The recent excessive heat and dry conditions are evident when you look at the vegetation that is growing in our area. There have been some isolated showers throughout the county, but many areas have not received the much needed rain. The turf in your yard is probably wilted and browning unless you have been watering it. Be sure that you are watering your lawn properly or you could be doing more harm than good.
Turfgrass management influences the amount of water your lawn will require to maintain itself. Increased nitrogen fertilization and excess thatch increase the amount and frequency of irrigation needed. During dry periods, raise the mowing height and mow often enough so no more than 1/3 of the leaf tissue is removed. Raising the mowing height will allow the grass to maintain a deeper root system, thereby helping the grass to find more water.
Thatch is plant material between the soil surface and leaves of the turf. A thick thatch layer will increase run-off and encourage a shallow root system. Dethatching your lawn may be required if the thatch layer is thicker than 1/2 inch. Aeration will also help slow down thatch development, increase water infiltration, and reduce run-off if the soil is compacted.
Irrigate your lawn efficiently and effectively to get the highest benefits from the water. Irrigate your lawn when you see the signs of moisture stress; the grass has a dull and blue-green color, leaf blades fold, footprints remain after you walk on the turf and the grass wilts.
The water needs to be applied at the correct time to achieve the highest efficiency. Try to apply water to the turf just before wilt occurs. The ideal time to water your lawn is before sunrise, but this is not easily accomplished unless you have a sprinkler system or you are an early riser in the morning. Water loss at night from irrigation is 50 percent less than from midday irrigation. Irrigation after dew develops will not increase disease problems (wet grass is wet — no matter how much water is applied). However, irrigating prior to dew formation or after the dew has dried from the morning sun and wind extends the period of free surface moisture and may enhance disease development. I recommend that you water your lawn between midnight and 10 am.
How much water needs to be applied to a lawn is a common question. Frequent, light irrigations produce shallow root systems. Apply enough water to soak the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. This will require about 1/2 to 1 inch of water to reach the recommended depth. Applying water to this depth will help prevent the roots staying near the soil surface and will force the roots to go deeper as the soil surface begins to dry out.
Water your lawn wisely to maintain its health. Hopefully, the much needed rain will arrive soon and give your lawn relief from the hot and dry conditions.
Bill Tyson is the coordinator for Effingham County Cooperative Extension of the University of Georgia. E-mail him at email@example.com or call the Extension office at 754-8040.