Drought: Home & Garden

Poking and soaking will help lawn survive

Has the drought got you, and your lawn, down? Don't fret. University of Georgia Extension experts say there are a number of ways to help your lawn survive.

One way is to beat up your lawns. No, it's not lawn abuse. It's a machine called an aerator, which punches holes in the soil.

The holes help water get down to the roots, where turfgrasses can use it. It loosens the soil, too.

Improving water movement into the soil encourages deeper rooting. With deeper roots, lawns don't need watering as often and will be less vulnerable to drought.

You'll probably have to rent a commercial-grade aerator. But it could be worth it during a drought.

Another key to helping your lawn use water better is to watch the grass. You may not be used to checking whether the lawn needs water. But the grass will show you. It will start to turn slightly off-color or slightly gray.

When the grass needs water, it needs a good drink. Water once per week, the least frequently, the better.

Watering your lawn a few minutes each day only moistens a thin layer near the soil surface. One good watering of about an inch a week encourages the grass to grow deeper roots. This improves its chances of surviving a drought.

top