KLTV.com-Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville, Texas | ETX NewsList of ways to keep grass green in drought

List of ways to keep grass green in drought

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By Ian Smith - bio | email
  • Most turf grasses are pretty resilient and will recover from drought.
  • Dormant grass will not recover if rhizomes, roots and crowns dehydrate.
  • Water grass for a longer period of time less frequently rather than a shorter time more frequently.
  • Watering deeply (1 inch per-week) and infrequently allows the water to penetrate the soil, allowing more moisture availability and retention.
  • Water early in the morning-never in the heat of the day!
  • Raising the cutting height of the lawn mower will help the grass withstand the drought.
  • keep the mower blades sharp.
  • never remove more than one third of the new growth in one mowing.
  • Mow in different directions to eliminate compaction.
  • Fertilize with a slow release source of nitrogen. If water is unavailable-stop watering.
  • Potassium is the key nutrient in stress tolerance of grass and will help the grass recover in the fall.
  • Consider top dressing in January and October with a compost-this will help build the turf profile and reduce the water needs.
  • Keep the sprinkler system in good working condition-drought conditions will expose a poor sprinkler system.
  • Pray for rain! 

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