Droughts are challenging for everyone, including our lawns. The question of whether to mow during these dry spells is a common one, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. It requires careful consideration of various factors, from grass type to soil conditions to the severity of the drought itself. Understanding these nuances will help you make the best decision for the long-term health and resilience of your lawn.
Understanding the Impact of Drought on Grass
Drought conditions put immense stress on grass. When water becomes scarce, grass plants prioritize survival. They divert energy away from growth and towards preserving their root systems. This often results in slowed growth, discoloration, and a general weakening of the plant.
The Stress Response of Grass
Grass responds to drought by entering a state of dormancy. This is a survival mechanism where the plant essentially shuts down above-ground growth to conserve moisture. The leaves may turn brown and brittle, giving the appearance that the grass is dead. However, the crown (the base of the plant where the roots and shoots meet) is often still alive.
Mowing during this dormant period can further stress the plant. Each cut wounds the grass blade, requiring the plant to expend energy on healing. When water is scarce, this healing process is significantly hampered, potentially leading to further weakening or even death of the plant.
Impact on Different Grass Types
Different types of grass react differently to drought. Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine, are generally more drought-tolerant than cool-season grasses. These grasses have deeper root systems and are better adapted to hot, dry conditions.
Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and perennial ryegrass, tend to struggle more during droughts. Their shallower root systems make them more susceptible to water stress. Therefore, decisions about mowing during a drought should be tailored to the specific type of grass you have.
The Argument Against Mowing During a Drought
There are several compelling reasons to avoid mowing your lawn during a drought. The primary reason is to minimize stress on the grass plants.
Conserving Energy and Moisture
As mentioned earlier, mowing forces grass to expend energy on healing. During a drought, this energy is better used for survival. By avoiding mowing, you allow the grass to focus its resources on maintaining its root system and staying alive until rainfall returns.
Additionally, taller grass blades can provide some shade to the soil, helping to reduce evaporation and conserve moisture. Shorter grass allows more sunlight to reach the soil surface, leading to increased water loss.
Preventing Soil Compaction
Dry soil is more susceptible to compaction. The weight of a lawnmower can further compact the soil, making it even harder for water to penetrate and reach the roots of the grass. This is particularly problematic in clay soils, which are already prone to compaction.
Reducing Weed Growth
While it may seem counterintuitive, allowing your grass to grow taller during a drought can actually help to suppress weed growth. Taller grass provides more shade, which can inhibit the germination and growth of some weed species. Mowing too short can create openings in the turf, allowing weeds to take hold.
The Argument For Mowing (with Modifications) During a Drought
While generally discouraged, there are situations where mowing, with certain modifications, might be necessary or even beneficial during a drought.
Controlling Seed Heads
Some grass species produce seed heads during periods of stress. These seed heads can detract from the appearance of the lawn and can also deplete the plant’s energy reserves. In these cases, a light mowing to remove the seed heads might be warranted.
However, it’s crucial to avoid cutting the grass too short. Set the mower blade to the highest setting and only remove the seed heads, leaving as much of the healthy grass blade as possible.
Preventing Fire Hazards
In extremely dry conditions, long, dry grass can become a fire hazard. If your lawn is located in an area prone to wildfires, it may be necessary to mow the grass to reduce the risk of fire.
Again, mow as high as possible and take precautions to prevent sparks from the mower, such as avoiding mowing when the grass is at its driest and ensuring the mower is in good working order.
Maintaining Aesthetics (with Caution)
Some homeowners are concerned about the appearance of their lawn during a drought. While prioritizing the health of the grass is paramount, it’s understandable to want to maintain a presentable appearance.
If you choose to mow for aesthetic reasons, do so sparingly and with great care. Raise the mower blade to the highest setting, mow only when necessary, and avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day.
Best Practices for Mowing During a Drought (If You Must)
If you decide that mowing is necessary during a drought, follow these best practices to minimize stress on your lawn:
Raise the Mower Blade
This is the most important step. Set your mower blade to the highest possible setting. Taller grass blades provide more shade, conserve moisture, and promote deeper root growth. Aim to remove no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. This is known as the “one-third rule.”
Mow Less Frequently
Reduce the frequency of mowing as much as possible. Only mow when absolutely necessary, and avoid mowing on a regular schedule. The less you mow, the less stress you put on the grass.
Mow in the Early Morning or Late Evening
Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day. Mowing in the early morning or late evening allows the grass to recover from the stress of mowing during cooler temperatures.
Keep Your Mower Blades Sharp
Sharp mower blades make a clean cut, which reduces stress on the grass. Dull blades tear the grass, leaving ragged edges that are more susceptible to disease and water loss. Sharpen your mower blades regularly.
Leave Clippings on the Lawn (Grasscycling)
Grass clippings contain valuable nutrients that can benefit your lawn. Leaving clippings on the lawn, a practice known as grasscycling, returns these nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for fertilizer. Clippings also help to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Avoid Mowing When the Grass is Wet
Mowing wet grass can damage the grass plants and compact the soil. Wait until the grass is dry before mowing.
Alternatives to Mowing During a Drought
Consider alternative strategies to maintain your lawn’s appearance and health during a drought without mowing.
Prioritize Watering (If Possible and Allowed)
If water restrictions allow, prioritize watering your lawn deeply and infrequently. Deep watering encourages deep root growth, which makes the grass more drought-tolerant. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Overseed with Drought-Tolerant Grasses
If your lawn is struggling during a drought, consider overseeding with drought-tolerant grass varieties in the fall. These grasses are better adapted to dry conditions and can help to improve the overall resilience of your lawn.
Apply a Drought-Stress Relief Product
There are several drought-stress relief products available that can help your lawn cope with dry conditions. These products typically contain humic acid, seaweed extract, or other beneficial ingredients that promote root growth and water retention.
