How to Protect Your Lawn From Extreme Weather

Lawn care is likely a regular part of your home maintenance chores, but extreme weather can really throw a wrench in that routine. Whether you're dealing with record heat or flooding, extreme weather can wreak havoc on your lawn's health and appearance, requiring more care and attention than usual. To be better prepared for how extreme weather can impact your lawn, here are some issues to be aware of and how to manage the effects of Mother Nature.

Extreme Heat

Soaring summer temperatures can affect the growth rate of greenery, so once temperatures exceed 86 F, the growth rate of most plants begins to slow, according to Iowa State University Extension. This is due to the rate of photosynthesis (the process in which plants use the sun's energy to create carbohydrates as a food source) reducing when temperatures soar into the 90s and 100s. So, essentially, excessive heat depletes food reserves of plants—your lawn grass included.

To combat desert-like heat, water your grass early in the day and regularly. “When it’s really hot outside, grass has a really hard time retaining moisture,” said Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi. “To not further stress it, skip mowing when the temperature is above 90 degrees. In such heat, it’s important to also note that outdoor plants may also show visible signs of stress, like wilting and browning." Hicks adds that watering your lawn before 10 a.m. helps to give your grass the moisture it needs before the heat hits its peak.

Droughts

Extreme weather runs the gamut from a rainy season to a drought, and a rain-free stretch can be a challenge for lawn care maintenance. Not to mention, when there’s a drought, your public water provider or local municipality may have voluntary or mandatory outdoor water-use restrictions, which can make the issue even more of a challenge.

To maintain lush grass during a drought, be sure to water your grounds efficiently. When you're able to water, plan to do so early in the morning, between sunrise and around 8 am, as recommended by the University of New Hampshire Extension. This will allow the water time soak in and reach the plants roots before it evaporates with the heat. The University also recommends skipping nitrogen fertilizer during a drought, since fertilizing can cause your grass to put out new growth that won't be as resilient and drought-resistant.

Heavy Rain and Flooding

One of the most important steps when dealing with heavy rains, Hicks says, is to make sure you have good lawn drainage so that the excess water doesn’t result in flattened flower beds and dead grass. The Michigan State University Extension explains how turf may turn yellow or brown in poorly drained areas where water has been sitting for several days. “It doesn’t take long once the soil is saturated for soil oxygen levels to decline and root hairs to begin to die,” the university notes. “As the turf’s root system becomes impaired, nutrient extraction and water uptake will be limited.”

Be sure to examine your property well in times of heavy rain. Too much storm-water runoff can lead to more serious issues, like flooding your grounds, Hicks says. To combat this, one idea she suggests is to install a rain barrel to keep water at bay in extreme rain.

Even if your grass is getting long, it's better to hold off on mowing in times of flooding. When possible, don't mow your grass right after soaking rains. It can not only damage your mower but you can also get injured while mowing slippery grass.