How To Care For Your Lawn During A Drought

Drought conditions in Arizona are a recurring challenge that significantly impact the state's landscape and ecosystems. However, with the right knowledge and practices, homeowners can still enjoy a beautiful landscape while conserving water. Join us as we explore the best lawn care tips specifically tailored for Arizona's drought conditions, helping you achieve a healthy and resilient lawn year-round.

Understand Drought Conditions In Arizona

Typically occurring during the summer months from June to September, drought periods are characterized by a lack of precipitation and prolonged stretches of dry weather. Arizona's arid climate exacerbates the effects of drought, with high temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit and minimal rainfall. As a result, soil moisture levels rapidly decline, leading to parched landscapes and water scarcity. Lawns in Arizona are particularly vulnerable during drought conditions, as grasses struggle to maintain their health and vigor in the absence of adequate water. Without proper irrigation and maintenance, lawns quickly become stressed, with grass blades turning brown and brittle. 

Drought-stressed lawns are more susceptible to weed infestations, pest attacks, and disease outbreaks, further compounding the challenges faced by homeowners. Drought conditions in Arizona pose significant obstacles to maintaining lush and healthy lawns, requiring careful water management strategies and adaptive lawn care practices to mitigate their impact.

Do Not Mow Your Lawn Too Short

The dry climate and conditions in Arizona often have a negative impact on lawn mowing practices, necessitating careful consideration to ensure the health and resilience of the grass while conserving water. During drought periods, grass growth may slow down or even go dormant, leading to reduced mowing frequency. 

However, it's crucial to adjust mowing practices to accommodate the changing needs of the lawn and prevent stress or damage. Mowing too short or too frequently can exacerbate drought stress, weaken the grass, and increase water requirements. Homeowners must adopt mindful mowing practices that promote the health and vitality of the lawn while conserving water resources.

• Raise Mower Blades: Adjust mower blades to a higher setting to leave grass taller, which helps shade the soil and reduce water evaporation.
• Follow The One-Third Rule: Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mowing session to prevent stress and maintain healthy growth.
• Mow During Cooler Hours: Mow during the cooler hours of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to minimize stress on the grass and reduce water loss through evaporation.
• Keep Mower Blades Sharp: Regularly sharpen mower blades to ensure clean cuts that promote healthy grass growth and minimize water loss through damaged grass blades.
• Leave Grass Clippings: Consider leaving grass clippings on the lawn to decompose and return nutrients to the soil, which can help improve soil health and water retention.

Seed Or Sod With Drought-Tolerant Grass

Planting new grass seed or laying sod during a drought presents several significant challenges that can hinder the successful establishment and growth of a lush lawn. The primary difficulty stems from the lack of adequate moisture in the soil, which is essential for germination, root development, and overall plant health. In drought conditions, the soil becomes dry and compacted, making it difficult for grass seeds to penetrate and establish roots. Without sufficient water, the young grass plants struggle to develop robust root systems, leaving them vulnerable to wilting, stunted growth, and even death. 

The competition with weeds for scarce water resources becomes more intense during drought conditions, as weeds are often more resilient and aggressive in their pursuit of moisture. To overcome these difficulties and maximize the chances of success when planting new grass seed or sod during a drought, homeowners must implement a strategic approach that prioritizes water conservation and efficient irrigation practices.

• Use Warm-Season Grass: Selecting the right type of grass is crucial for success in Arizona's climate. Use drought-tolerant grass varieties, such as Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, or buffalograss. These grasses have deep root systems that can withstand periods of drought.
• Prepare The Soil: Thoroughly prepare the soil before planting by loosening it to improve water penetration and root development. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, can enhance soil structure and water retention capacity.
• Water Adequately: Provide newly planted grass seed or sod with consistent and sufficient water to support establishment. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth, ensuring that the moisture reaches below the surface where the roots can access it.
• Mulch For Moisture Retention: Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips, over newly seeded areas to help retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and protect young grass plants from drying out.
• Minimize Foot Traffic: Avoid walking or heavy traffic on newly seeded areas to prevent soil compaction, which can hinder root growth and water absorption. Consider marking off the newly planted areas to remind family members and pets to steer clear.

Water Deeply & Infrequently 

Drought conditions in Arizona significantly impact lawn watering routines, requiring homeowners to adjust their practices to conserve water while maintaining the health of their lawns. With limited rainfall and high temperatures, the need for efficient water management becomes paramount to prevent water waste and ensure the survival of grasses in the arid climate. 