Embrace the Natural Look
Consider accepting the natural appearance of your lawn during a drought. A slightly brown or dormant lawn is perfectly normal and healthy. The grass will typically recover quickly once rainfall returns.
Long-Term Strategies for Drought-Resistant Lawns
Taking proactive steps to create a drought-resistant lawn can significantly reduce the impact of future droughts.
Choose the Right Grass Type
When establishing a new lawn or overseeding an existing one, select grass varieties that are known for their drought tolerance. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine are generally more drought-tolerant than cool-season grasses. Within each type, there are also specific cultivars that are more drought-resistant.
Improve Soil Health
Healthy soil is essential for a drought-resistant lawn. Amend your soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve its water-holding capacity and drainage. Conduct a soil test to determine any nutrient deficiencies and amend accordingly.
Practice Proper Watering Techniques
Water deeply and infrequently, rather than shallowly and frequently. This encourages deep root growth, which makes the grass more drought-tolerant. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Aerate Your Lawn Regularly
Aeration helps to improve soil drainage and reduce compaction, allowing water to penetrate more easily to the roots of the grass. Aerate your lawn annually or bi-annually, depending on the soil type.
Fertilize Appropriately
Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn, as this can make it more susceptible to drought stress. Use a slow-release fertilizer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Conduct a soil test to determine the appropriate fertilizer application rate.
Consider Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is a landscaping technique that utilizes drought-tolerant plants and materials to create a low-water landscape. This can be a great option for homeowners who live in areas that are prone to drought.
Making the Right Decision
The decision of whether or not to mow your lawn during a drought is a personal one that should be based on the specific conditions of your lawn, the severity of the drought, and your personal priorities. By understanding the impact of drought on grass, following best practices for mowing (if necessary), and implementing long-term strategies for drought-resistant lawns, you can help to ensure the health and resilience of your lawn during dry times. Prioritize the long-term health of your grass above all else. A temporary aesthetic compromise is far better than causing permanent damage. Always check local water restrictions and adhere to them.
Why is mowing less important during a drought?
During a drought, grass growth significantly slows down, and mowing becomes less essential. Grass plants prioritize survival over growth when water is scarce. Constant mowing can further stress the plant, hindering its ability to conserve moisture and potentially leading to lawn damage or even death.
Allowing your grass to grow slightly longer during a drought shades the soil, reducing water evaporation. Taller grass also develops deeper roots, making it more resilient and better equipped to access what little moisture is available in the ground. This helps the lawn survive the drought with minimal intervention.
How high should I set my mower blade during a drought?
Ideally, set your mower blade to the highest setting, typically around 3-4 inches. This is because taller grass blades provide more shade to the soil, reducing water loss through evaporation. Moreover, taller grass promotes deeper root growth, allowing the grass to access water from further down in the soil profile.
Leaving the grass longer also means the plant has more photosynthetic capacity, enabling it to produce the energy it needs to survive the drought. Avoid cutting off more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Scalping the lawn (cutting it too short) can severely weaken it and make it more vulnerable to drought stress.
What are the potential consequences of mowing too frequently during a drought?
Mowing too often during a drought stresses grass, weakens its root system, and increases water loss. Short grass exposes the soil to more sunlight, leading to increased evaporation and drying out the soil. This lack of moisture exacerbates the effects of the drought, making it harder for the grass to recover.
Furthermore, frequent mowing removes the grass blades needed for photosynthesis, hindering the plant’s ability to produce energy. This weakens the grass, making it susceptible to diseases, pests, and weed infestations, further damaging the lawn during an already challenging time.
Are there specific types of grass that are more drought-resistant and require less mowing?
Yes, certain types of grass are naturally more drought-resistant and require less frequent mowing. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and Bahia grass are generally more tolerant of dry conditions than cool-season grasses. These grasses have deeper root systems and can go dormant during prolonged droughts, conserving water until conditions improve.
Cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue also exhibit good drought tolerance compared to other cool-season varieties such as Kentucky Bluegrass. When selecting grass seed, consider drought-resistant varieties suited to your climate and soil type to minimize watering and mowing requirements.
What should I do with grass clippings during a drought?
Leaving grass clippings on the lawn, a practice called grasscycling, is beneficial during a drought. As the clippings decompose, they return nutrients to the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer. This process helps improve soil health and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, which can sometimes harm drought-stressed lawns.
Grass clippings also help retain moisture in the soil by acting as a mulch. The clippings provide a protective layer that reduces evaporation and helps keep the soil cool, benefiting the grass roots. Ensure the clippings are fine and evenly distributed to avoid smothering the grass.
Should I water my lawn if I don’t mow it during a drought?
Watering deeply and infrequently is generally better than frequent, shallow watering, even if you’re not mowing. Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making the lawn more resilient. However, during a severe drought, water restrictions may be in place.
If water is scarce, prioritizing essential plants and trees over the lawn is advisable. Allowing the lawn to go dormant during a drought is often the most sustainable approach. While it may turn brown, the grass can usually recover when rainfall returns. Check your local water restrictions to comply with regulations.
How can I tell if my lawn is too stressed to be mowed during a drought?
Several signs indicate that your lawn is too stressed to be mowed during a drought. Look for widespread browning or yellowing of the grass blades, especially if it extends beyond a small area. If the grass feels dry and brittle to the touch, it’s a clear sign of drought stress.
Another indication is slow recovery after being stepped on. Healthy grass springs back quickly, while drought-stressed grass remains flattened for longer. If you observe these signs, avoid mowing until conditions improve, or consider raising the mower blade to the highest setting and mowing only if absolutely necessary.