Have you noticed a lot of lush greenery on your lawn as if you live in some other city? Or maybe this year you are facing scant growth and dullness in your lawn? Climate change each year brings differences in weather conditions from before. Therefore, you need to prepare for them to protect your lawn and to keep it healthy. These weather conditions can be challenging for people who have never faced such surprises. However, you have less to worry about as we have your back with multiple solutions for all weather changes. If you are a lawn enthusiast or starting your journey, you can learn and do them yourself. Or you can avail of maintenance packages from professional lawn care services.
Here is all that you need to know about weather changes that affect your lawn and how you can manage them to keep your lawn healthy.
Impact of Weather on Lawns and Ways to Manage it
Each weather has its own care, which needs to be provided promptly for the most benefit. There are also uncertain weather conditions due to climate change, which catch you off guard and destroy the lawn. With professional lawn care services, you can just relax as they plan for maintenance in all types of weather. However, if you are taking care of the lawn yourself, then here are the weather changes you need to look out for.
1. Extreme Temperatures
Every area has its weather conditions, which act as a guide for the type of lawn care it needs. However, you may face extreme temperatures sometimes. The weather can be too hot or too cold, which is harsh for the lawn
Extremely Hot
This kind of weather means that the heatwave will stress out the lawn. Even if it is warm season, grass during high heat struggles to retain moisture. If there is heat and rainfall, the damage is less; however, if it is heat with no rainfall, then even mowing causes damage to the grass.
Solution
In scorching conditions, do not cut the grass too short [1]. Water it deeply and infrequently so that it retains moisture. Hence, water it when it is dry until the entire root zone. Sharpen the mover’s blades and return the clipping to the grass for organic fertilizer.
Extremely Cold
Freezing temperatures are also damaging to the turf. Mainly when the snow covers the lawn for extended periods. In this, the grass goes brown and dormant. Due to this, the turf dries out and results in desiccation.
Solution
To save your turf from damage in cold temperatures, prepare it properly before going into the colder months. This means to fertilize, water, aerate, reseed, and mow during fall [2].
2. Precipitation Patterns
Climate change impacts precipitation patterns. So, you may see either an abundance of rain or prolonged droughts. Both conditions are harsh for the lawn. They lead to soil erosion, nutrient leaching, and compaction. The health of the lawn detriots, damaging the grass roots.
Solution
When you face heavy rainfall, do not mow, as it can lead to compaction. It is also better to avoid walking on it to avoid damage to the grass blades. You can aerate the soil or ask your lawn care services provider to do it. This will improve soil drainage. It is also very beneficial for the grass if you fertilize during this period, as heavy rains cause nutrient leaching.
In the case of drought, mow less. Avoid fertilizing during this time, especially staying away from high-salt fertilizers, as they can burn the grass. To give your grass a boost, use slow-release fertilizers [3]. Avoid applying pesticides or herbicides during this time and weed by hand. Avoid aerating and detaching, as it can put stress on the grass. Most importantly, water thoroughly in the morning, around five to seven times daily.
3. Warm & Wet Conditions
These are the perfect conditions in which pests and diseases thrive. The most common thing you will see in warm and wet conditions is fungal diseases. Brown spot fungus is mainly seen during this time. It appears in irregular circular patches. Pests also enjoy these conditions, and you will see increasing numbers of grubs. The excess water and increased pests weaken grass roots and cause turf damage.
Solution
There are some precautions you can take to avoid the proliferation of pests and diseases in the lawn. Start by using proper watering techniques suitable for these conditions. Aerate the soil to increase air circulation. Do not over-fertilize the lawn. Apply fungicides in fungus-infected areas.
4. Cool & Wet Conditions
These weather conditions can also be impactful on your lawn. During cool and wet conditions, your lawn is susceptible to growing mushrooms, moss, colored grass, and fungus [4]. Soil saturation impairs the nutrition circulation and lowers oxygen levels, damaging the grass roots during this weather.
Solution
During cool and wet weather, lightly rake the matted soil. When the soil is dry, cut it short to warm faster. Apply fungicide in the areas that have started growing fungus. Aerate the soil and reseed it so that the lawn grows back healthy. If the weather remains the same in the coming weeks, you may see dead and bald spots. In this case, you can overseed and aerate in the fall or contact lawn care services for repairs.
Conclusion
Weather conditions impact the beauty, health, and type of maintenance of the lawn. Implementing proper techniques according to the weather makes your lawn resistant and adaptable to each weather. You can learn lawn maintenance through our expert guidelines. Or you can go for professional lawn care services, which are convenient and efficient.
FAQs
1. What are the leading causes of lawn damage?
The main things that are causing damage to your lawn are improper lawn care techniques, inadequate growing conditions, and extreme weather changes.
2. What temperature levels cause fungus growth?
Fungus is partial to wet and humid weather. Therefore, humidity is up to 150 degrees, and night temperatures are around 60 degrees.
3. What are the ways to protect wet grass?
To keep the resistance high, ensure you fertilize and aerate it well. Do not walk on it or mow when wet, as this causes grass blade damage. Prepare your lawn before winter.
4. How can I treat lawn fungus organically?
To treat the fungus organically, apply baking soda to it. You need to make a mixture of sodium bicarbonate with water. The mixture should be strong enough to kill the fungi but not disrupt the pH level of the soil.
[1] https://earthdevelopmentinc.com/blog/maintaining-lawn-during-heat-waves
[2]https://www.thisoldhouse.com/lawns/21016545/winter-lawn-prep
[3] https://www.masseyservices.com/what-are-the-effects-of-drought-on-my-lawn/
[4] https://www.greenacelawncare.com/blog/how-a-very-wet-spring-can-impact-a-lawn/