9 tips to save or protect your lawn from the 2021 drought

 The spring of 2021 will go down in history as the driest spring season on record for most of the Northern Illinois and Southeast Wisconsin counites.  As of mid-June, our local service area has only received about 2.5 inches of precipitation since March resulting in a severe drought distinction for the area.  We usually average around 9 inches of rain during this time for most of our service area.  In a typical year, our area turns dry, and lawns start suffering drought and heat stress in Mid-June, however this has already been happening since early May.  

Lawn on left suffering from drought stress 2021

Watering is already needed for most lawns, and some have already gone dormant.  With summer yet to start and another 90 days of typical dry and high soil temperatures, many lawns will be on the verge of serious damage this summer.  Here are some ways that you can save or limit the damage to your lawn this summer:

Large droplet sprinkler

1. Begin watering regularly.  Morning hours are the most ideal, however any moisture is better than ideal moisture in a drought.  Avoid watering mid-day due to higher evaporation rates and loss.

2.  Water to get 1 to 2 inches of precipitation per week.  1-2 inches to prevent dormancy and keep lawn from browning, 2-3 inches to revive a lawn if already dormant.  

3. To get the 1-2 inches, water deeply for 30 to 60 minutes per area, twice a week.  This time may need to be adjusted to generate a half inch to 1 inch per run time.  Place a flat and wide pan or cup to measure how long it takes to accumlate for your specific sprinkler and water pressure.  

4. For the grass, use a sprinkler that produces a larger, heavier droplet, not a misting or fine droplet sprinkler.  Misting sprinklers evaporate faster and only wet the leaf tissue.  The goal is to get the soil wet from root absorption.  

5.   Only mow if the lawn is over 4 inches tall.  When mowing, don't mow to less than 3 inches.  Keeping the lawn long will help retain more moisture and keep the lawn green.

6. Make sure mowing blades are sharp and only mow dry grass.  Water as soon as possible after mowing to prevent stressing the lawn any further. 

7. Minimize use of the lawn unless mowing or watering to prevent compaction.  If using the lawn, water after traffic use.  

8. Use only slow-release fertilizers and minimize Nitrogen rates during high heat and dry conditions. 

9. Consider Hydra-Guard from Lawn Doctor.  This service applies a hygroscopic and humectant compound that absorbs and retains more moisture from soil and air vapor, typically not available for the grass to absorb.

Lawn with Hydra-guard on left, nothing applied to lawn on right.

More Hydra-guard pictures.  Lawn on right treated with Hydra-guard in May.

                              

Contact Lawn Doctor for any additional concerns for your lawn during the 2021 drought or for additional watering and mowing tips to keep your lawn green and healthy this summer.

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Summer 2018 has left its tracks on lawns

The summer lawn season of 2018 has literally left many tracks across the lawns in Northern Lake County.    As we had numerous rain days and service delays in June, July started off with a bang.  We then witnessed and are still investigating a heat tracking event that occurred July 13.

 Beautiful Lake Villa lawn watered in summer

 The difference between watering regularly adn not watering- notice the heat stress on right

Warmer temperatures hit around the holiday week and have continued along with minimal rain for the rest of the month.  This has left a lot of lawns turning brown form heat and moisture (lack of) stress.  Once again this year the heat tracking phenomenon has hit the area hard.  On Friday July 13 many instances of heat tracking occurred across the area.  As I have posted heat tracking in previous year’s blogs, this year the damage was even worse.  Since the event took place on Friday July 13, most of the damage was done by lawn mowers as many lawn care service providers mow on Friday afternoon in a dry week.  Therefore most of the damage occurred from both commercial and residential lawn mowers that mowed in the afternoon that eerie Friday the 13th.

                           

Heat tracking on Lake Villa lawns by lawnmowers

  

 More heat tracking from lawn mowers in Lake Villa

As previously posted in years past, heat tracking on lawns appears as a fertilizer or herbicide burn from tires across the lawn.  The damage occurs from heavy compaction on the lawn leaf tissue at the peak heat of the early afternoon on heat stressed lawns that are at a wilting point.  Some other common traits that we saw this year was that occurred on mostly bluegrass and fine fescue and heavy clay soils that get direct sun at midday.  Although this phenomenon is rare it has occurred each year the last 3 seasons as I have been writing this blog.  If your lawn is browning and showing signs of heat stress - bluish or purplish color, leaf tissue not bouncing back after foot traffic then we highly suggest minimizing any contact with the lawn during peak sun times of the day.  This would be between Noon and 3 P.M. on a very dry day with temperatures at or above 90 and no rain for 3-5 days in a row.  

