Taking care of your lawn during a drought can be tricky. Fertilizing at the wrong time or in the wrong way can cause more harm than good. But if done right, it can help your lawn stay healthy and recover faster.
Key Takeaways
- Warm-season grasses handle drought better, while cool-season grasses may weaken if fertilized during dry weather.
- Dormant grass should not be fertilized because it cannot absorb nutrients without enough water.
- Healthy soil and aeration help grass absorb water and fertilizer during drought conditions.
- Local water restrictions, proper mowing, and drought-resistant grass seeds support lawn health when water is limited.
1. Grass Type Matters
The type of grass in your lawn affects whether you should fertilize during drought conditions.
Warm-season grasses like bermuda grass and St. Augustine are more drought-tolerant. A light application of slow-release fertilizer can help these grass types maintain deeper roots, allowing them to absorb moisture below the soil surface.
On the other hand, cool-season grasses like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are more sensitive to drought stress. Fertilizing these grasses during a dry spell can cause damage because they need less water during dry weather.
Instead of promoting growth, fertilizer might force these grasses to use up stored energy, weakening their root system.
2. Dormancy and Timing
If your lawn has gone into dormancy—where grass blades turn brown and stop growing to conserve moisture—it’s best not to fertilize.
Fertilizer won’t green up dormant grass. It may even damage the grass if it tries to grow without enough water.
However, if you still have a green lawn but show signs of a drought-stressed lawn, like thin patches or curling blades, a light application of slow-release fertilizer can help strengthen the root system and encourage deep roots.
3. Weather Conditions and Forecast
Pay attention to the weather forecast before fertilizing.
- If a long dry spell is expected, waiting until conditions improve is better.
- If rain is expected or you can water your lawn with an inch of water, then fertilizing may be beneficial.
Using your sprinkler or irrigation system in the early morning reduces evaporation and helps water soak into the soil.
4. Soil Health and Aeration
Healthy soil supports root growth and helps grass survive dry weather. Over time, soil can become compacted, making it harder for water and nutrients to reach the root system.
Aeration—punching small holes into the soil—reduces compaction and improves water absorption. This is especially important if the lawn gets heavy foot traffic.
After aeration, applying fertilizer can be more effective because nutrients can reach the roots more easily.
5. Choosing the Right Fertilizer
Using the right fertilizer is key during drought conditions.
A slow-release fertilizer delivers nutrients gradually, supporting steady root growth. This is important because too much growth means more water is needed.
Always use a spreader to ensure even coverage. Over Applying fertilizer can lead to runoff and waste of nutrients, especially when water is limited.
6. Lawn Care During a Drought
Good lawn care habits during a drought can reduce the need for fertilizer:
- Raise your mower blades when mowing to leave grass taller.
- Do not use a lawn mower with dull blades to avoid tearing the grass.
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn to act as natural mulch.
- Be careful with herbicides during a drought.
7. Water Restrictions and Local Rules
Before fertilizing during a drought, check local water restrictions.
Fertilizer needs water to work, so if irrigation is limited, applying fertilizer may do more harm than good.
In areas with strict water restrictions, it’s better to delay fertilizing until more water is available.
If watering is allowed:
- Apply fertilizer in the early morning when temperatures are cooler.
- 1.5-2 inches of water each week (once the grass is fully established) to help nutrients soak into the soil.
8. Overseeding and New Grass
Starting new grass or overseeding during a drought is challenging.
Choose drought-resistant grass seed varieties that need less water and can handle dry weather. Warm-season grasses are good options for hot, dry climates, while tall fescue works well in cooler areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my lawn is too stressed to fertilize during a drought?
Grass that feels dry and crunchy, turns brown, or doesn’t bounce back when stepped on is too stressed for fertilizer. Fertilizing at this stage can cause more harm because the grass can’t absorb nutrients without enough moisture.
Can applying organic fertilizer help my lawn during a drought?
Organic fertilizers break down slowly and improve soil health, which helps grass survive droughts. But they still need water to release nutrients, so avoid applying them unless rain is expected or you can water the lawn.
How can I maintain soil moisture without frequent watering during a drought?
Leaving grass clippings on the lawn, applying mulch, and raising mower blades help trap moisture in the soil. Watering deeply but less often also encourages roots to grow deeper, where they can access moisture better.
