How to Care for Your Sod During a Drought

As the hot and humid summer months arrive in Tampa, it’s important to adjust your sod and grass care plans based on the incoming weather. Temperatures will hover in the 90s and 100s for many months, and unfortunately that heat is sometimes paired with drought.

 

In fact, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville are all in the midst of a moderate drought that has been forming since March. According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Jake Sojda, “Rainfall deficits over the past two months in parts of Florida are now approaching 6 inches,” which is considered abnormally dry for the state. As a homeowner, these drought conditions have specific implications for your grass care plans.

 

Save Water, But Keep Your Lawn Alive

 

A drought is brought on by a lack of rainfall. While this shortage of rainy days will automatically make your grass dry, the problem will likely be worsened by the water-use restrictions implemented by your county or local township. Without rain or the ability to run your sprinklers more than usual, you’ll need to get creative to keep your lawn alive.

 

First, change some of your lawn mowing habits. Set your mower blades high at 3 or 3.5 inches, since longer grass provides the roots with shade and increases chances of survival. Also, keep your mower blades nice and sharp. When dull blades tear grass, up to 60 percent more water is needed for the grass to overcome that stress. It will also help to add aeration into your regular routine. Aeration places small, uniform holes into the soil below your grass, which in turn makes it easier for water to soak into the ground.

 

You can also support a healthy lawn during drought season by thinking ahead and installing a drought-resistant sod like Bermuda or Zoysia. These forms of sod are drought hardy, meaning they can survive a drought and still return to full health. Council Growers Sod has been in the Tampa sod business for more than 30 years, so you can rely on Council Growers to deliver your drought-tolerant sod directly from the farm. Give them a call today at (813) 633-8665 to transform your lawn with the best grasses in the area.