The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/28/08
Like many metro Atlantans during the drought, Tony Wright decided to let his lawn fend for itself. Sure, he trimmed the Bermuda grass in his front yard when needed, but gone were the days of hosing it down.
The good news, said Wright, is that his lawn fared pretty well during the prolonged drought.
 Curtis Compton / AJC file | |
| So, do you think your lawn will look like a golf course this year? Maybe not, but if you follow these simple rules, it can look good. | |
"It survived," he said. "It's a better grass for the South. It takes the heat and goes dormant in the winter."
This year, Wright plans to fertilize his Bermuda in late spring and again in the fall, and while he may not be able to hand-water the lawn, his hopes are high.
"I'll have a green lawn this year. It may not look great, but it will be green," he said.
Wright's attention to his yard during a drought is good news to people such as Billy Skaggs, a Hall County extension agent and agronomist, or soil expert.
The drought doesn't mean a death sentence for your grass, he explains.
"A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that since we're in a drought, they can't keep a healthy lawn," he said. "That couldn't be further from the truth."
Understanding the grass underfoot and taking a few simple lawn care steps can give your yard the best shot possible to thrive, he said.
First, don't make the mistake of planting the wrong grasses for your location. While centipede can survive cold snaps in metro Atlanta, folks living further north in Georgia should opt for a hardier grass like tall fescue. And don't plant sun-loving Bermuda in the shade and expect success.
Fertilization is still a must, he said, unless the region experiences extreme heat for several weeks without a drop of rain. You might check the forecast and fertilize (or seed your lawn) just before a storm. Skaggs also said not to waste your time fertilizing warm-season grasses like zoysia, Bermuda or centipede before they're actively growing, around May. (Cold season grasses like tall fescue should be fertilized by mid-March, he added.)
Most important to a yard's survival is soil preparation.
Otherwise, "it's the equivalent of throwing seed out on the driveway," he said.
If starting from scratch, make sure the soil is tilled 4 to 6 inches deep. If grass exists but is thinning, consider aerating the soil. (You can rent a power core aerator from a gardening center.)
"Break up the surface," he said. "There's a much better chance to get the roots established."
Taking care of the green isn't just about aesthetics — healthy lawns help prevent erosion and cut down on noise, dust, heat and pollution, Skaggs said.
"Grass is necessary," he said. "No doubt about it."
