Help your lawn stay beautiful, no matter what the water situation is in Central Texas.
1. Water your lawn less: Watering your lawn less often and more deeply helps build grow strong roots that will capture and utilize the water more efficiently. If you have an automatic system, set it to the day allowed for your address and a time within the allowed period when there is no sun and temperatures are a bit cooler. This helps avoid evaporation and ensures the water being used has a chance to soak deeply into the ground.
2. Remove weeds: Weeds compete with your grass for soil and nutrients. Create a plan to remove your weeds so that your grass can stay healthy.
3. Raise Mowing Height: Mowing the grass too short in a drought can stress it and make it more susceptible to damage. To help your lawn cope better, increase the mowing height by at least 25 percent and minimize foot traffic on the grass. Remember to adhere to the 1/3 blade mow rule, particularly in hot weather conditions.
4. Plant Drought-Tolerant Grass: Drought-tolerant grass types such as Buffalograss, Bermuda, or Zoysia need less water compared to regular grass and can endure dry spells better. Keep in mind that many warm-season grasses may become dormant during severe conditions, such as extended droughts. During dormancy, grass appears brown, dry, and devoid of life. The blades lose their upright position and lie flat, creating a matted appearance, which is also common in dead grass. Dormant grass, though seemingly lifeless, is alive at its roots and crown and has the potential to bounce back. Dormancy serves as a physiological process that grasses employ to shield themselves from heat and drought.
Update landscapes with Summer in mind! LCRA’s WaterSmart Rebates program can help offset the cost of upgrading irrigation systems, maintaining landscapes and pools, testing your soil, and converting turf to help you save water and money. Find out about rebates LCRA offers.
5. Maintain a Healthy Soil: It is recommended to test your soil annually and adjust it as needed to maintain the correct nutrients, cation exchange, and the essential water, oxygen, and microbial activity for a healthy lawn. Having a vibrant lawn before summer heat or drought sets in is crucial for its resilience. A detailed soil test will provide guidance on necessary nutrients, aeration, and other requirements for your lawn.
6. Install an Efficient Irrigation System: Installing efficient irrigation systems can enhance water usage, ensuring your lawn receives the precise amount of moisture when needed, minimizing wastage. Contemplate the installation of a drip irrigation or smart sprinkler system that adapts watering schedules according to weather patterns and soil moisture levels. These innovative systems can prevent overwatering, directing water to the root zone for deep root development and a lush, healthy lawn.
7. Use Sustainable Lawn Care Practices: Opting for sustainable lawn care practices can greatly enhance your lawn's resilience to drought conditions. Here are some tips to consider:
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing to act as natural mulch and provide soil nutrients.
- Ensure clippings are evenly distributed and not more than ¼ inch thick.
- Avoid over-fertilization, as it can raise water needs and weaken the grass.
- Opt for a mix of fast and slow-release fertilizers to boost long-term soil health.
- Refrain from fertilizing during extreme temperatures to maintain your lawn's well-being.
7. Use Drought Resistant Plants: By using drought-tolerant plants, you can lower your lawn's water needs, decreasing your total water consumption. These plants are well-suited to survive in dry conditions and can endure extended drought periods. Think about including varieties such as sedum, yarrow, lavender, and native grasses that flourish in arid environments, bringing vibrant colors and textures to your outdoor space. Sign up at Water My Yard for localized tips on plants and resources.