When drought conditions hit, maintaining a healthy lawn becomes a challenge. One common question homeowners ask is whether they should continue lawn mowing during a dry spell.
The answer isn’t a simple yes or no.
Below, we’ll explore the reasons why you should or should not mow your lawn during drought stress.
Key Takeaways
- Shorter grass uses less water and mowing in the morning reduces evaporation during droughts.
- Regular mowing helps grass grow deeper roots that reach water stored in the soil.
- Dormant grass can be damaged by mowing and taller grass shades the soil to reduce water loss.
- Grass clippings act like mulch by conserving moisture, adding nutrients, and preventing weeds from spreading.
Why You Should Mow Your Lawn During a Drought
It might surprise you, but mowing the right way can actually help your grass withstand dry conditions. Here’s why:
1. To Reduce Drought Stress on Grass Blades
Mowing your lawn at the proper height can help reduce drought stress.
Grass blades that are too long use more water due to increased evaporation, while shorter grass conserves moisture. However, avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, as this can damage the grassroots and root system.
Using sharp mower blades prevents tearing, which can lead to further moisture loss.
Lawn mowing in the early morning, when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is slower, also helps minimize water loss.
2. To Promote a Deeper Root System
Regular mowing at the correct mowing height encourages root growth and deeper root systems, which help turfgrass access water stored deeper in the soil.
Warm-season grass like bermuda grass naturally develops deep roots and can benefit from occasional mowing even during dry weather.
Aerating the soil can further support deep root growth, allowing the root system to absorb more water.
3. To Prevent Lawn Diseases and Thatch Buildup
Maintaining a proper mowing schedule reduces the risk of lawn diseases that thrive in dry weather. Overgrown grass can create a humid environment near the soil surface, promoting fungal growth.
Additionally, excessive grass clippings can contribute to thatch buildup, which prevents water from reaching the grassroots.
4. To Minimize Weed Competition Without Herbicides
Weeds often thrive in drought-stressed lawns, competing with grass for the limited amount of water available.
Regular lawn mowing can prevent weeds from flowering and spreading seeds. To promote healthy turfgrass and suppress weeds naturally:
- Avoid using herbicides during drought conditions.
- Focus on mowing, aerating, and maintaining your irrigation system.
Why You Should Not Mow Your Lawn During a Drought
Mowing your lawn during a drought isn’t always the best idea.
Here are a few reasons why it might be better to give your grass a break until conditions improve:
1. To Avoid Damaging Dormant Grass
During prolonged drought conditions, many types of turfgrass, especially cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, enter dormancy to conserve water.
Mowing dormant grass can damage shallow roots and prevent the lawn from recovering once the drought ends.
Homeowners should avoid mowing dormant grass until it greens up again.
2. To Reduce Moisture Loss Through Evaporation
Mowing can increase evaporation, causing the soil to lose moisture more quickly. Grass blades act as a natural barrier that shades the soil, reducing evaporation and keeping the root system cooler.
Leaving grass slightly taller—around 3 to 4 inches—helps your lawn retain more moisture and withstand dry conditions with less water.
3. To Protect Grass Roots From Foot Traffic and Mower Stress
Drought-stressed grass is more vulnerable to damage from high foot traffic and mowing equipment. Heavy mower wheels can compact the soil, limiting root growth and reducing the grass’s ability to absorb water.
To minimize damage:
- Mow less frequently.
- Use lightweight mowing equipment with sharp mower blades.
- Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day when dry weather conditions can further stress the lawn.
4. To Allow Grass Clippings to Act as Natural Mulch
Leaving grass clippings on the lawn acts as natural mulch, helping to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
When mowing during a drought, remove only a small amount of grass and leave the clippings behind to reduce evaporation and promote root growth.
Mulching also returns nutrients to the soil, supporting a green lawn and encouraging a deeper root system that can access water more efficiently.
Lawn Care Tips for Drought Conditions
Follow these practical lawn care tips to help your grass survive dry conditions without wasting water:
- Water your lawn deeply but infrequently, aiming for about an inch of water per week if water restrictions allow.
- Use a sprinkler in the early morning to provide enough water without excessive evaporation.
- Consider overseeding with drought-tolerant varieties to reduce your lawn’s water needs.
- Limit foot traffic on drought-stressed grass to prevent damage to shallow roots and soil compaction.
- Pay attention to weather forecasts and adjust your lawn care routine accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I mow my lawn during a drought?
Mow your lawn less frequently during a drought, typically every two to three weeks, to avoid stressing the grass and allowing it to retain more moisture between mowing sessions.
Should I fertilize my lawn during a drought?
Avoid fertilizing during a drought because fertilizers can encourage growth that requires more water, which can stress the grass when moisture is limited, leading to weaker roots and increased damage.
Can I water my lawn immediately after mowing during a drought?
Watering after mowing is beneficial because freshly cut grass absorbs moisture more effectively, but always water in the early morning to minimize evaporation and maximize soil absorption.
