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Making a lawn more resistant to droughts
We obviously can't control extended droughts, but we can minimize the
damage they cause if we act before they occur. The biggest factor in
why lawns fail during extended dry spells, is that they weren't healthy
going into the drought. Therefore, you need to do everything you can
to make your lawn as healthy as possible when conditions are good for
growing lawns.
Regular fertilization that develops strong roots enables your lawn
to better survive the dry days. Don't over-fertilize or use a fertilization
the encourages more top-growth (which means more mowing). Keeping water-hungry
weeds out of the lawn.
Aerating
your yard regularly helps a lawn develop stronger root systems, and
reduces thatch buildup. If you have a thatch
problem, aerate twice a year for several years (once in the spring and
again in the fall). If aerating in the spring, do so before applying
a pre-emergence herbicide, typically used to control crabgrass. Thatch
buildup reduces the amount of water penetrating the soil and encourages
shallow root development.
Increase your mowing
height as the temperatures increase. This will conserve soil moisture
and strengthen root development.
Remember, just as lawns turn brown from extreme water shortages, they
will also return to their natural thick green state when conditions
improve, usually in the fall—just don't panic.
Regular droughts
If you live in an area that frequently has periods of extended droughts, you might think about replanting your lawn with a native grass. Native grasses (i.e. buffalograss). These native grasses require less water and survive extended periods of drought. If native grasses are not a good option for your area, consider switching to a more drought-tolerant grass species such as tall fescue in cool season areas or bermudagrass in warm season areas.
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