TechNotes Tips - Drought Conditions Archive

When drought conditions occur in an area, water restrictions become more common, and in some cases drought emergencies are declared. As lawns go dormant from the lack of moisture, modifications in how the turf is managed need to be considered. Excessive mowing of dormant turf (or turf under moisture stress) can cause damage to the turfgrass plant which will delay its recovery once moisture is available. Exercise care when applying post-emergent herbicides to dormant turf. It would be best in situations to wait until fall to treat for broadleaf weeds in a dormant turf. If fertilization is being done, use a fertilizer that has a significant amount of slow release nitrogen present to reduce the potential for burn.

In drought areas where water bans are in place, homeowners often send samples to county extension agents asking what is wrong with their turf. Many of these samples are "bricks." If the soil is high in clay, the lack of moisture causes the soil to become extremely hard. The turf is suffering from a lack of water. Oftentimes, homeowners think the problem is an insect or disease when it is really due to drought conditions.

Many parts of the Midwest remained under severe drought in Sept. 1999. In these conditions, watering shrubs and bushes should continue especially for evergreens. Evergreens need to be watered because they do not have the same drought protection of many trees that drop their leaves.

Drought Tidbits… In 1999, Maryland experienced its driest year in 33 years and fresh water flow into the Chesapeake Bay was at the lowest in 33 years. Around Philadelphia, water was in such short supply that some of the major afternoon water fountain displays at a few of the gardens were suspended. New York City's rainfall total from July 1,1998 to July 31, 1999 was 17.5 inches below normal.