We would highly suggest watering during the morning hours every other day for a good hour or two to help lower soil temps and prevent heat tracking on the lawn.  If you have any other questions about heat tracking on your lawn or think that this may have happened to your lawn on July 13 this season please contact the lawn professionals at Lawn Doctor of Antioch for a free evaluation.  

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Spring 2018 Lawn Services have had great success

Spring 2018 has had it ups and downs this season for the lawn care service industry.  However it has mostly produced many "ups" or positive results across the Antioch- Gurnee area.   A very slow to warm up spring kept lawns brown and with no growth through early April followed by a nearly two week cold and snow on the ground period of early to mid-April.  Although the cooler temps and snow cover  were a little abnormal, the moisture left behind allowed for good green up and new leaf tissue growth in the warmer weeks that followed.   

Late April 2018

Snow cover on April 15, 2018

May brought many additional challenges as it was warm but very wet.  This caused some delays again including many spring seeding services.  Seeding in spring is a great opportunity to thicken up some shady areas however the moisture and temperature swings can create a lot of difficulties in scheduling and performing these services on time.  With that being said the seeding and fertilization services have performed with great success as the temperatures, sunlight availability and rain has been very helpful towards the end of the month and through Memorial Day Weekend.






May 2018 Lawns in Lake Villa

The cool and wet spring has also contributed to a heavy outbreak of mosquitoes so far this season.  These populations will continue to grow and multiply every several weeks through summer as there is a lot of standing water and moisture in wooded and shaded areas right now.  Mosquitoes continue to be a nuisance in the Midwest as their bites result in many uncomfortable allergic reactions and can also spread serious and fatal diseases.  If you have not tried or have our Yard Armour mosquito control service, this year would be a great time to get started so that you can enjoy the warm weather outside.

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Another Lawn Season is Completed

2017 Lawn care season

Every lawn season is unique and contains a new set of challenges each year.  Some seasons are hot and dry presenting insect issues while others are wet and cool and more prone to disease development.  2017 was no different in its own set of unique conditions it brought to the lawns across northenr Illinois including Antioch, Lake Villa, Lindenhurst, Gurnee and the surrounding areas.  A warm start to the summer was flipped over to a cooler and very wet (including many flooded areas) mid-summer followed by a dry and warmer early fall.  While these conditions are fall within averages for the most part the timing and scheduling of them was quite unique.  With all challenges in mind, Lawn Doctor of Antioch maintained and provided a very consistent return of results with our lawn program this season.



Early summer is normally the beginning of heat and drought stress to the lawn.  The 2017 season was very different however, with lawns looking great through June with extended leaf tissue growth from cool soil temperatures and adequate rains.  July took a turn for the worse but not for usual July heat and drought stress but from flooded retention ponds, lakes, streams and rivers.  While grass is usaully able to cope with short lived flooding, a lot of lawns were under water for a week or more due to the heavy rains in the area.  Most grass that was only covered for a day or two at the peak of water levels did not show any damage however areas that were under water for more than 5 to 7 days were completely destroyed from suffocation.

Flood damaged lawn

Areas that were destroyed by lack of oxygen from the water cover and were replanted by Lawn Doctor all came back and popped due to the sufficient moisture left behind in the soil for weeks after the waters receded.  The higher temperatures of late summer in September did not extend the damage any further for the lawns that were seeded and watered in properly in early September.  Most of these lawns came in better than in previous years due to the saturated soils and sunny conditions that followed.

Power seeded lawn after damage

Although the 2017 season brought many hurtles to the lawn care industry, Lawn Doctor maintained a great lawn service program for most of our customers.  Our 2 spring, 2 summer, and 2 fall application schedule allowed us the neccesary flexibility to adjust fertilizers and rates in order to stay ahead of stresses and changing weed conditions this season.  Please feel free to check out our service reviews online or leave us one at: Lawn Doctor of Antioch Reviews

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April showers should bring plenty of beautiful flowers and lawns in May!

April showers have produced an amazing amount of precipitation across the Antioch- Gurnee -Waukegan area this spring.  Antioch received over 6" of rain throughout the month of April, well over the historical average of 3.5" for the month.  Although temperatures were slightly above normal in the early part of the month the last weeks of the month were mostly cloudy, cool and slightly below normal or at normal.  The result was a cool, wet month leaving many lawns soggy, saturated but green and growing.  Wet springs encourage growth of all plants including grasses, perennials and even weeds.  As we dry out and warm up a lot of weeds will begin to pop up as temperatures raise.  Late spring should bring a lot of leaf tissue growth from all plants and flowers should produce full vibrant blooms in May just as the old saying goes.

Wet springs are great for turning grass green and germinating new seed.

