Dry seasons and drought conditions can result in significant stress on your lawn. Patches of dying grass and increased pest activity can be unsightly, but they can be prevented with proactive and correct care.
At Nvirotect Pest Control Services, we understand how important a healthy and green lawn is for your home’s curb appeal. As the leading provider of lawn care in Tampa, we are happy to share how to recognize lawn stress due to drought, as well as what to do to best protect your lawn during these dry periods.
How to Recognize the Signs and Stages of Drought Stress on Your Lawn
One of the first, and most noticeable, signs of drought stress is a change in the appearance and feel of your grass. Some indicators to keep an eye on include:
- Grass blades may begin to wilt, curl inward, or appear limp and tired
- The green color of your lawn fades and is replaced by brown, dry patches
- Your grass feels dry and brittle underfoot and can make a crunching sound when you walk on it
- Entire sections of grass may begin to thin out or die off, especially in spots that are continually exposed to the sun
If you spot these early symptoms of drought stress, Nvirotect Pest Control Services recommends that you take immediate action and contact us for a complimentary consultation for lawn treatment in Tampa before the damage becomes more severe.
How to Water Your Lawn During a Drought
When there is not enough rainfall to maintain a lush and green lawn, it is important to know how to properly water your grass. At Nvirotect Pest Control Services, our Technicians suggest the following:
- Water your lawn twice per week for 45-60 minutes per zone to encourage deeper root growth and improve your lawn’s drought resistance
- Use a rainfall gauge to monitor how much precipitation your lawn is actually receiving to know when to either turn on your sprinklers or off
- Use a rainfall gauge to monitor how much precipitation your lawn is actually receiving to know when to either turn your sprinklers on or off
- Hand-water any spots that may dry out faster or receive more sun coverage on average
- When watering your lawn, make sure to do so in the early morning to reduce water loss from evaporation and give your grass more time to absorb moisture before the heat settles in
Should You Mow Your Lawn During a Drought?
Perhaps contrary to popular belief, mowing your lawn when it is already stressed from drought can actually cause further damage. It is best to avoid mowing altogether until your lawn recovers or is benefitting from regular Tampa lawn care from Nvirotect Pest Control Services.
Keep a Careful Watch for Chinch Bug Activity
Dry lawns are extremely attractive to Chinch Bugs, which thrive in hot and dry conditions. These pests suck moisture from grass blades and inject toxins that can further damage the grass, which can mimic the regular signs of a drought-affected lawn. Once chinch bugs begin to view your lawn as a resource for food and shelter, more and more can appear, which can be devastating to your grass. If you notice irregular brown patches that do not improve with watering, contact Nvirotect Pest Control Services immediately.
Trust Nvirotect Pest Control Services to Protect Your Lawn This Summer
At Nvirotect Pest Control Services, our Lawn & Shrub Care division offers environmentally-friendly expert services to help maintain your lawn’s health year-round, even during harsh drought conditions. From professional monitoring, fertilization, weed, disease and insect control, to offering the highest-quality lawn treatment in Tampa, our team provides customized care to keep your lawn looking its best.
If you think that your lawn has signs of drought stress or suspect the presence of Chinch Bugs, call Nvirotect Pest Control Services today at 813.968.7031 or complete our contact request form for a competitive quote.
