How to Protect Your Lawn from Harsh Weather Conditions

You may take great care of your lawn to keep it healthy and green, but what can you do when harsh weather conditions threaten your lawn?

Here are some tips that may help you protect your lawn from damage caused by dry weather, extreme heat, hail, hard rain, snow, and high winds.

Dry Weather

Many types of grass used in drought-prone areas are designed to bounce back from dry weather. Although dormant grass appears brown, the base of the leaves should be green, and the roots should look healthy. If your grass is completely brown and brittle, it may be dead, and you may need to lay new sod or reseed it.

According to the Lawn Institute, it is better to stop watering when the drought starts, rather than watering for a while and stopping. Your lawn may have a better chance of survival if you let it go dormant and return to your regular maintenance schedule after the drought is over.

Extreme Heat

When temperatures are extremely high, water your lawn thoroughly but not every day. Watering in the early morning will give your lawn time to absorb the water before it evaporates. Watering late in the evening may leave your lawn susceptible to mold and mildew. Mulching the grass instead of bagging it may prevent some of the moisture from evaporating.

Hail

Hailstorms may bring high winds and heavy rains that can uproot plants and shrubs. Adding extra soil around the base of your shrubs and plants may make them more stable and increase their chance of surviving a hailstorm. Covering plants with tarps, pots, or other objects, or using protective netting may also prevent damage. These mesh netting products may stop the hail from reaching your plants.

Hard Rain

Hard rain may damage your lawn and create an environment where mold and mildew may grow. The best thing you can do for your lawn to protect it from excessive rain is to make sure you have adequate drainage. This may involve installing a drain to remove water, filling in low areas with soil, and grading the surface of your yard so water flows away from your home. Keeping your gutters cleared out is also an important step in protecting your lawn from excess rain.

Snow

Before the snow hits, make sure you have raked and removed any excess leaves. They may look pretty on the trees, but they can create problems if left on your lawn.  It’s also important to reduce your watering frequency and eventually stop watering altogether, as you get into the colder months.

High Winds

You may need to alter your watering during high winds, which may cause moisture to evaporate quicker than normal. If possible, turn off your irrigation system when it gets excessively windy. High winds often accompany heavy rain, which may damage plants. Building up the soil around your plants may provide them with more stability to withstand high winds and rain.

While you may put time and effort into keeping your lawn healthy and green by properly watering and fertilizing it and mowing it at the proper height, that may not be enough in tough weather conditions. These tips may help your lawn stay healthy regardless of the weather.