Preparing your lawn for extreme weather 

Preparing for extreme weather is one key factor often overlooked when maintaining a lush lawn. From scorching heat waves to torrential downpours, your lawn can face many challenges throughout the year. Read on to learn more about preparing your lawn for extreme weather!

Understanding your climate

Research weather patterns

Understanding the typical weather patterns in your region is essential for effective lawn care. Take the time to research historical weather data and trends. Look for patterns in rainfall, temperature fluctuations, and extreme weather events like droughts or storms. By understanding the climate in your area, you can anticipate potential challenges and plan your lawn care accordingly.

Identify everyday extreme events

Identifying everyday extreme weather events is crucial for preparing your lawn. Depending on location, these events can range from scorching heat waves to heavy rainfall or snowstorms. 

By recognising the types of extreme weather your lawn may face, you can take proactive measures to protect it. For example, if you live in an area prone to drought, you can prioritise water conservation strategies. Similarly, if heavy rainfall is expected, you can focus on improving drainage systems to prevent waterlogging.

Assess frequency and severity

Assessing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events in your region provides valuable insight into the level of risk your lawn faces. Look back at historical data to identify trends and patterns. 

Have certain types of extreme weather become more frequent or severe in recent years? Understanding these allows you to adjust your lawn care practices accordingly. For example, if heatwaves are becoming more common, you may need to implement additional measures to protect your lawn from heat stress.

Understand specific lawn challenges

Each type of extreme weather presents unique challenges for your lawn. For example, drought can lead to dry, brown patches, while heavy rainfall can cause waterlogging and soil erosion. By understanding the specific challenges of different weather conditions, you can tailor your lawn care practices to mitigate their effects. 

This might include adjusting watering schedules during droughts or improving drainage systems to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall. By addressing these challenges proactively, you can help your lawn withstand extreme weather more effectively.

Consult local sources

Consulting local sources such as agricultural extension services or meteorological departments can provide valuable guidance on preparing your lawn for extreme weather. These organisations often offer resources, tips, and advice tailored to your region's climate and weather patterns. 

They can help you understand your lawn's unique challenges and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies. Don't hesitate to contact these sources for assistance and support in preparing your lawn for whatever Mother Nature throws.

Implementing proper lawn care practices

Mow at the right height

Maintaining the proper mowing height for your grass type is essential for promoting healthy growth and resilience. Mowing too short can stress your lawn and make it even more susceptible to damage from extreme weather conditions. 

Conversely, allowing grass to grow too long can encourage thatch buildup and pest infestations. Research the recommended mowing height for your grass species and adjust your mower accordingly.

Water appropriately

Proper watering keeps your lawn resilient, especially during extreme weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can waterlog the soil and cause root rot. Instead, monitor soil moisture levels and adjust your watering schedule based on weather conditions.

Fertilise for strong roots

Choose a high-quality fertiliser with a balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium blend. These essential nutrients support healthy root development, making your lawn resilient to extreme weather conditions. Apply fertiliser according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and do not over-apply, which can lead to nutrient runoff and environmental damage.

Aerate the soil

Aerating your soil improves its structure and promotes healthy root growth. Over time, lawn soil can become compacted, hindering water infiltration and root penetration. Consider aerating your lawn annually, especially if you have high foot traffic. Core aeration is a popular method that removes small plugs of soil from the ground, providing immediate relief to compacted areas.

Overseed bare patches

Overseeding is planting grass seed directly into existing turf to fill bare areas. Choose a high-quality grass seed blend that matches your existing turf type and climate conditions. Before overseeding, prepare the bare patches by loosening the soil and removing debris or dead grass. Overseeding helps thicken your lawn, improving its overall health and resilience against extreme weather conditions.

Investing in weather-resilient landscaping

Choose drought-tolerant plants

Selecting drought-tolerant plants is essential for creating a resilient landscape that can withstand periods of water scarcity. Look for native plant species adapted to your region's climate and soil conditions. 

These plants have evolved to thrive in local environments and require minimal water once established. Consider incorporating a mix of grasses, shrubs, and perennials to add texture, colour, and visual interest to your yard while conserving water.

Incorporate hardscaping features

Hardscaping features such as gravel pathways, stone patios, and retaining walls can enhance the resilience of your landscape by reducing water runoff and erosion. Unlike traditional turf areas, hardscaping surfaces are impervious, meaning they do not absorb water. Instead, rainwater drains off quickly, reducing the risk of soil erosion and flooding during heavy rainfall.

Install rain barrels

Rain barrels are a brilliant way to capture and store rainwater for later use in your landscape. These simple, cost-effective devices collect rainwater from your roof via downspouts and store it in a large, durable container. Installing rain barrels conserves water and helps prevent stormwater runoff. Consider strategically placing rain barrels around your property to maximise water collection and distribution efficiency.

Plant windbreaks

Windbreaks are rows of trees, shrubs, or other vegetation strategically planted to reduce wind speed and protect against wind-related damage. In addition to providing shelter for your lawn and landscape, windbreaks offer numerous other benefits, including energy savings, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic value. When selecting plants for a windbreak, choose species well-suited to your climate and soil conditions.

