Water Smart Outdoors

Dormant Lawns

Each summer the demand for drinking water increases dramatically as a direct result of outdoor watering. Managing the demand through dry, hot weather can be a strain to the local water supply system.

In extended dry periods, a lawn may wilt, turn brown, and become dormant but will turn green again when regular moisture conditions return. A healthy lawn can survive several weeks in a dormant state.

Dry weather has become a common occurrence during the summers in the Region of Peel. To help prepare your lawn for dry weather, follow these simple lawn maintenance practices.

High Level Maintenance

Keeping the lawn cut to a height of 5-7.5 cm (2-3 in) allows your grass to develop deeper roots. Leave grass clippings on the lawn as they are rich in nitrogen and consist of 80 per cent water. They prevent excessive moisture loss and return water to the soil. Or you may wish to leave them out for a day or two to dry out. You can then collect them for your composter or use as mulch around your plants and shrubs.

Fertilize Your Lawn

Raking compost into your lawn will help it grow strong roots and prepare it for periods of drought. The addition of compost to your lawn throughout the summer, even in dry weather, provides organics to the soil, helping it to retain moisture.

Watering Your Lawn

Healthy lawns do not need to be watered if they are not cut during a drought. Mowing your lawn during dry weather causes serious damage.

During a heat wave, your lawn will begin to wilt and turn brown, which is a natural process. Excessively watering your lawn is not the solution. Deep rooted grass can survive several weeks in a dormant state. Too much water will result in unhealthy, shallow rooted grass.

Wait patiently for rain. After 2-3 weeks of drought conditions, apply 1/2 inch of water twice a week, every other week.

Following these lawn maintenance practices will ensure your lawn stays healthy throughout the dry summer months.

Be Pesticides Aware!