Released: January 17, 2002

Lawns at Risk to Winter Drought

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Without help, lawns could suffer permanent root damage this winter because of what’s shaping up to be a cold-weather drought, warns a Kansas State University horticulturist.

"You never notice the effects of winter desiccation injury until spring. Turf doesn’t grow in cold weather – even during winters as mild as this, when some top growth is still looking a little green into January," said Matt Fagerness, turfgrass specialist for K-State Research and Extension.

So, each year homeowners must stay aware of cold-weather moisture levels and be prepared to haul out the hose, when needed.

"You can feel sort of foolish, irrigating what looks like dead grass. What’s at risk, however, is turf’s tender root system, which remains more active than the leaves. That root system is the foundation for the quality of lawn you’ll have from now on," he said.

In typical winters, snow cover not only serves as a moisture source but also protects lawns from winds’ drying effects, he said.

"If the lawn is bare, however, each cold wind is like the glancing touch of a giant sponge, sucking moisture from leaves and soil," Fagerness said. "The effect isn’t as fast as you see in drought-like summers. Even so, an extended cold, dry spell can be equally damaging.

"We’ve now had several months of that kind of weather. If homeowners want a healthy lawn, they need to keep supplying moisture, as long as we continue without snow cover."

He recommends applying about one-half inch of water when temperatures are above freezing, to help hydrate the soil 4 to 6 inches deep. Watering once or twice a month should be enough, Fagerness said, unless or until temperatures begin to remain warm for extended periods.

"Extra moisture now will also help trees and ornamental plantings in the landscape. They can be as much, if not more sensitive to winter drought," the horticulturist said. "Just be sure to detach hoses each time you irrigate, to avoid pipes’ freezing when temperatures fall again."

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Kathleen Ward, Communications Specialist
kward@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News