As August approaches, record heat is sweeping the country. Cities across the East Coast, including New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., have recently experienced unusually high temperatures. These sustained heat waves are straining power systems, worsening drought in many regions, and putting extra stress on residential lawns.
Below are four practical tips from John Deere to help your lawn survive the hot months and come back healthy this fall.
Thirst-Quenching – A dehydrated lawn often shows curled grass blades and visible “footprinting,” where footprints remain visible on the turf. During short dry spells, water infrequently but deeply to promote a strong, deep root system. Deep soakings encourage roots to grow downward, improving drought resilience and reducing the need for frequent shallow watering.
Vacation Prep – If you plan to be away from home, water the lawn deeply before you go to protect it from intense sun exposure. Also, mow at a higher cutting height to shade the soil and help retain moisture. A slightly taller canopy reduces evaporation from the soil surface and helps the grass endure several days of heat without additional irrigation.
Restricted Water Use – If local water restrictions limit irrigation options, there are still ways to protect your lawn. Mow on the higher side to encourage deeper root growth when grass is still actively growing. In severe shortages, allowing the lawn to enter temporary dormancy is acceptable; most turf grasses can survive a few months without supplemental water and will green up again when conditions improve.
Don’t Fertilize During Drought – Even if your lawn looks brown and stressed, avoid fertilizing while it is dormant from drought. Applying fertilizer to drought-stressed turf can burn roots and further weaken the grass. Save fertilizer applications for the fall when cooler temperatures and increased moisture make feeding most effective and safe.
photo: Adam Farnsworth