Create shade

Strategically placed shade trees, pergolas, or shade sails can create comfortable outdoor spaces for relaxing and entertaining while conserving water and energy. When selecting shade trees, consider mature size, growth rate, and leaf density. Deciduous trees offer the added benefit of seasonal shade, providing cooling relief in the summer and allowing sunlight to penetrate in the winter.

Maintaining drainage systems

Clear gutters regularly

Regular gutter maintenance is essential for preventing water damage to your home and landscape during extreme weather events. To avoid these issues, clean your gutters, especially before and after heavy rainfall or storms. For added convenience and safety, use a ladder and gloves to remove debris by hand or a gutter-cleaning tool.

Inspect drainage pipes

Properly functioning drainage pipes are critical for directing rainwater away from your home and landscape to prevent flooding and erosion. Inspect your drainage system regularly for signs of damage, blockages, or leaks. Look for cracks, breaks, or sagging sections in the pipes and any obstructions, such as tree roots or debris.

Ensure proper grading

Proper grading is essential for preventing water pooling and flooding in your lawn and landscape. Ideally, the ground should slope away from your home and other structures to direct rainwater toward drainage outlets such as storm drains or swales. Inspect your property for areas where water collects or puddles during rainstorms.

Install French drains

French drains are a popular explanation for managing excess water in lawns and landscapes. These underground drainage systems consist of perforated pipes surrounded by gravel or rock and buried in trenches. 

The pipes collect and redirect water away from problem areas such as low spots, soggy patches, or the base of slopes. French drains are particularly effective for controlling surface water runoff and preventing soil erosion during heavy rainfall or storms.

Use absorbent materials

Using porous materials for walkways, driveways, and other hardscaping features can help reduce water runoff and promote groundwater recharge. Unlike traditional impervious surfaces like concrete or asphalt, permeable materials allow rainwater to infiltrate the soil, which plants can absorb or recharge groundwater aquifers. Common permeable materials include gravel, permeable pavers, and porous concrete.

Protecting your lawn during extreme events

Secure loose objects

Take proactive measures to secure or remove any items that strong winds could pick up. This includes patio furniture, umbrellas, garden decorations, and children's toys. Store lightweight objects indoors or anchor them securely to the ground using stakes, straps, or weighted bases. Consider investing in heavy-duty covers or storage solutions for more oversized items like outdoor furniture or grills to protect them from wind and rain.

Stake young trees

Due to their shallow root systems and flexible trunks, young trees are particularly vulnerable to damage from high winds and storms. To prevent tipping or uprooting during extreme weather events, stake young trees securely to provide additional support and stability. Use flexible tree ties or straps to attach the tree to sturdy stakes driven into the ground at a slight angle away from the trunk.

Cover sensitive plants

Sensitive plants and delicate landscaping features risk damage or destruction during extreme weather events such as hailstorms or frost. Protect vulnerable plants by covering them with lightweight fabric or plastic sheeting. Use stakes or hoops to create a frame over the plants, and drape the covering securely to the ground to shield them from hail, frost, or strong winds.

Shelter potted plants

During storms or periods of intense heat, move potted plants to a sheltered location such as a covered porch, patio, or greenhouse to protect them from wind, rain, or extreme temperatures. If moving indoors is not an option, cluster potted plants together in a protected area and use heavy objects or stakes to anchor them securely to the ground.

Have emergency supplies

Keep emergency supplies and equipment on hand to help you respond quickly and effectively to storm damage or other weather-related emergencies. Stock up on essentials such as bottled water, non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights, and first aid supplies in case of power outages or other emergencies. A well-stocked emergency kit can provide peace of mind and help weather the storm safely.

Ensuring proper irrigation techniques

Use drip irrigation

Unlike traditional sprinkler systems, which can waste water through evaporation and runoff, drip irrigation systems minimise water loss by delivering water precisely where needed. This reduces water waste, conserves resources, and promotes healthier plant growth.

Schedule watering in the early morning

Watering your lawn and landscape in the early morning is the most efficient and adequate time to rinse, as it minimises water loss due to evaporation and wind. Morning watering allows plants to absorb moisture when needed most, providing hydration and nutrients to support growth and resilience throughout the day. Avoid watering in the afternoon or evening, as these times can lead to prolonged leaf wetness, increased susceptibility to disease, and water loss through evaporation.

Adjust watering frequency based on weather

During drought or hot, dry weather, increase watering frequency to give plants the moisture they need to survive and thrive. Conversely, reduce watering frequency during heavy rainfall or cooler temperatures to prevent overwatering and saturated soil conditions.

Install soil moisture sensors

Installing soil moisture sensors strategically throughout your landscape ensures water is applied only when necessary, preventing overwatering and water waste. Some soil moisture sensors are connected to irrigation controllers, allowing automated watering based on real-time soil moisture data. Consider incorporating soil moisture sensors into your irrigation system to improve water efficiency and promote healthier, more resilient plants.

Consider smart irrigation systems

Smart irrigation systems use advanced technology to optimise water use and promote plant health in lawns and landscapes. These systems often feature weather-based controllers that adjust watering schedules based on local weather conditions, soil moisture levels, and plant water needs.

Conclusion

Preparing your lawn for extreme weather is essential for its health and beauty year-round. Tailor your approach based on your region's climate and specific weather challenges. Contact a professional today for more personalised advice and expert assistance in preparing your lawn for extreme weather. Let's work together to ensure your lawn remains resilient and thriving in any weather condition.