During drought periods, it's essential to adopt a strategic approach to watering that maximizes the effectiveness of each watering session while minimizing water usage. This often involves deep watering techniques that encourage deep root growth and reduce the frequency of watering to prevent shallow root development. Watering schedules may need to be adjusted based on weather conditions, soil moisture levels, and the specific needs of the grass species. 

• Water Deeply & Infrequently: Aim for deep watering sessions that penetrate the soil to encourage deep root growth, rather than frequent shallow watering.
• Water In The Early Morning: Watering early in the morning reduces water loss due to evaporation and allows the grass to dry before evening, minimizing the risk of disease.
• Use An Irrigation System: Consider investing in a smart irrigation system that adjusts watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels to ensure efficient water usage.
• Monitor Soil Moisture: Regularly monitor soil moisture levels using a moisture meter or by manually checking the soil's moisture content to avoid overwatering or underwatering.
• Mulch To Conserve Water: Apply a layer of organic mulch around trees and shrubs to retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.

Fertilize Lightly & Pull Weed Regularly

Drought conditions significantly impact fertilization and weed control efforts in lawns, presenting unique challenges for homeowners striving to maintain healthy and vibrant landscapes. During drought periods, grasses may become stressed and less receptive to fertilizers, leading to reduced nutrient uptake and potential fertilizer runoff. Additionally, drought-stressed lawns are more susceptible to weed infestations as weeds thrive in dry, compacted soils and compete with grass for scarce water resources. 

Traditional weed control methods, such as herbicide applications, may also be less effective during drought conditions due to the decreased vigor and resilience of grass. Homeowners must carefully adjust their fertilization and weed control strategies to adapt to the challenges posed by drought while promoting the health and resilience of their lawns.

• Use Slow-Release Fertilizers: Apply slow-release or organic fertilizers that are less prone to leaching and runoff, reducing the risk of nutrient loss during drought conditions.
• Apply Fertilizers Sparingly: Apply fertilizers sparingly and according to recommended rates to avoid over-fertilization, which can stress drought-stressed grass and contribute to water pollution.
• Water-In Fertilizers: Water-in fertilizers immediately after application to ensure proper nutrient uptake and minimize nutrient loss due to evaporation or runoff.
• Hand-Pull Weeds: Regularly inspect the lawn for weeds and hand-pull them before they have a chance to establish and spread. This method is particularly effective for controlling weeds in smaller patches or isolated areas.
• Mulch Garden Beds: Organic mulch suppresses weed growth naturally, without you having to worry about harsh chemicals damaging your struggling plants.

Aerate For Improved Soil

Aerating lawns during droughts in Arizona is crucial for maintaining healthy grass and promoting water absorption in the soil. Drought conditions often lead to compacted soil, which restricts root growth and inhibits water penetration. Aerating the lawn involves perforating the soil with small holes to alleviate compaction, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the grassroots more effectively. 

The process of core aeration improves soil structure and drainage while also enhancing the grass's ability to withstand drought stress by encouraging deeper root development. By aerating the lawn during droughts, homeowners can maximize water efficiency, promote healthier turf growth, and enhance the overall resilience of their lawns in Arizona's arid climate.

• Select Proper Aeration Equipment: Choose the appropriate aeration equipment based on the size and condition of the lawn. Options include core aerators, spike aerators, or aerating shoes, each with its advantages and limitations.
• Mark Irrigation Lines & Utilities: Before aerating, mark irrigation lines, sprinkler heads, and underground utilities to avoid damaging them during the process.
• Overlap Passes: Make multiple passes over the lawn with the aerator to ensure thorough coverage and consistent aeration. Overlapping passes helps to alleviate compaction more effectively, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Aerate In Different Directions: Aerate the lawn in multiple directions, such as north to south and then east to west, to ensure uniform soil penetration and maximize the benefits of aeration.
• Leave Core Plugs On The Lawn: If using a core aerator, leave the soil plugs on the lawn to break down naturally and return valuable nutrients to the soil. Alternatively, rake or mow over the plugs to break them up and distribute them evenly.

Use Professional Lawn Care Services

Professional lawn care services offer numerous benefits for managing lawns during droughts in Arizona. Professionals possess the expertise, experience, and specialized equipment needed to assess the unique needs of each lawn and implement tailored solutions to optimize water efficiency, promote soil health, and maintain vibrant turf even in arid conditions. Professional lawn care services can provide solutions that maximize the health and resilience of lawns while conserving water resources and minimizing environmental impact. For more information on managing your lawn during a drought in Arizona, call Little John’s Lawns today!