The first cool-season lawn areas to show signs of heat related stress will likely consist of Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue grass plant varieties. Lawn areas that are not routinely watered, experience full-sun exposure or are found growing atop shallow heat-retaining objects (sewers, utilities, compacted materials, etc.) or alongside curbs, sewer covers, sign posts, etc. will go dormant first when temperatures hold in the mid-to-upper 90’s and moisture is non-existent.
In most cases, as cooler temperatures return and routine rainfall becomes the norm, your lawn will awaken from it’s dormancy and return to it’s beautiful self all on it’s own and without any additional help. However, depending on the total duration and severity of the heat/drought experienced, season-end lawn repairs by seed may be needed to rebuild any/all lost lawn density.
Here are a few seasonal lawn care tips to remember when we experience severe heat and dry conditions
Try to keep foot, bicycle or vehicle traffic across all heat effected lawn areas to a bare minimum.
Water regularly all season long to ensure dormant-prone grass plant varieties thrive and survive.
If a routine watering program is not possible for any reason, do not begin to water your lawn sporadically after your lawn has already gone dormant. Just let your lawn come out of dormancy on it’s own, over time and as cooler weather and routine rainfall allows.
Mow lawn high (3.5″+/-) all season long for best overall grass plant health and to encourage critical root development.
Core aerate lawn every fall to relieve soil compaction and allow for improved air/nutrient/water flow to your lawns root zone.
Incorporate the planting of drought-tolerant cool season grass varieties into your seasonal lawn improvement program.
Please be sure to let our team at Pacocha Landscaping Services, Inc. know if we we can be of help or answer any questions you may have. Thank you for visiting our site and have a great day!