A wet and cool spring has brought many delays to outdoor activities including all lawn care and landscape projects for all outdoor contractors across the area.  Many lawn mowing services, aeration's and seeding projects have been delayed as the ground has been too wet and soft for heavy equipment.  Lawn Doctor of Antioch has been trying to keep up with the demand for these services as dry days present themselves but have been a little behind in completing these services by early to mid spring.  A wet spring will be beneficial for seeding projects as the extra moisture will greatly help new seed germinate.  The extra moisture will also help grass generate new and green leaf tissue as we begin mowing lawns.

Dollar spot on a golf course

Along with green lawns, germinating seeds and blooming plants extra spring rains can also produce some problems for lawn care this year.  More weed seeds will germinate as a result of the saturating rain.  More insects later in spring and summer can also be a result of a wet spring, so we will have to monitor that as the season continues.  Mosquitoes and other insects that lay eggs that last over winter will also have a healthy population rate as well.  Some lawn diseases also like the cool wet cloudy conditions that this spring is offering.  Dollar spot is common disease found in the area when cool wet conditions exist in the spring.  It is a little early to see anything as of now but a keen eye should be looking out for this later in spring.

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Early Spring lawn Preparations

Early spring brings excitement and joy to many homeowners in the Antioch-Gurnee-Waukegan area as humid warm air and extended sunlight hours bring the lawns and plants out of their winter slumber.  The thoughts of enjoying the outdoors once again brings a lot of anticipation along with a list of things to do.  There are many projects and plans racing through our minds as the warmer days allow for open windows and sunroofs throughout the neighborhoods.  One way to eliminate the uncertainty of lawn tasks and projects is to get develop a plan to have in place once the warmer weather is here to stay.

A spring lawn plan should include the following lawn care activities to either "enjoy" doing yourself or make sure you have hired to get done for the season.  A lawn fertilizer application consisting of spring fertilizer with a pre-emergent weed control for annual grassy weeds, mainly crabgrass.  A soil enrichment product such as a soil conditioner or pellet compost to provide soil nutrients and organic matter to encourage microbial activity.  And a core aeration with over seeding as needed to allow oxygen to penetrate the soil profile and begin filling in any bare or thin spots in the lawn.  Spring conditions are very favorable for new growth and developing a lawn for the duration of summer so don't miss this opportunity to get the lawn growing in the right direction.

Spring fertilizer should consist of a medium rate application of Nitrogen (13-19%) and a low Potassium rate (1-6%).  The source should be of a fairly quick release form for fast release and uptake as the plant needs it during the warmer and wet conditions that vary from day to day.  The herbicide should be the broadest range of weed control to prevent the most seed from germinating and taking root before the grass has a chance to generate new growth.  Most products are designed for stopping the establishment of crabgrass.  Although you wont generally see it until June or later the germination process for crabgrass can begin with a string of 5 or more days with soil temperatures above 50 degrees.

Spring is also a great time to core aerate a lawn in order to increase oxygen to the root zone of the topsoil.  This activity also relieve soil compaction from freezing ground or extended snow cover.  By alleviating the soil and allowing more oxygen to the root zone, the turf is able to green up and begin growing in tune with the air temperature increasing.  Aeration is one of the best natural activities for the improvement of the lawn without forcing any nutrients or chemicals onto the lawn.



Spring is also a great time to introduce or add organic matter to the soil to boost microbial activity.  The most effective way to do this is with the addition of soil conditioners or organic compost made into pellets that can be easily applied to the lawn similar to fertilizer.  The organic matter feeds the soil microbes as the temperatures warm up,which leads to a healthier and more rich topsoil.

These early spring lawn tips are a great way to get the lawn growing in spring and can be done by homeowners alone or can be hired out to be done by a lawn care provider.  Lawn Doctor not only suggests these services but we also provide them for you.  Contact the lawn professionals at Lawn Doctor of Antioch to take care of your spring lawn to do list so you can enjoy the warming spring days on a golf course, walking or biking or just relaxing on your patio.

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Fall is the time to improve your lawn

                                  

Many homeowners ask throughout the season each year, "what is the best thing I can do for my lawn?"  My answer is always "to aerate and over seed in the fall with desirable grass types- bluegrass, ryegrass and turf-type tall fescue.  In addition to regular fertilization and weed control".  However, this question is rarely asked now in the fall, which is the perfect time to implement the answer.  Now is the time to repair the lawn from any and all thins spots or damaged areas form the stresses of summer heat, insects, grubs, diseases or general compaction from heavy traffic.

