EXTENSION REPORT

MANAGING DROUGHT STRESSED LAWNS

     Many portions of Alabama are experiencing severe drought conditions.  Here are some guidelines for helping lawn grasses cope with these hot dry conditions.

     The first thing to do is decide whether to water or not to water.  You should consider things such as local water bans or conservation guidelines, the amount of water you will need to apply, the water source and how you will apply the water.  You should also consider the need to water.  Most warm season turfgrasses (bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, centipedegrass) can be allowed to go dormant, just as they do in the winter.  Turfgrass dormancy is a survival mechanism that enables grasses to survive 5-8 weeks without significant damage.  Cool season grass such as fescue will also go dormant but may thin out during prolonged dormancy.  Newly seeded or sodded lawns have not yet established extensive root systems and will need watering.

     If you decide not to water, you should reduce stress on the lawn.  This means stay off the lawn.  Limit traffic including mowing.  If you must mow, then raise the mower blade so that you are mowing weeds and not turf.  Avoid using herbicides even if weeds become more obvious in the lawn.  Herbicides are not effective on drought-stressed weeds and may damage the turfgrass.  Do not apply fertilizer while the lawn is dormant.  When possible apply ½ inch of water to the lawn every 4 weeks.  This amount of water will not green up the turf but will help survival.  Your lawn will recover 1-2 weeks after significant rainfall returns.  Wait until after the grass has resumed active growth before applying herbicides or fertilizers.  Cool season grasses may need reseeding in the fall to fill in thin spots.

    If you decide to water, then water efficiently.  Remember that water is expensive.  It requires 27, 154 gallons of water to cover one acre of lawn with an inch of water.  One inch of water is generally needed each week for most Alabama lawns to actively grow.  For most efficient water use, water between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.  Water deeply – this means wetting the soil to a depth of 2-4 inches.  Reduce the frequency of watering.  Watering a little bit every day encourages fungal diseases and shallow rooting of grass.  Water deeply (2-4 inches) and then wait until 50% of the lawn shows signs of drought stress.  These signs include a bluish-gray color, “foot printing” when you walk on the lawn and leaf rolling.  Once these signs appear then water.  Daily watering should only be done for newly established lawns.

     Finally, it you have an automatic irrigation system for your lawn do three things.  First check the emitter and spray heads to see they are operating properly.  That is that they are covering the lawn areas evenly and not watering sidewalks and driveways.  Two, apply one of the inexpensive rain sensing devices to your system so that the system shuts off when it does rain.  The third thing to do is change the setting on the time clock to off.  The system can then be turned on manually on a “as needed” basis.  This will not be as convenient but will let you be more efficient. 

Cooperative Extension, Garden Information Line Now Open

     Master Gardeners are standing by the phones of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System ’s Horticulture Information Line to answer gardeners and homeowners questions. Master Gardeners will provide answers based on current research and best practices under the supervision of Extension Agents. Mike McQueen, Regional Extension Agent, says the toll-free helpline will be open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will be available until mid-November.

     “Gardeners in our area should make use of this excellent resource,” says McQueen. “Volunteers who answer the phone will provide facts and point people to Extension publications and other materials available both online and the county Extension office.”

     To reach the Horticulture Information line, dial 1-877-252- GROW (4769). Callers will be asked to select from one of four regional helplines. (Jefferson Metropolitan Area, Central Alabama, Northwest Alabama and Southwest Alabama)

     The Southwest Region information line will serve Baldwin, Butler, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, and Washington counties.

Email address: mcquegj@aces.edu
Phone number: 937-7176 or 943-5611, 928-0860, ext. 2222

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.