Lawn Drought Stress

Drought and heat stress can wreak havoc on lawns, especially in the Atlanta area, where hot, dry summers are common. Consistent watering is one of the most important maintenance practices for lawn care. About 80% of a grass plant is made up of water, and without it, grass quickly turns brown and goes dormant.

One of the earliest signs of drought stress is a dark bluish-green tint in the turf. Begin watering when the soil starts to dry out, before the grass wilts or browns.

Apply 1 to 1½ inches of water per week, which should re-wet the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. To measure water accurately, place a straight-sided can (like a tuna can) under your sprinkler.

A Word of Caution

A single watering during an extended drought may do more harm than good. If you're not able to keep the lawn actively growing with regular irrigation, it’s better to let the grass go fully dormant. Inconsistent or shallow watering during dry spells can actually delay recovery once rainfall returns.

Water-Saving Tips During Drought

If water is scarce or expensive, try these approaches:

• Water only the most important areas of your lawn—those where appearance or health matters most.

• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal issues.

• Aerate the lawn to help water penetrate deeper into the soil.

• Mow regularly, but higher. Raise the mowing height to help grass retain moisture.

• Water deeply and evenly, ensuring the soil is soaked at least 6 inches deep each time.