By John Monzingo, Assistant Extension Agent
Even during a drought, homeowners want their lawns to remain attractive and healthy. While rainfall may be limited, proper mowing and watering practices can help strengthen turfgrass and reduce its susceptibility to heat stress, drought damage, and disease. To maintain a healthy, green lawn, it is essential to mow at the correct height and water at the proper time.
Mowing: Follow the One-Third Rule
When mowing your lawn, never remove more than the top one-third of the grass blade at a single mowing. Removing excessive leaf tissue can stress the plant, reduce root growth, and slow recovery during hot, dry conditions. Each turfgrass species has an ideal mowing height that promotes good health and appearance.
Step 1: Identify Your Grass Type
Knowing the type of grass growing in your lawn is the first step toward proper lawn care. Different grasses perform best at different mowing heights.
Step 2: Mow at the Recommended Height
The following are the recommended mowing heights after cutting for common turfgrasses found in North Louisiana:
- Common Bermuda: 1¼ to 1½ inches
- Hybrid Bermuda: ¾ to 1 inch
- St. Augustine: 2 to 3 inches
- Centipede: 1 to 2 inches
- Bahia: 3 inches
Note: Bahia grass is not typically considered a turfgrass but is commonly found in North Louisiana lawns and pastures. Make small adjustments to your mower height when necessary to avoid removing too much leaf tissue at one time.
How to Measure Grass and Mower Height
To determine grass height:
- Place a ruler vertically on the soil surface and measure to the tip of the grass blade.
To check mower height:
- Place the mower on a flat, level surface, such as a driveway or concrete slab.
- Measure from the ground to the cutting edge of the mower blade.
Watering: Timing and Amount Matter
Proper watering is just as important as proper mowing. Different turfgrass species have varying water requirements, but following a few basic principles can improve lawn health during dry weather.
- Best time to water: Between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
- Why water in the morning? Early morning watering allows moisture to soak into the soil before temperatures rise, reducing water loss through evaporation. It also allows grass blades to dry quickly, helping to reduce the risk of fungal diseases that can occur when lawns remain wet overnight.
Water deeply and infrequently rather than applying light, frequent irrigations. Deep watering encourages deeper root development, which improves drought tolerance and overall turfgrass health.
By following proper mowing and watering practices, homeowners can help their lawns withstand drought conditions and maintain a healthier appearance throughout the growing season.
If you have questions about lawn care or other horticultural topics, contact the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service at 318-927-3110.
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