How to Restore Turfgrass From Summer Stress
Introduction to Summer Stress
During the summer, turfgrass is exposed to two primary stressors: drought and heat. These environmental challenges can cause significant damage and lead to a decline in plant health. Both drought and heat stress should be taken seriously, as they can trigger dormancy in the grass, weakening its defenses and making it more vulnerable to weeds, diseases, and pests. Addressing summer stress promptly is crucial to maintaining a healthy, resilient lawn.
Drought Stress
Drought stress occurs when turfgrass does not receive adequate water to meet its physiological needs. This can lead to a decline in the plant's overall health, which can lead to wilting, browning, reduced growth, and eventual root damage. During drought, roots will often shrink reducing the plant's ability to absorb water and exacerbating the stress. Without adequate intervention, drought-stressed turf can become severely weakened, making recovery more difficult.
Heat Stress
Heat stress is caused when excessively high temperatures overwhelm turfgrass, reducing its ability to cool itself through transpiration. Unlike drought stress, which is typically presented as uniform browning, heat stress often causes patchy discoloration, with some areas of the lawn turning yellow or brown, especially in spots with direct sun exposure. Heat stress can weaken the grass significantly, making it more susceptible to disease and further decline if not properly managed.
What to Look Out For
Grass Color
Although both drought and heat can produce a brown-like color, there are some differences to look out for between the two. Drought is more uniformly discolored and dry-looking, whereas heat-stressed grass may be uneven and produce a yellow or brown color. In addition to color differences, when turfgrass undergoes heat stress it often looks wilted or scorched.
Disease and Weed Presence
Heat stress may provide the perfect opportunity for diseases like brown patch or pythium blight. If you notice one of these two, the turfgrass is likely under heat stress since both diseases are less common under drought conditions. Also, be aware of an increase in weeds for either drought or heat stress. Because the grass is already under pressure, it struggles to compete, allowing weeds to take hold more easily.
Soil Moisture
Dry, crumbly soil and hard, compacted areas are key indicators of drought stress, as they prevent grass roots from absorbing sufficient water. When the soil is dry or compacted, it restricts water infiltration, leaving the roots unable to access the moisture they need. This often leads to a loss of turf elasticity, where footprints remain visible on the lawn for an extended period, indicating that the grass has lost turgor pressure. This combination of soil and turf conditions is a clear sign that the lawn is under drought stress and requires immediate attention.
Recovering From Summer Stress
Rehydrate Appropriately
Gradual rehydration is key to getting turf back to normal. Start by watering turf deeply and consistently to restore moisture levels. To minimize evaporation, watering early can help. As you are doing this be careful of overwatering, as this can lead to additional problems like fungal diseases.
Consider Fall Overseeding
Fall overseeding is a great way to aid recovery since it can fill bare spots and provide a thicker-looking turf. Overall overseeding can revive weak turfgrass, strengthen root systems, prepare lawns for cooler weather, enhance turf resilience, prevent erosion, and improve the overall color and texture of the turfgrass.
Adjust Mowing Practices
Mowing adjustments are crucial for aiding turfgrass recovery after summer stress. Raising the mower blade to a higher setting helps protect the grass by leaving more leaf surfaces, enhancing photosynthesis, and promoting deeper root growth. Additionally, mowing less frequently reduces the strain on the grass, allowing more time to recover between cuts.
Monitor for Diseases
Since diseases thrive when turfgrass is weakened, it is vital to be on top of any issues that may arise. Monitor daily for any fungal diseases, such as discoloration or patches, and take note of any changes. If any disease is found, treat it promptly to avoid it from spreading and creating further damage.
Fertilize Appropriately
Proper fertilization plays a key role in helping turfgrass recover from summer stress. Applying a controlled-release fertilizer can help provide the proper nutrition needed during a given period, making it less likely to increase stress. When choosing a fertilizer for recovery, avoid high-nitrogen products as they can lead to excessive top growth at the expense of root development, making grass more vulnerable.
Prevention for Future Issues
Select the Right Grass Species
Choose drought- and heat-tolerant grass varieties like tall fescue for cool-season lawns or Bermuda for warm-season areas. Mixing different species can also boost resilience, allowing your lawn to better withstand varying environmental conditions.
Improve Soil Health
Aerate your lawn annually to reduce soil compaction, promoting deeper root growth and better water absorption. After aeration, topdress with organic matter to enhance soil structure and increase moisture retention, resulting in a healthier, more resilient lawn.
Implement Strategic Fertilization
Apply a slow or controlled-release fertilizer in spring and fall, to support steady growth and strengthen your lawn. Regular soil testing helps you avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive growth and increased stress. When turf has the appropriate nutrients, it is more likely to be resilient to diseases and environmental stressors such as heat and cold.
Establish a Consistent Watering Schedule
Make it a habit to water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root development. To reduce evaporation and disease risk water in the early morning. To make things easier, consider a smart irrigation system to ensure turf gets the right amount of water based on weather and soil conditions.
Maintain Proper Mowing Practices Year-Round
Adjust mowing height seasonally—keep grass taller in summer to shade the soil, and lower in cooler months for denser growth. Always use sharp blades for clean cuts, which help prevent disease and promote quicker recovery.
Prevent and Manage Thatch Buildup
Regularly dethatch your lawn to prevent the accumulation of dead organic matter that can block water and nutrients. Promote healthy microbial activity in the soil to naturally break down thatch and maintain a healthy lawn.
Protect Against Diseases and Pests
Inspect your lawn regularly for signs of disease or pests and address issues early. Use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to balance cultural practices, biological controls, and targeted treatments, preventing widespread damage and keeping your lawn strong.
Conclusion
As you recover turfgrass from summer stress, it is important to be patient and provide consistent care. By understanding the effects of drought and heat stress and taking proactive steps like proper watering, mowing adjustments, and disease monitoring, you can help your lawn recover and build resilience for future challenges. With time and dedication, your turf will regain its health and vibrancy, ready to withstand even the toughest summer conditions.
BEST® provides a handful of fertilizer products to help you recover during summer stress. To discover what products may be right for your situation visit our website or contact your local BEST® distributor or BEST® representative today.
