New Haven Register
By Abram Katz, Register Science Editor
April 9, 2002
Connecticut's continuing drought promises a tough time for turf.
Concerned homeowners are already asking landscapers and lawn care companies about how to keep their prize grass green.
Reservoirs sank and wells went dry as Connecticut staggered through the driest October-to-March on record.
Even though last month's rain was slightly above normal, the region is still eight inches below average.
The deadline for dead lawns is rapidly approaching.
Fairfield County was put on restricted water use last week, and Greater New Haven could follow if spring and summer don't relinquish more rain.
Water restrictions could spell trouble for farmers, fire departments, tree nurseries, mowers, seed sellers, landscapers and pool fillers.
"In Greenwich you can't fill pools so you need to bring water in a truck. Sprinkler systems are also forbidden. People who mow are worried," said Ted Greiner, president of TJB Inc. landscapers of Hamden.
Desiccation also menaces the status symbol of suburbia and crowning glory of homeowners - the perfect lawn.
This year the perfect lawn is apt to be perfectly horrible. Brown, crispy, loaded with weeds and gnawed on by insects.
Grass is tricky to maintain under the best circumstances. This year normally helpful measures could backfire, experts said. Some treatments are simply a waste of money.
Some advice seems rootless. For example, don't fertilize your lawn yet, don't water it every day, and make sure you soak it before a heavy rain.
Before you do anything, get your soil tested, said Sharon M. Douglas, plant pathologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven.
Then ask your lawn company about its plans for fertilizing, herbicides, other chemicals and mowing, she said.
The Experiment Station tests soil for free. Bring a cup to a pint of soil to 123 Huntington St. and look for the big "soil testing" sign.
Soil with the right acidity, consistency and nutrients will make turf healthier.
Also, poor soil will undermine seeding, fertilizing, pest and weed control and any other botanical first aid.
"Hold off the early spring fertilizer. Wait for rain," Douglas said.
When you do fertilize use, water-insoluble nitrogen (WIN, as it says on fertilizer bags). It releases nitrogen more slowly.
The goal is to discourage grass from growing rapidly. Spring is critical for root growth.
A shot of regular fertilizer now will spur top growth at the expense of deep roots. Shallow roots make grass more vulnerable to drought stress, Douglas said.
If rain stays away and watering is permitted, do it efficiently.
Some in-ground systems on timers wet the lawn every day. If only the top layer of soil is moist, that's where grass roots will grow.
Grass with shallow roots will turn brown rapidly during dry weather.
Instead, put about one inch of water on the lawn per week, in two or three deep soakings.
This gives water a chance to sink into the ground. Grass will pursue the water and develop root systems up to a foot deep.
These roots can stand up to drought. If the grass does become dormant, it will return.
Use a rain gauge or a tuna can which is about one inch deep. Water early in the morning.
Leave the grass about 3 to 3 1/2 inches high to minimize evaporation. Let the clippings lie.
If you can, soak the lawn before you expect rain. Wet soil absorbs water more efficiently than dry soil.
If you give up - don't water or fertilize - turf will enter that dormant, sleeping phase.
Weeds are then inevitable because they thrive in dry inhospitable places.
Expect clover, crabgrass, chickweed, plantains, dandelions, ground ivy and almost anything else you don't want.
Your lawn probably still looks ragged from last summer when the drought started.
Tempting as seeding may be, hold off until mid-August to midSeptember, Greiner said.
Otherwise, the new grass will die in the summer and weeds will take over.
This is all assuming the drought lingers.
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center predicts "normal" weather will gradually return.
"It looks like the weather pattern has changed," said Douglas LeComte, drought specialist at the center.
The straight jet stream that dried out New England has finally dipped, allowing moisture to move in from the south.
"I'm cautiously optimistic. We seem to be turning the corner," LeComte said. "Reservoirs peak in May and drop at Memorial Day. April and May are really important." The Regional Water Authority's system is 62 percent full. Usually, at this time of year, the level is 91.