Lawn suffering from summer stress

Same lawn several weeks after early fall aeration and over-seeding

Lawns across the Gurnee, Antioch, Lake Villa and Waukegan area are enjoying the cool temperatures and sunny days of mid-fall.   Lawns love this type of weather, which produces cool night time temperatures and warm soil from sunny days.  This combination of cool nights and warm soils produces the right combination for both new seed germination and root growth for the existing lawn.  This is the exact reason why fall services like over-seeding and aerating are so beneficial to the lawn right now.  New seed helps thicken up and fill in summer damaged lawns and aerations allow oxygen and nutrient penetration into the root zone.

                                                               
Have patience - results from fall services like aerations and over-seeding are not an immediately satisfying.  Aerations leave dirt plugs and can trample down grass leaf tissue while they dissolve over a couple of weeks.  New seed takes 2-3 weeks to germinate and up to 8 weeks to become full enough to mow.  There are no immediate results with any of these lawn services.  However if you take pictures and compare before and after months or even seasons apart, you will begin to notice the improvement these services can make over time.  As part of an annual program these services generally are maintaining an adequate level of lawn appearance.  If you already have a great lawn these services are sometimes just needed as a way to maintain the lawn at a great appearance.  Lawns that have never had these services or were damaged from grubs or summer stresses will greatly improve over the coming weeks with a little watering and a lot of patience.

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Late August always brings a big change in the lawns appearance.

I have noted on my calender the date of August 20 for the last several years for a reason.  This seems to be the day (ok, week) that the first signs of change are going to be happening in the lawn.  This year is proving to be no different.  The days begin to become obviously shorter, the sun becomes significantly less intense and night time air temperatures become noticeably lower.  All of this results in heavy morning dews and lower soil temperatures which leads to a greening up lawn.  If we are lucky enough to get a thunderstorm or two, which happened again this week this year, the lawn greens up even faster and goes right in to growth mode and begins repairing itself from summer heat and drough stress.

There are two main reasons why the lawn suffers and turns brown during the month of July and early August.  High soil temperatures from direct radiant heat, higher daytime and nighttime air temperatures, and lower precipitation rates leave the lawn struggling to grow and usually results in dormancy to survive.  This situation unfolds every summer across the area and has for thousands of years.  We call the month of July and first half of August the "danger zone" in the lawn care industry because there is not much we can do from the service side, we simply ask that everyone waters regularly and mows high and less frequently.  We aim to minimize the services and applications of any kind to lawns during this time unless they are being irrigated.  Simply walking on the lawn during the danger zone can cause more damage in extreme cases from heat striping.  However, that is all going to change in the next week or two.

All of these conditions make late august and early September a perfect time to begin fertilizing, aerating and power-seeding services.  If you haven't maintained a healthy lawn all season and want to thicken up the lawn for fall now is the time to schedule those services or begin planning to do the work yourself.  A healthy thick lawn in the fall will also carry over to a better lawn next spring which builds a thicker healthier lawn to prevent and withstand summer stress next year.  Because as you now know and as this blog states, mother nature will return again next year and prove this all true once again.

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Heat tracking in lawns

We have recently noticed a few instances of a somewhat rare phenomenon in the lawn care industry that we would like to point out in an effort to better communicate to both our customers and those interested in lawn care.  Along with the previously posted summer stress issues for the lawn in this blog, we wanted to bring up a more recent issue which is very rare but is currently a potential for lawns across the Antioch, Lake Villa, Lindenhurst, Gurnee, Lake Forest and Waukegan area.  This recent phenomenon is referred to by some in the industry as heat tracking.

Heat tracking occurs when pressure is applied to the lawn from foot traffic, lawn mowers, fertilizer spreaders or anything else that can compress the leaf tissue down to the ground below.  When  this pressure is applied at the exact time frame (usually early afternoon at the peak heat of the day) that the turf is at its wilting point or entering dormancy stage it breaks the leaf tissue at the base of the crown of the plant causing an immediate killing (usually within 24 hours) of the leaf tissue.  Although this damage appears as herbicide or fertilizer burn from tire marks, it is simply caused by natural processes.  The only indication that this may occur ahead of time is seeing footprints on turf from leaf tissue not rebounding quickly after being compressed.

This is the same type of damage that can happen on turf in late fall or early spring when the same pressure is applied to the leaf tissue when it is frozen but the crown is not.  This usually results in frost delays at golf courses in the area, as the grounds department tries to prevent similar damage. (Hopefully the thought of frozen turf helps cool off whoever is reading this).

As the lawn endures many forms of stress during summer months, watering (hydrogen application) and being patient for cooler temperatures are the two main solutions needed to keep the lawn healthy.  Cooler fall temperatures will soon return and the lawn will begin to grow and thrive as it did in spring and has done every fall throughout history.  

I have also attached a link to the website that covers this topic here

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