really hard on your lawn and your ability to take care of it. If you are not careful, your lawn could end up dead.

The summer of 2007 was a very bad year for drought in many parts of the country, particularly the Southeast, which suffered a historic drought. There were widespread mandatory water restrictions, and most lawns in these areas suffered extensive damage as a result.

Work done about a month before a drought period can have a real impact on your lawn's ability to survive. The primary objective is to make the lawn as strong and healthy as possible before a drought hits in order to survive a drought with little or no supplemental irrigation (watering by hose or sprinkler system). A lawn properly prepared to survive a drought will have a deep and extensive root system.

Here are some tips that are sure to help you beat the summer heat and take care of your lawn.

1. Raise the blades on your mower. Taller grass provides more protection from sun and grows deeper roots, which makes it more resilient. Remove only one third of the grass length at each mowing, cutting too much at once stresses the grass.

2. Resist the temptation to bag your lawn and use a mulching mower instead or go over your lawn twice. The clippings will provide a barrier that keeps moisture in your lawn longer. They also provide free fertilizer (at least ¼ of your lawn’s needs) and help your lawn grow greener and denser, and it doesn’t cause thatch buildup.

3. Sharpen your lawnmower blade. Dull blades put your grass under lots of undue stress. Stressed grass needs more water.

4. Most lawns require only 1 inch of water per week, some grasses even less. If you water your lawn every day, you are encouraging shallow roots. By spreading out your watering you can help your lawn to establish deeper roots that will help it survive drought periods. Generally watering deeper, less days per week will encourage deeper root growth and a more healthy lawn.
Water early in the morning and when it is not windy to avoid unnecessary evaporation of your rationed water and remember, that long watering sessions are preferred to short watering sessions for grass.
Watering techniques should be adjusted during the growing season to compensate for precipitation and lengthy hot and dry periods. The amount of water and the duration of each watering period should be adjusted according to soil types and grass types.
Avoid watering in the afternoon because a large percentage of the water is lost to evaporation. Avoid evening watering because the lawn will remain wet for 12 to 15 hours, until the following morning sun dries off the lawn. This prolonged wet period can increase fungal disease incidence.
Use an alternative type watering or irrigation system like a soaker hose. It puts the water in the ground, where it is needed, more efficiently.

5. Use drought-resistant grass. The lawn care industry is filled with innovative products and solutions, including drought-resistant grasses. If you live in a region where summers are long and rainfall is minimal, this is an excellent idea. Rhizomatous grasses like Bermudas have best drought tolerance followed by Zoysias (though these can be invasive), St. Augstines, then Centipedes, Seashore Paspalum and Fescue. Which one of these is best for you depends on where you live. Ask your local garden center.

6. Aerate your lawn twice a year (fall and spring) to keep out thatch and help the roots grow deeper.

7. Do not fertilize in the summer. Experts will tell you that fertilized lawns are more sensitive to heat and require more water.

A green lawn is definitely something to envy in the heart of the summer. Do yourself and your lawn a favor and follow these tips to keep it looking green. Your green lawn will cause your neighbors to be filled with wonder and envy.

Lawns “by the yard”