Lawn 101: Protecting Your Lawn During a Heatwave

What Can I Do to Keep My Lawn Safe in High Temperatures?

High temperatures and arid conditions are ideal for spending time at the beach, having cookouts in the backyard, and enjoying Sunday picnics. However, when it comes to your lawn, the situation changes. Regardless of whether your lawn is made up of cool-season or warm-season grass, prolonged periods of high temperatures can have a negative impact on it. This happens because the extreme heat and absence of moisture can cause strain on the grass, resulting in a lawn that looks faded, feels coarse, and has limited growth.

If the weather is out of your control, you might be considering actions to safeguard your lawn in a heatwave. In this article, we will delve into the details of how heat affects your lawn and ways to mitigate the harmful impacts of hot, arid conditions.

What Does a Heat-Stressed Lawn Look Like?

Grass experiences heat stress when it becomes excessively warm for an extended period, typically during temperatures above 90 degrees. Factors that can help prevent heat stress from occurring rapidly include the level of humidity, the natural shade on your lawn, irrigation, the overall health of your lawn, and how you water it. Prolonged overheating stress can lead to your grass wilting and becoming weaker. The stress and lack of water from dry conditions can make your grass turn light brown and enter a summer dormancy as the plants save energy and resources (luckily, grass dying from heat stress is not as frequent).

Nevertheless, one must remember that many of the outward symptoms of heat stress are comparable to those of various typical lawn illnesses. 

Is it necessary to water my grass during extremely hot weather?

When people become too hot, they perspire. Although it may not be enjoyable, the dampness is important as it helps to lower our body temperature. Grass, in contrast, is unable to perspire. Its ability lies in extracting moisture from the ground in order to lower its temperature. High temperatures without humidity can cause the soil to become dehydrated. If grass lacks enough moisture, it cannot regulate its temperature, resulting in drought stress caused by heat.

So, the solution is clear: If moisture helps with heat stress, all you need to do is irrigate your lawn — correct? The reality is, it's not quite as simple as that. Providing your lawn with sufficient water is crucial for maintaining the health of the grass plants. However, the signs of heat stress may resemble those of drought stress at times. An advice is to water plants in the morning, as wind tends to be calmer and dew is frequently present. Make sure to water your lawn sufficiently to provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water every week. Overwatering in hot temperatures can be just as harmful as under watering.

Naturally, you must consider local watering rules, especially during extended drought periods when water usage could be limited. In general, watering can assist in shielding your lawn from the negative effects of heat stress.

Is it recommended to cut my grass while experiencing a period of extreme heat?

Mowing is a significant factor to think about in lawn maintenance, but the method you use will vary based on the grass variety you have. Although regular mowing is beneficial for maintaining a healthy lawn, caution is required when dealing with cool-season grass. The taller your grass grows, the greater its capacity to retain water - consequently, enhancing its ability to maintain a cool temperature. We recommend increasing your lawn mowing height in hot weather, only mowing when the grass is sufficiently tall, and refraining from cutting during the hottest part of the day. 

To prevent scalping or causing extra stress on your warm-season grass, it's important to adhere to the recommended cutting heights based on the type of grass you have, especially as temperatures decrease. The perfect heights for each category are:

• St. Augustinegrass: 2.5"-3.75"

• Bermudagrass: 1.0"-2.0"

• Centipedegrass: 1.5"-2.0"

• Zoysiagrass: 1.5"-2.5"

In order to maintain the health of your lawn, refrain from mowing more than one-third of the grass blade in one mowing session, as doing so can lead to stress, yellowing, or scalping. If your grass is extremely tall, it is recommended to mow in multiple sessions, gradually achieving the ideal height.

Is it possible for grass to bounce back from heat stress?

Watering your lawn, particularly in the morning, can assist in safeguarding it from damage during a period of high temperatures, as previously discussed. However, it is not fully preventive. So, what occurs if your lawn becomes excessively stressed due to the high temperatures? Is it possible to restore the color of burnt grass back to green?

The brief response: yes. Your lawn is likely to revive with rainfall or watering and a prolonged period of cool temperatures. The time it takes for vegetation to recover depends on the damage severity, however, heat stress can usually be reversed. If you need assistance in aiding your lawn's recovery, reach out to us. Our professionals are capable of examining your lawn thoroughly to identify the necessary actions needed to revive its vitality and well-being.

The most effective protection against the challenges of summer, such as high temperatures and lack of rain, is a robust, well-maintained lawn. With that being mentioned, there is not a universal method for lawn maintenance. Our Live Love Lawn professionals understand how to ensure your lawn is healthy and ready to withstand the stress of summer. We will collaborate with you to customize a plan that fits your requirements — allowing you to focus on enjoying your outdoor living area and reduce time spent worrying about it.