How to Maintain a Lush Lawn During Drought Conditions

Droughts are tough on everything—but your lawn often suffers first.

Brown spots, dry patches, and thinning grass can quickly take over if you don’t adjust your lawn care strategy for dry weather. But the good news? A healthy, green lawn is still possible, even during watering restrictions and heatwaves.

At Salas Outdoors, we help homeowners maintain strong, vibrant lawns year-round. Here’s how to protect your grass and keep your landscape thriving—even when water is limited.

1. Water Deeply, But Less Often

When drought hits, you don’t need to water more—you need to water smarter.

Tips for efficient watering:

• Water early in the morning (before 8 a.m.) to reduce evaporation
• Water deeply and infrequently—aim for 1" of water per week
• Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to target roots directly
• Avoid watering during windy or hot afternoons

✅ Salas Outdoors can install efficient irrigation systems that deliver water precisely where it’s needed, reducing waste and saving you money.

2. Adjust Your Mowing Practices

Your mowing habits can either help or harm your lawn in drought.

What to do:

• Raise your mower blade—cut grass to 3–4 inches during dry periods
• Never remove more than 1/3 of grass height at a time
• Keep mower blades sharp to prevent tearing
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn for added moisture retention

✅ We offer seasonal lawn maintenance services that ensure your lawn is mowed and cared for with drought protection in mind.

3. Feed Your Soil, Not Just Your Grass

Healthy soil holds moisture better. During droughts, soil conditioning becomes just as important as watering.

Ways to support your soil:

• Apply organic compost to improve water retention
• Use natural mulches around garden beds and trees
• Avoid synthetic fertilizers that can burn lawns in dry heat
• Consider core aeration to reduce compaction and let water in

✅ Salas Outdoors uses sustainable lawn treatments that nourish your soil while protecting the environment—and your grass.

4. Know Your Grass Type and Its Drought Tolerance

Different grasses handle drought differently.

In Texas and other hot climates, drought-tolerant grass species like:

• Bermuda grass
• Zoysia grass
• Buffalo grass
  are better equipped to survive without frequent watering.

If your lawn struggles year after year, it may be time to replace or overseed with a more drought-resistant variety.

✅ We’ll help you choose the right sod or grass seed based on your soil, sun exposure, and watering ability.

5. Minimize Foot Traffic and Stress

When grass is dry, it's vulnerable. Even light wear can cause permanent damage.

Protect your lawn by:

• Reducing heavy use of dry or browning areas
• Rotating play equipment or furniture on the lawn
• Keeping pets off stressed grass where possible

✅ Our landscape designers can install paver walkways or pet-friendly turf in high-traffic zones, so your lawn stays protected and looks great.

6. Install Smart Landscaping for Drought Resistance

Combining the right lawn care with smart landscaping makes all the difference.

Consider:

• Adding shade trees to reduce sun exposure
• Creating mulched beds instead of water-hungry turf
• Installing rock gardens or drought-tolerant plants
• Using retaining walls or grading to manage runoff and erosion

✅ Salas Outdoors creates custom drought-smart landscape designs that conserve water while maximizing beauty and functionality.

7. Consider Lawn Alternatives for Extreme Conditions

Sometimes, the best solution is replacing grass altogether.

Options include:

• Artificial turf for no-water, no-mow convenience
• Gravel or decomposed granite walkways
• Low-maintenance ground covers like clover or sedum
• Xeriscaping with native plants and hardscapes

✅ We offer creative lawn alternatives that still deliver curb appeal without the high water demand.

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