Periods of drought can be challenging for our landscapes. In Colorado especially, extended heat, dry air, and limited rainfall can quickly place stress on turf if proper care is not in place.
While it may not always be possible to maintain a perfectly green lawn during drought conditions, there are several important steps that can help protect the health of your turf and minimize long-term damage.
Water Deeply and Efficiently
During drought conditions, proper watering becomes more important than ever. Rather than watering lightly every day, lawns generally benefit more from deeper, less frequent watering cycles. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil where moisture is retained longer.
Watering late at night or early in the morning is also recommended, as it helps reduce evaporation and allows moisture to soak into the soil more effectively.
In many cases, irrigation systems may need seasonal adjustments to account for changing temperatures, sun exposure, and dry conditions.
Avoid Cutting Grass Too Short
Mowing height plays a major role in drought tolerance. Grass that is cut too short becomes more vulnerable to heat stress and dries out much faster.
Keeping grass slightly taller during hot and dry periods helps shade the soil, retain moisture, and protect the root system. Taller turf also encourages deeper root growth, which improves overall resilience during drought conditions.
Watch for Signs of Stress
A lawn experiencing drought stress will often begin to show warning signs before permanent damage occurs.
Common indicators include:
- Footprints remaining visible after walking across the lawn
- Grass blades folding or appearing dull gray-green
- Dry or brittle areas developing throughout the turf
- Uneven browning or thinning patches
Catching these issues early can help prevent more significant damage later in the season.
Improve Soil Health
Healthy soil plays a major role in how well a lawn handles drought conditions.
Compacted soil prevents water from reaching the root zone efficiently and can lead to runoff and dry spots.
Aeration helps loosen compacted soil and improves water penetration.
Proper fertilization and organic matter also help support stronger root systems and healthier turf overall.
Prioritize Lawn Survival Over Perfect Color
During severe drought conditions or water restrictions, lawns may naturally enter a period of dormancy. Dormant grass often turns brown as a protective response to stress, but this does not necessarily mean the lawn is dead.
The primary goal during drought periods should be maintaining the long-term health of the turf rather than achieving perfect color at all times. With proper care and recovery conditions, many lawns are able to rebound once temperatures cool and moisture levels improve.
Don’t Forget Your Irrigation System
Even well-designed irrigation systems require routine monitoring and adjustments throughout the season.
Broken sprinkler heads, clogged nozzles, poor coverage, or incorrect scheduling can all contribute to unnecessary water loss and lawn stress.
Routine inspections can help ensure water is being distributed as efficiently as possible during critical summer months.
To Sum it Up...
Drought conditions can place significant stress on lawns, but proactive maintenance can make a major difference in protecting turf health and minimizing damage.
Proper watering practices, mowing adjustments, soil care, and irrigation monitoring all work together to help lawns remain healthier and more resilient during challenging conditions.