How to Care for a Lawn in Drought Conditions

Regardless of where you live, there probably will be times when your lawn won't get enough water. During periods of drought, your lawn will slow its growth, turn straw-colored, wilt, and eventually go dormant. During these periods of limited watering, there are things you can do that will help your lawn recover quickly when the drought is over.

Contrary to popular belief, it is safe to apply fertilizer to your lawn during a drought. In fact, it's more harmful to your lawn if you interrupt regular feedings.

The key is to use a slow-release fertilizer. Slow-release technology feeds the lawn gradually, it doesn't have to be watered in, and it won't harm the lawn if applied dry.

For certain kinds of grass, a combination weed killer and fertilizer might be a good choice. It feeds the lawn, and prevents weeds and crab grass from sprouting in the first place.

When you can go back to normal watering, try watering about a half an inch twice a week, in the morning.

Avoid watering in the heat of the day when evaporation is greatest, and at night when the risk of mildew and fungus is highest.