Dealing with a drought can be a real doozy
Each summer it seems, drought rears its ugly head. As the temperature rises, so, too, does the likelihood of drought, leaving even the most well-maintained lawns and gardens susceptible to too much sun and not enough water. Water restrictions during such droughts are usually put into place, with usage priorities being given to farmers and others in the agricultural industry.
However, there are steps you can take to minimize the damaging effects of drought. According to the University of Florida, the following drought-management practices should help your lawn weather the next dry spell.
Prioritize. When it comes time to make a decision on what to protect from drought, drought-sensitive plants and trees should be high on your priority list, as should the most visible and maintained areas of your lawn. Plants and trees are more expensive to replace than turf, so ignoring them in a drought could prove more costly in the long run.
Know when to water. Thanks to less wind and cooler temperatures, the ideal time for watering is early morning. In early morning time, water won't evaporate as quickly or drift away in the wind like it will in the later morning hours and early afternoon.
Know how to water. Roots grow deeper and stronger after intensive watering at long intervals. Frequent, shallow waterings will have minimal or no effect whatsoever, meaning you're wasting what little water you're allowed to use.
Maintain your irrigation system. A routine examination for leaks and other malfunctions shouldn't take long, and will ensure your lawn is getting the water it needs. Detecting these leaks is not very difficult, as water pressure when watering typically won't be as strong as it should and puddles in areas you're not watering could begin to form.
Eliminate weeds. Weeds are certainly unsightly, but they also act as nature's thieves, stealing water from plants that desperately need it, especially in drought season. Weed removal is most effective when pulling the entire weed out of the ground, including the root.
Avoid fertilizing during drought. The best time to fertilize is spring, when the air is cooler and rain is more frequent. Fertilizing during drought is a risky proposition, as fertilization only stimulates growth, which necessitates more water. Also, if you obey drought restrictions but still fertilize, you've essentially wasted your money, as you won't be able to nourish the growth without substantially more water than your drought restriction probably allows.
Avoid pesticides. Many pesticides also require additional water application in order to be effective. Under drought restriction, your main concern should be maintaining your lawn until the restrictions are lifted. Applying pesticides during drought is an unnecessary endeavor and will only divert water from parts of your property that truly need it. According to the University of Florida, there are also several other management-specific practices you can follow that should help you keep your lawn going through the difficult drought period.
When is it time to irrigate? At the immediate onset of drought, you don't need to irrigate. Once roughly 30 percent of your lawn has begun to wilt under the summer heat, then it's time to irrigate. Noticeable signs include half-folded leaf blades throughout the property, your lawn appearing more bluish-grey than green and footprints remaining in the yard long after they've been made. While these aren't the only signs of wilting nor should you wait for them all to appear, they are indicators that irrigation is necessary.
What height should you cut your lawn? Many people will apply the theory that taller grass requires more water, so cutting your grass as short as possible will help it make it through the drought. While taller grass does require more water, it also promotes deeper rooting, which in turn leads to better turf quality.
How often should you mow? Though you might think cutting your grass at a taller height will mean you have to mow more often, that's typically not the case in drought, when grass does not grow at nearly the same rate as under normal conditions. Mowing less frequently increases root growth and doesn't stress the grass.
Will mulch help your plants? Absolutely. Mulch is not only aesthetically appealing around trees, plants and flower beds, but it also reduces evaporation from soil while moderating soil temperature. A recommended depth for mulch is three-to-four inches after settling.
Should I shade my plants? If you have potted plants that can be moved, do it. Shade will reduce their water needs substantially and you can always put them back in place once drought restrictions have been lifted.
