Keeping Your Lawn Alive During a Drought

Here are some tips to help your lawn survive a hot, dry spell:

Let Your Grass Go Dormant

It's natural for grass to slow down growth during hot weather. Don't panic if your lawn turns brown - it's probably just dormant. The roots are still alive and will bounce back with rain or cooler temperatures. Even severe droughts rarely kill established lawns completely.

Raise the Mower Height

Taller grass shades the soil, keeping it cooler and retaining moisture. Aim for a mowing height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches during droughts. Sharp mower blades are also important for clean cuts that heal faster.

Water Wisely

Only water when your grass shows signs of wilting (folded leaves with a bluish-gray color). Water deeply in the early morning (between sunrise and 8 am) to minimize evaporation and avoid fungal diseases. Aim for about half an inch of water a couple of times per week.

Deep Watering vs. Frequent Watering

Deep, infrequent watering encourages grass roots to grow deeper, searching for water in the soil. Avoid shallow, frequent watering, which creates weak, shallow roots. Use a rain gauge or can to measure how much water you're applying.

Signs of Overwatering

Puddles or runoff indicate wasted water. If you can't apply a full half inch without runoff, split your watering session into shorter intervals to allow the soil to absorb the water.

Hold Off on Fertilizer and Weed Killers

Excess nitrogen fertilizer during a drought can stress your lawn. Wait to fertilize until early fall when the grass can efficiently use the nutrients. Herbicides can also weaken your lawn during dry periods.

By following these tips, you can help your lawn survive a drought and bounce back healthy when the rains return.