Triple-Digit Temps Require Change in Landscape Care

Story by: Guest Contributor

First posted on 08-13-2007

LITTLE ROCK - Homeowners need to change their landscape care tactics when the temperatures hit the triple digits, say the lawn and landscape experts with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

When it comes to the lawn, homeowners shouldn’t panic during hot, dry stretches.

“Water only as needed when the lawn first shows signs of drought stress which include a dull purplish to brown color of the grass and/or footprints that remain for an extended period after walking across the lawn,” said Dr. Aaron Patton, extension turfgrass specialist.

“When watering, the goal should be to irrigate deeply and infrequently,” he said. “This strategy will help promote deeper rooted lawns which should require less irrigation.”

However, when those first signs of drought appear, “your goal should be to apply about one inch of water to the lawn,” Patton said. “Lawns typically use about one inch of water per week during the summer months. A simple rain gauge or tin can be used to gauge how much water has been applied.”

Homeowners should take into account the type of grass planted in their lawns.

“For those choosing a species to plant in their lawn, research shows that most cultivars of bermudagrass require slightly less irrigation than zoysiagrass,” Patton said. “Both bermudagrass and zoysiagrass need less irrigation than tall fescue. St. Augustinegrass is not as drought tolerant as bermudagrass and requires careful management during dry periods.”

In general, slacking off on yard work during very hot periods is beneficial to preventing heat stress for the homeowner, as well preventing possible harm to plants. So, keeping the lawnmower in the garage is not a bad idea during long, hot periods. Scalping the lawn will only lead to more moisture loss, increasing heat stress.

Dr. Jim Robbins, extension horticulture specialist-ornamentals, warns against fertilizing “during extremely hot periods unless your plants are severely deficient.”

Homeowners to need to use extra care when applying chemicals or fertilizers to the foliage of landscape plants.

“During very hot periods, you are more likely to burn the foliage,” Robbins said. “If spray is required, spray in the very early morning or before dusk.”

As for the trees in the landscape, homeowners may see some leaf loss.

“Leaf loss is expected during these extremely hot periods, as that is one mechanism that some plants have to respond to heat and drought,” Robbins said. “Do your best to keep up with watering. Deep watering is best.”

For more information about landscape care, visit http://www.arhomeandgarden.org or http://www.uaex.edu. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the Division of Agriculture.