DROUGHT ALERT! As warm weather approaches, depending on your location, many regions across the United States are facing increasing drought conditions. A lack of precipitation can cause major issues in local communities—from crop damage to drinking water shortages. For homeowners, the effects of drought are just as real, especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy, green lawn.
If you’re noticing brown patches, thinning grass, or weak plant growth, your yard could be suffering from drought stress—even with regular irrigation. Here’s what you need to know about protecting your lawn during this dry season.
Is My Lawn Suffering from Drought Stress?
It’s not always easy to tell if your lawn is stressed from drought, but there are a few clear indicators:
- Color changes: Grass takes on a dull grayish hue
- Footprints remain visible: Walk across your lawn—if your footprints linger, it’s a sign of dry, stressed turf
- Blades curl inward: When moisture is low, grass blades fold or roll to reduce water loss
- Thinning and weak appearance: Lawns that cycle in and out of drought stress often look sparse and faded
Proper Watering Techniques During a Drought
Watering wisely is critical—not only for your lawn’s health but also for water conservation.
✅ Follow Local Watering Restrictions
Always abide by your community’s water guidelines. Drought affects us all, and conserving our most precious resource is a shared responsibility.
✅ Water Deeply and Infrequently
Apply ½ to ¾ inch of water per session:
- Pop-up spray heads: Run for 20–30 minutes.
- Rotor heads: Run for 75–115 minutes.
Deep watering encourages stronger root systems that can better withstand drought.
✅ Hand-Water Dry Spots
If certain areas of your lawn look extra dry between irrigation cycles, spot-water them by hand. Use a hose and spray nozzle to apply about ½ inch of water to these “hot spots.”
✅ Inspect Your Irrigation System Monthly
Check for broken sprinkler heads, cracked pipes, or faulty timers. Often, problems go unnoticed until brown spots appear.
What Happens if Drought Stress Continues?
Without intervention, drought stress can become deadly to your lawn.
- Grass blades turn brown and die after several days of continued stress
- Entire grass plants may die, leading to permanent bare patches
- Chronic stress results in lawns that are thin, weak, and patchy
- Pests like chinch bugs thrive, worsening lawn damage during hot, dry weather
In some cases, brown patches may indicate dormancy, not death. Dormant grass can recover if properly cared for. However, if your lawn doesn’t bounce back after the drought ends and watering resumes, it may be time for reseeding or replacement.
What Should I Do During a Drought?
Here’s your lawn care checklist for managing drought conditions:
- Avoid mowing unless absolutely necessary. If you do mow:
- Use a sharp blade
- Set mower height to 3 inches or more
- Mow early morning or late evening to prevent tire marks
- Keep your lawn care service on schedule. It’s vital for:
- Spot-treating summer weeds like crabgrass
- Monitoring for drought-sensitive pests and diseases
- Applying nutrients and treatments your lawn can use once conditions improve
- Supplement with hand-watering where needed
- Inspect and maintain irrigation systems regularly
How Massey’s GreenUP Services Can Help
If you’re a Massey GreenUP Landscape Services customer, your lawn is already receiving expert care designed to withstand drought.
✔ Fertilization for Strong Roots
Our fertilization program encourages healthy root development, helping your lawn absorb water and nutrients more effectively from deeper soil layers.
✔ Core Aeration
Aeration reduces soil compaction, allowing water and nutrients to reach your turf’s root zone—essential during dry periods.
✔ Insect and Pest Management
Insects like chinch bugs and grubs cause more damage during drought. Our integrated pest management program minimizes this risk by controlling pests with fewer chemicals.
✔ Stormwater Benefits
Healthy turfgrass filters runoff and protects local waterways—a win for your lawn and the environment.
Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant This Drought Season
Drought stress is a serious threat to your lawn, but with the right practices, you can minimize damage and even help your turf recover.
Don’t ignore the warning signs. Adjust your watering habits, keep your irrigation system in check, and don’t skip your scheduled lawn care services.
Need expert help during drought season? Contact Massey Services and let our GreenUP Landscape team help protect your lawn from the effects of drought—and keep it healthy all year long.
