Prepping For A Dry Summer

As the sun's relentless rays beat down and the mercury climbs, your lawn faces a formidable adversary: a dry and scorching summer. But fear not, green thumbs and lawn enthusiasts! With the right knowledge and a little TLC, you can transform your grassy expanse into a resilient oasis that not only survives the drought but thrives in it. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the art and science of preparing your lawn for the hot and dry months ahead. From smart watering techniques to soil nourishment and lawn care strategies, we've got you covered. So, let's roll up our sleeves and embark on a journey to ensure your lawn remains lush, green, and the envy of the neighbourhood throughout the summer.

Man holding a hose to water his lawn

Steps To Take

1. Helping Water Reach The Roots

Aerating plays a crucial role in enhancing water penetration to the roots, enabling your lawn to effectively harness available moisture. By aerating before the onset of an extended drought, you'll also boost soil moisture retention in the areas that need it most when the next dry spell arrives.

2. Fertilize Your Soil

Promoting soil health is paramount to enhancing your lawn's resilience against drought. Prior to an impending prolonged dry spell, it's advisable to cut back or entirely eliminate nitrogen-based fertilizers while increasing potassium-based ones. Additionally, steer clear of herbicides and pesticides. Incorporating organic matter, such as grass clippings (though in moderation to prevent suffocation), can effectively reduce water loss and maintain soil temperature at an optimal level.

3. Have A Mowing Routine

It is best before a period of drought to mow regularly so that you don’t stress your grass plant out. Aim to follow the standard 1/3 rule. This means that you don’t cut more than 1/3 of the leaf blade off when you mow. For example, if your lawn grows to 30mm, only cut off 10mm so it’s at 20mm. If you fail to do so, you may cut into the crown of the lawn and ‘scalp’ your lawn.

4. Water Your Lawn Properly

Arguably the most critical step in fortifying your lawn against drought is adjusting your watering practices. To cultivate a drought-resistant lawn, it's crucial to adopt a strategy of infrequent, deep watering. This approach fosters the development of robust root systems that can extend deeper into the soil to access moisture.

Rather than the daily five-minute watering routine, consider transitioning to more profound, less frequent irrigation, aiming for a thorough soaking once or twice a week. This not only encourages deep root growth but also serves as a proactive measure to prepare your lawn for potential water restrictions in the future.

Sprinkler on lawn watering it.

Summary

The path to a drought-resistant and thriving lawn involves a combination of strategic measures and mindful practices. From soil health management to intelligent mowing and watering techniques, each step contributes to the overall resilience of your grassy paradise. By prioritizing these methods, you're not only safeguarding your lawn against extended dry spells but also playing a role in conserving water resources. So, as you embark on this journey to prepare your lawn for a dry summer, remember that with a little care and effort, your green oasis will not only endure the challenges of the season but also continue to flourish, offering beauty and respite for seasons to come. Happy lawn care!