Help your lawn recover from drought conditions and a tough winter
We all look forward to the time of year when our lawns green up and our thoughts turn to outdoor activities and barbecues. Unfortunately, lawn damage may be prevalent due to dry or drought conditions from last year paired with unusually cold temperatures and lingering snow this past winter. Some plants cells were damaged, frozen or completely destroyed by these harsh conditions. As a result, you may notice brown blades, brown patches or even a wide area of discoloration appearing on your lawn. The good news is there are a number of measures you can take to help your lawn bounce back and regain health and vitality. For starters, stay off your lawn as much as possible while it recovers.
Here are a few other tips:
Proper Mowing
Mow high (3 inches) to increase tolerance to drought and insect or disease problems, and never remove more than 1/3 the height of the blades at any one time. Taller grass develops a deeper, more extensive root system. It also provides greater shading which lowers soil temperatures and reduces evaporation of soil moisture.
Irrigation
It is best to water early in the morning. Deep, thorough watering less frequently is better than more frequent, shallow watering.
Fertilization
Avoid over-fertilization since it will make grass more prone to certain disease organisms and produce soft, tender growth that is less tolerant of drought.
Insect Control
Sometimes what looks like drought damage can actually be due to insect problems, such as Chinch Bugs, Sod Webworms and Bluegrass Billbugs. Check your lawn carefully to make sure any insect problems are detected and treated promptly.
Weed Control
Since weeds compete for precious nutrients, growing space, and soil moisture, it is critical to get a quick start on weed control in early spring.
