Many homeowners wish to have a nice, lush green lawn but must grapple with dry conditions. For those who reside in the US’s southwest, for example, how can you maintain a healthy property that flourishes when precipitation is low? Here are some handy tips that can help you cultivate a hearty and green yard even in a dry state.
Change the Mowing Patterns
One issue that many homeowners can run into involves grass that doesn’t stand up straight and becomes matted down. When grass blades flatten down or lean heavily in one direction, they can’t grow as efficiently. This condition presents itself when homeowners mow in the same pattern continually.
The wheels of the mower roll over the same patches of grass and begin to compact the soil. Once the soil compacts, both water, and air have difficulty reaching the lawn’s roots. The easiest way to prevent this situation is to alternate your mowing direction or pattern altogether. If you usually mow north to south, try an east to west pattern next time. Believe it or not, this variation helps foster healthier grass, especially in more difficult dry conditions.
Balanced Mowing Blades Are Key
With the mower blades spinning so quickly underneath the deck, all it takes is one misplaced rock to cause problems for you and your zero turn mower. Even though your blades may keep turning and cutting the grass, after striking an obstacle, they can become off-balance. A slightly warped cutting blade can be terrible for a lawn, especially in dry conditions. The un-balanced blade will continually cut grass at different lengths depending upon where on the edge the cut occurs. Shorter grass isn’t a good idea in dry weather as it’s unable to hold onto as much moisture. Your cutting height won’t be even across the lawn and cut deeper into individual sections of grass.
Drip Irrigate Your Yard
The best time to water your lawn is in the early morning, where the sun can’t evaporate the moisture as quickly. However, in a dry state, consider going a step further and creating a drip watering system for your lawn. Instead of a sprinkler that’s spraying water up into the air, utilize a perforated hose or PVC pipe system and have the H2O gently drip onto the soil. This drip system is easiest to set up when your home sits on a hill so that gravity can carry the water down to the rest of the yard. However, you can still craft an excellent working drip system on flat land as well.
There are a few advantages to drip irrigation over sprinkler watering. First, drip irrigation uses less water, which can be an issue in dryer states. Some states charge a premium for water, and much of a sprinkler’s water evaporates before it even reaches the soil. Another problem with sprinklers is that as the droplets of water fall onto the grass, they act like tiny magnifying glasses focusing the sun’s rays. So, as you think you’re providing the lawn precious water, you’re inadvertently burning it.
A Great Lawn is Possible
You may have become frustrated with the lack of growth or color in your lawn, specifically if you reside in a dry state. Dry conditions provide additional challenges for homeowners that people in other regions of the country don’t experience. Fortunately, a lush green lawn is possible with a few tips that help promote healthy grass. Remember to vary your mowing pattern to keep grass growing straight and preventing soil compaction. Verify your mowing blades are providing an even and balanced cut by looking closely at the grass. And consider drip watering your lawn in the morning before the sun can impact the amount of moisture given to the yard. With these essential tips, you are well on your way to a better lawn.
