Importance of Lawn Care during Drought Stress

As many of you know we are experiencing the first serious drought that we've had in several years. Your lawn may be brown, but it doesn't mean its dead. The lawn goes into a dormant state which is a natural response by a cool-season grass during excessively hot and dry conditions. It's more important than ever to practice proper lawn care during these conditions.

• Only mow if the lawn needs to be cut. Never removing more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time. Mow with a sharp blade and be sure to only mow after dusk - mowing during the hottest part of the day can turn the lawn brown instantly.
  
• Be sure to water when possible, preferably during morning hours (1.5 - 2 inches of water per week).
• It's very important to provide sufficient nutrients to the lawn when it is under stress. Just like when a person is ill or weak, it's important to maintain proper nutrient intake, the same goes for your lawn.
• Lawns should be fertilized with a slow release fertilizer, high in organic content in order to prevent any potential for burning. This fertilizer will sit in the root zone of the lawn until the grass is ready to use it.
• It is also important to protect the lawn against the devastating effects of insects, weeds, and disease pressure when it's in this vulnerable state.
  

 
The majority of cool season grass types will fully recover once cooler temperatures and adequate moisture are available. In some cases, thinning of the turf may occur and a fall aeration and overseeding will help it recover quickly.
 
If you have any concerns don't hesitate to call you local Lawn Dawg Specialist and we'll be happy to schedule a service call or answer any questions.