Changing temperature due to climate change can create damages to your garden or lawn. It is true during summer months when drought can lead to stress to gardens and lawns. If you observe grasses and other plants turning brown, then that is a sign of drought stress. It is imperative first to know the signs of summer stress and do several useful activities to decrease the risk of stress on your lawn. Also, you may choose to plant drought-resistant grass.
Signs to look out for Drought Stress
Grasses are susceptible to drought during the summer months when extreme temperatures can dry the soil. Not having enough water in the soil can cause grasses to wilt and turns into brown color. The following are ways to detect signs of drought stress on your lawn.
- Look for brown spots on the grass and try to pull out those grasses with brown patches. If it is hard to pull out, then it is a sign that the brown spots are caused by extreme drought.
- Always check the moistness level of soil using a spade or anything that can penetrate deep within the soil. If the spade cannot go deep within the soil around the grass with a brown spot, then it means the soil is already too dry.
- Another early symptom of drought in your lawn is that footprints remain as you step on the grass.
Know more about Grass Dormancy
Many gardeners are unaware that grasses, just like any other plant, can go through a dormancy period. There are two types of grasses. The first is the cool-season grasses that go through dormancy during the summer months and go back when autumn starts. Another one is the warm season grasses that go into dormancy period during colder months. These grasses are alive during dormancy and go back to life once the temperature is back to normal. Many homeowners who want a beautiful lawn throughout the year choose to plant drought-resistant grass.
How to Care for your Lawn Drought Stress
If you want to maintain a luscious lawn through the season, there are effective ways to help your garden or lawn survive aside from planting drought-resistant grass.
1. Lawn mowing
It is still advisable to mow the lawn during the summer months but make sure to increase the height of the blade. By moving higher, you can avoid creating damages to the grass blades. Also, grass clippings from mowing will fall on the lawn that can serve as added mulch that can help to retain moisture around the soil. Thick mulch can prevent the evaporation of water from the soil. However, make sure that grass trimmings are not too large.
2. Regular Watering
Gardeners who want to avoid dormancy waters their lawn regularly. It is vital, especially for a new lawn, to encourage the growth of healthy roots. Older lawns need constant watering. It is important to wait for the soil to absorb the water and dries out a bit before watering again. An aerate soil before watering is vital for proper absorption. Using a garden fork, create small holes around the soil to allow water to sip deeper into the soil.
The best time for watering is every ten days to avoid soaking the soil with too much water as it can promote the growth of moss and plant diseases. Also, watering is best done in the morning or before the sun goes down. Avoid watering when the temperature is high, and do not water at night when the temperature is too low. You can choose drought-resistant grass if you want a low-maintenance lawn during summer.
3. Apply some Fertilizers
Applying fertilizer during the drought months will not cause harm to your lawn, but grasses will not fully benefit from it. Also, consider the application of liquid fertilizers than granulated ones. If liquid fertilizer is not available, then refrain from using any fertilizer unless the weather improves. If you have drought-resistant grass, then there is no need to apply for fertilizer.
4. Stay Away from Heavy Foot Traffic on your Lawn
It is important to avoid walking on the grass during the summer months as it can add to drought stress, even for drought-resistant grass. High temperatures and lack of water are causing too much damage to the grass blades. Too much foot traffic can create compact soil that can prevent water from sipping deep into the soil.
