When the rain isn’t falling and the air feels like a desert, your lawn becomes a parched shadow of its once lush self. Fear not, homeowner! You can help your green spaces withstand these dry days with a few smart and strategic steps. Arm yourself with this drought survival guide for your lawn, and watch it emerge resilient and ready to thrive when the rains return.
Step 1: Water Wisely
While your instinct might be to water generously during drought, it’s crucial to do so wisely to conserve this precious resource and encourage deeper root growth.
- Water early in the morning when temperatures are cooler to reduce evaporation.
- Focus on infrequent but deep watering sessions to promote root strength.
Step 2: Mow Higher
Raising the cutting height of your lawnmower can make a world of difference.
- Leave grass taller to provide shade for roots and retain soil moisture.
- Aim for a grass blade length of around 3-4 inches to protect against the scorching sun.
Step 3: Minimize Lawn Traffic
During a drought, grass is under stress and more prone to damage.
- Limit foot traffic to avoid crushing the already fragile grass.
- Postpone any heavy yard activities that can compact soil and restrict water absorption.
Step 4: Hold Off Fertilizing
Fertilizers can prompt growth that plants struggle to support when water is scarce.
- Wait until normal weather patterns return before fertilizing.
- Opt for a slow-release or organic fertilizer that will be gentle on your lawn.
Step 5: Cultivate Drought-Resistant Varieties
If drought is a frequent occurrence, consider planting grass varieties better suited to dry conditions.
- Species like Zoysia, Bermuda, and Buffalo grass are more drought tolerant.
- Over time, reseed with these hardier variants to build a more resilient lawn.
Step 6: Aerate
Compacted soil can exacerbate drought stress on your lawn.
- Perform aeration during a non-drought period to improve water penetration.
- This process also helps with root development and the overall health of the soil.
Step 7: Mulch
Don’t overlook the benefits of mulching your lawn.
- Grass clippings can act as a natural mulch, retaining moisture in the soil.
- Ensure the layer of clippings is thin enough to decompose quickly and not smother the grass.
Step 8: Proactive Weeding
Weeds compete with your grass for the limited water available.
- Keep weeding regularly to ensure all available water supports your lawn.
- Be vigilant, as weeds often survive drought better than grass.
While a drought can test the toughest of turfs, a proactive approach centered around preservation and wise water use can keep your lawn from turning into a dust bowl. Adjusting your maintenance routine to suit the dry conditions will conserve water, promote deep root growth, and prime your lawn for recovery once the rains return. Remember, the goal is to maintain survival, not perfection – keep your lawn alive now so it can return to its full glory later.
If you have any questions or need any type of sprinkler system repair, the experts at Mr Sprinkler Repair will be glad to help. Give us a call or 855-695-1000 to set an appointment.
