A properly managed lawn, made up of the appropriate grass species and balanced soil, can be very functional. Droughts can be very stressful on your lawn. Sometimes after excessively dry conditions, you can be left with a dying brown lawn. We would like to offer a few tips on how you can reclaim green grass after a drought.Aerate and Dethatch
Aeration is a process in which you use a tool to plunge three or four inch holes into the soil of your lawn to better absorb water, fertilizers, and other nutrients to help it grow. Most people aerate when they notice the soil has become compacted and is not absorbing water. Dethatching is the removal of organic debris. This also helps the soil absorb the water you apply.
Water
Droughts mean a lack of water, so it makes sense that a regular watering schedule is the best medicine for a brown lawn. No matter what kind of watering system you use, you want to try and minimize your water usage. Grass grows deep healthy roots when you water deeply but infrequently. As a rule of thumb, grass needs about an inch of water per week whether from rain or watering. Frequent, shallow watering causes shallow roots to grow, which makes your grass susceptible to drought and other problems. Also, try to water early in the day to avoid evaporation. Giving your lawn a thorough soaking in the morning helps stimulate root growth and prevents evaporation as well as fungus.
Mow Regularly
Mowing at the proper height for your grass and feeding it regularly will help establish a strong root system as well. Stay on a regular mowing schedule, leaving clippings on the lawn to provide your soil and grass with moisture and nutrients. Mow on the higher side (three inches is ideal) and always keep the blade sharp to prevent shredding the grass blades.
Mow Regularly
The composition of a soil will also determine it’s water holding capacity and ability to retain and transfer nutrients to the plant roots. A sandy soil has less nutrient and water retaining ability than a loamy soil, therefore, turf is weaker and root systems are more vulnerable to drying out in a drought stricken sandy soil. Humas rich compost can be added to the soil profile through repeated topdressings or renovation, aiding in water and nutrient retention.
Limit Lawn Traffic
Excessive foot traffic contributes to compacted soil, which prevents grass roots from accessing the moisture they need; so, try to avoid walking on drought-affected lawns.
Kill Weeds
Weeds are very opportunistic and competitive and will readily invade bare areas of ground that are created by drought. Once established, weeds will aggressively compete for light, nutrients, moisture and space. This will allow for quick weed establishment and when more favorable conditions occur, weeds will spread to new areas and weed densities will increase. Targeting weeds with an herbicide destroys weeds while protecting your lawn. Killing weeds is important because it means your grass doesn’t have to compete with them for water, sun, and nutrients.
Do You Need Help With Your Lawn?
Our experienced lawn care technicians have seen our fair share of droughts. If your lawn is suffering and you’re ready for the pros to intervene, we’re knowledgeable about bringing lawns back from the dead.
Call the pros at A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping! We help our residential and commercial clients with their lawns and landscaping all year ’round!
Contact Us (859-384-0266) for a Free Consultation!
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About A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping
A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping can beautify your lawn and landscaping using our vast experience in turf grass management. Our complete lawn service is designed for both residential and commercial lawns and we keep your lawn healthy without harming your family, staff, or pets.