Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Farm & Home News

Hot dry weather in the county has forced many homeowners to water their landscape. Drought conditions are taking a toll on lawns, and dry spots are noticeable where the sprinklers will not reach. Drought stressed turf grass will initially take on a dark bluish green color followed by a brown area, usually over the span of a couple of days. Other symptoms of drought stress include a lengthwise leaf roll. These areas deserve special attention with irrigation.

Many times lawns get watered late in the evenings after work due to available time and lower outside temperatures for comfort. If possible, it is best to water the turf early in the morning to allow grass blades to dry off by mid-day and help reduce disease problems. Lawns should be watered deeply, but infrequently. Shallow frequent irrigations are not recommended. Generally speaking, one inch irrigation per week is optimum, but with the current conditions, more will possibly be required.

During the hot and dry conditions we do not want to encourage lush growth, therefore, careful consideration must be taken in selecting a fertilizer. Excess nitrogen fertilizer is discouraged during these conditions due to the possibility of turf injury or burn.

It is best to mow the yard when the grass is dry, because cutting the grass when it is wet may increase disease activity.