Lawn Care Advice for Dry Conditions
Lawns face much backlash for their water usage especially as water becomes scarce in dry regions. The reality is that most lawns are grossly over-watered (which means they don’t need nearly as much moisture as homeowners dish out. However, in drought-prone areas during hot summers when temps are up, humidity is down, and the Sun’s rays come in heavy — lawns need to be watered more often. Some lawn service tips for training your grass to grow in dry, high desert conditions, and to survive short-term droughts on minimum water.
Consider Using Drought-Tolerant Grasses
Some cool-season and warm-season grass species require less water in both cool-season and warm-season climates. Alternatively, a grass mix that requires less water can be seeded into existing lawns or lawns can eventually be transitioned by top-seeding with grass species adapted to dryer conditions each year until the desired change occurs. Gradually over the years, plants more resistant to droughts will get established as others succumb.
Water Properly
In a droughty environment, water right is watering less frequently. The initial, crucial step in transitioning to a more water-efficient lawn is to wean it from an over-dependence on water. Grass requires approximately 1-1.5 inches of water per week to live and grow.
Proper Mowing
It is the wrong height for mowing and droughts/arid conditions require mowing the lawn at a longer height. Grass blades, or leaves, hold much of the plant’s water, long grass equals more moisture to the roots. Longer grass provides more shade to the ground and thus, it remains cool and minimizes evaporation of moisture.
Switch to Different Groundcovers
Grasses, even the drought-resistant type, will need more H2O than other low-growing plants. If you can’t keep the moisture level up in a designated area, consider ripping out grass altogether and planting some other type of living ground cover there in your yard.
Rubio Lawn Care LLC offers an impeccable and dependable lawn service in Beaverton, OR. Contact us at (971) 407-9269 today to get started with your lawn care.