As low moisture conditions continue in Indiana and Indianapolis is already requesting volunteer reductions in water use, it is time to start preparing for a potentially serious drought. Generally, turf can survive 5 to 8 weeks of dry conditions without substantial thinning or death. However, poor soils, traffic, excess heat, low mowing and/or scalping, and improper fertility (too much nitrogen fertilizer in spring, not enough in fall) reduces the survivability of turf during drought. Here are some tips in maintaining turf in drought conditions:
- Do not mow or otherwise traffic drought-stressed or dormant turf because you can damage or kill the turf plants in the wheel or foot tracks.
Limit fertilizer applications and if required, low rates (0.75 lbs N/1000 sq ft) of granular slow release fertilizers should be used.
Avoid herbicide applications, especially liquid herbicides, because they are less effective on drought-stressed weeds and can be damaging to drought-stressed turf.
Water once every 4 weeks with ½ inch of water to keep turf plant crowns hydrated. This amount of water will not green up the turf, only increase its long-term survival.