Posted on November 3rd, 2023
As global temperatures rise and weather patterns change, the familiar world of lawn care and landscaping is undergoing a significant transformation. Homeowners and lawn care professionals alike are witnessing how lawn care and climate change are inextricably linked.
Lawns, lushly green and a symbol of pride for homeowners, now face challenges that can affect their health, appearance and growth. This blog delves into the impact of climate change on lawns and lawn care practices. We’ll explore the shifts in weather patterns and how these changes impact the health and maintenance of your green spaces.
From adapting your watering routines to selecting hardy grass varieties, we’ll provide valuable insights and strategies to ensure your lawn remains resilient in a changing climate.
Climate change is affecting lawns, how we design them and how we care for them. Shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns present a significant challenge to homeowners and lawn care professionals who want to keep their lawns healthy and attractive.
Rising temperatures can cause stress to grass, leading to dry, patchy and brown lawns. When temperatures are too high for too long, lawns can go dormant or even die.
What You Can Do
You can choose more heat-tolerant grass varieties. Additionally, consider mowing high, as this helps shade the grass’s roots and keep the lawn cool. You can also move your watering schedule to early morning or late afternoon to minimize water loss from evaporation.
Heavier Rainfall: More intense rainfall events can lead to soil compaction and runoff, potentially washing away valuable topsoil. Also, excessive rain can cause nutrient leaching, leading to nutrient imbalances in the soil.
Longer Dry Periods: Extended dry spells can leave lawns parched, making them more susceptible to damage. Additionally, shallow root systems make grass less resilient in drought conditions.
What You Can Do
To combat these issues, consider aerating the soil to alleviate compaction, improving drainage systems and choosing drought-resistant grass species. Using proper watering techniques to conserve water during dry spells and prevent nutrient leaching during heavy rains can also be helpful in keeping lawns optimally hydrated.
Milder winters due to climate change can lead to a more extensive population of pests like grubs and chinch bugs.
What You Can Do
Consider planting grass varieties, such as native grasses, that are naturally more resistant to pests. Timely pest control applications and integrated pest management strategies also help keep the pest population in check.
Increased humidity, often associated with changing climate patterns, can foster fungal diseases like dollar spot, brown patch and rust.
What You Can Do
Proper lawn care practices, like improving air circulation by maintaining the right mowing height, can reduce humidity-related disease risks. Fungicides could also be considered for more severe cases.
Adapting to these changes and implementing these strategies is essential for maintaining a healthy and resilient lawn in the face of climate change.
Climate change can undoubtedly challenge the health and vitality of your lawn. However, you can adopt several strategic approaches to adapt your lawn care practices and landscaping for climate change and ensure a resilient, flourishing lawn.
Select Resilient Grass Species: As mentioned previously, choose grass species that can endure changing climates, like drought-tolerant and native grasses. These grasses are often better suited to your region’s conditions, require less water and can withstand temperature extremes.
As part of your landscaping for climate change strategy, consider introducing new grass varieties, as they might offer improved resistance to pests and diseases.
Efficient Sprinkler Systems: Install a well-designed sprinkler system to water your lawn efficiently. This environmentally conscious and cost-effective approach can reduce water consumption while ensuring your lawn receives the water it needs to remain healthy.
Light Fertilization: Apply fertilizer lightly to your lawn. Overfertilization can make it more attractive and susceptible to pests, particularly in changing climates. A lighter approach to fertilization can keep your lawn healthy without overstimulating growth.
Aeration and Overseeding: Regular aeration helps break up compacted soil and improves water penetration. Overseeding introduces fresh grass seedlings to thicken your lawn and replace damaged areas. These practices are helpful for lawn care and landscaping for climate change as they contribute to healthier and more resilient grass.
Pest Management: Stay vigilant about pest management. Use surface insect preventatives to protect against common pests like sod webworms and billbugs that can harm your turf. Additionally, regularly inspect your lawn for signs of infestations and address them promptly.
Sustainable Lawn Care: Composting and mulching are excellent ways to enrich your soil naturally. Compost can improve soil health, increase water retention and minimize the need for chemical fertilizers. Meanwhile, mulching helps maintain consistent soil temperature and moisture, creating an environment where grass can thrive despite changing conditions.
In a world where climate change presents a growing challenge, taking care of your lawn isn’t just an option – it’s a necessity. At Turf Unlimited, we’re dedicated to helping our clients care for their lawns through customized programs that improve their health, appearance and resilience.
As a locally owned and operated business since 1996, we’ve worked closely with over 3,000 satisfied clients in the communities we serve. We’re innovators, continuously researching the latest products and technologies in our industry to bring you the best available solutions. Every product is extensively tested before it’s used in the field.
Your landscape is more than just greenery; it’s a vital part of your everyday life and a significant investment that adds value to your property. Our customized lawn care services will ensure that your investment remains healthy and thrives despite higher temperatures, longer drought periods and other difficulties brought about by climate change.
Contact Turf Unlimited today for a free estimate and give your lawn the care it deserves.
