Managing Turfgrass in Drought: Expert Tips to Save Your Lawn!
Drought can make managing turfgrass challenging for homeowners in Eastern North Carolina. With high temperatures and minimal rainfall, lawns often suffer, turning brown and unsightly.
Recently, NC State published an article on managing landscape turfgrasses under heat and drought conditions, highlighting the severity of the situation in North Carolina. However, managing warm-season turfgrass in a drought doesn’t have to be daunting.
By following expert tips, you can keep your lawn healthy and green even in extreme heat. This article will provide you with actionable strategies to ensure your turf thrives despite the harsh conditions.
Aspect | Details |
Current Situation | – Nearly half of NC is “abnormally dry” |
Irrigation Strategies | Growth and Green Color Maintenance: |
– Water 1 inch per week | |
Turf Survival: | |
– Apply ½ inch of water every 2-3 weeks to keep turf crowns hydrated | |
Factors Affecting Turf Survival | – Species and age of turf affect drought survival |
Recommended Actions | – Implement effective water management practices |
Current Situation
Drought Stress in Eastern NC: Nearly half of North Carolina is experiencing “abnormally dry” conditions. The forecast predicts more heat and little to no rain, which will likely increase drought levels and result in more brown lawns.
Warm-season turfgrasses, like zoysiagrass and bermudagrass, are particularly affected. These grasses can handle dry conditions but need proper care to survive and bounce back once favorable conditions return.
Irrigation Strategies
Growth and Green Color Maintenance
To maintain the growth and green color of your turf during a drought, it is crucial to follow proper watering practices. Ensuring that your lawn receives about 2 inches of water per week, whether from irrigation or rainfall, is essential. Here are some detailed tips to help you achieve this:
Watering Requirement
- Weekly Water Needs: Your turf requires approximately 2 inches of water weekly. This amount helps keep the grass healthy and green and promotes robust growth.
- Measurement: To measure the amount of water your lawn is receiving, place a rain gauge or a few straight-sided containers around your yard while watering. This can help you gauge whether you’re meeting the 2-inch requirement.
Timing
- Optimal Watering Times: Water your lawn between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Watering during these hours reduces water loss due to evaporation and ensures that more water reaches the roots.
- Night Watering Benefits: If your water pressure is lower in the morning, watering at night can be more effective. Night watering allows for more consistent pressure and thorough soaking of the soil.
System Check
- Irrigation System Maintenance: Regularly check your irrigation system to ensure even distribution of water across your lawn. An efficient system will prevent dry spots and overwatering.
- Catch Containers: Place catch containers (such as small cans or cups) in different areas of your lawn to monitor how much water each section receives. Adjust your system to achieve uniform coverage.
Watering Schedule
- Bluish-Gray Turf Indicator: Pay attention to the color of your turf. When the grass starts to turn a bluish-gray color, it indicates water stress and the need for more water.
- Re-Watering Frequency: Depending on weather conditions and soil type, you might need to water more frequently. Adjust your schedule to ensure the grass doesn’t reach the point of significant stress.
By adhering to these practices, you can maintain a lush, green lawn even during periods of drought. Regular watering, system checks, and monitoring will ensure your turf remains healthy and resilient.
For more detailed lawn care services, check out our lawn care services page.
Turf Survival
If maintaining the green color of your turf is not feasible due to extreme drought conditions, the focus should shift to turf survival with minimal watering. Here are some detailed tips to help ensure your lawn survives during prolonged dry spells:
Minimal Watering
- Hydration Requirement: To keep the turf crowns hydrated, apply ½ inch of water every two to three weeks. While this amount of water won’t green the turf, it will significantly improve the chances of survival by keeping the grass crowns alive.
- Application Tips: Ensure the water penetrates deeply to reach the grass crowns. This deep watering encourages the roots to grow deeper, enhancing drought resistance.
Visual Stress Signs
- Spot Watering: Keep an eye out for areas showing signs of heat and moisture stress, such as wilting or a bluish-gray color. These areas may need additional hand-watering.
- Irrigation Restrictions: In case of irrigation restrictions, prioritize hand-watering the most stressed areas to provide immediate relief and prevent further damage.
Avoid Herbicides and Fertilizers
- Temporary Suspension: Refrain from using herbicides and fertilizers until normal rainfall patterns resume. Applying these chemicals during drought can stress the grass further and lead to damage.
- Fertilization Services: For expert fertilization services tailored to your lawn’s needs, visit our fertilization services page.
Traffic Reduction
- Minimize Vehicle Traffic: Reduce vehicle traffic on your lawn, including riding mowers. Heavy traffic can compact the soil and stress the grass, making it more vulnerable to drought conditions.
- Lawn Mowing Practices: Adjust your mowing practices to reduce stress on the turf. For more information on lawn mowing, see our lawn mowing service page.
By focusing on these survival strategies, you can help your lawn endure through periods of extreme drought. Keeping the turf crowns hydrated, minimizing stress, and avoiding unnecessary chemical applications are key to maintaining your lawn’s health.
For a holistic approach to managing your lawn’s health during drought conditions, explore our lawn care services, including comprehensive lawn and landscape maintenance.
Factors Affecting Turf Survival
Understanding the factors that affect turf survival during a drought can help you make informed decisions:
- Species and Age: Different turf species and ages have varying drought survival rates.
- Rooting Depth and Soil Type: Deeper roots and favorable soil types enhance drought resistance.
- Shade and Maintenance Practices: Proper shading and maintenance practices improve drought resistance. For comprehensive lawn and landscape maintenance, visit our lawn and landscape maintenance page.
- Traffic and Heat: High traffic and heat levels can exacerbate drought stress.
For a holistic approach to managing your lawn’s health, explore our lawn treatment and weed control services.
Summary
High temperatures and drought stress are currently impacting turfgrass in Eastern NC, with conditions expected to worsen. To manage warm-season turfgrass in a drought, consider your goals—whether to maintain growth and color or simply ensure survival. Implement effective water management practices, including proper timing and system checks. Appropriate watering and reduced traffic are crucial during severe drought conditions to enhance turf survival.
By following these expert tips, you can save your lawn and keep it looking healthy and vibrant even in extreme heat. For professional assistance and tailored lawn care solutions, don’t hesitate to contact us or fill out our estimate request form.
Let us help you achieve a beautiful lawn, regardless of the weather! Explore our comprehensive lawn care page for more information on how we can help maintain your turf.