How to Protect Your Lawn from Drought Damage

Hot Texas summers can quickly turn a green, thriving lawn into a dry, brittle patch of brown. Even with regular watering, intense heat and limited rainfall can cause severe drought stress.

But with the right lawn care techniques and professional treatments, you can protect your grass from drought damage and keep it looking lush all year long. Here’s how.

1. Understand Drought Stress

Drought stress happens when your lawn loses more water through evaporation than it can absorb through its roots.

Common signs include:

• Wilting or curled grass blades
• Faded color (gray or brown patches)
• Slow recovery after foot traffic
• Soil that feels hard or cracked

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to permanent root damage—but taking action early helps your lawn recover faster.

2. Water Deeply, Not Frequently

The biggest watering mistake homeowners make is watering too often but too shallow. That encourages surface roots, which dry out quickly.

The fix:

• Water once or twice per week
• Apply 1–1.5 inches of water per session
• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation

Deep watering helps roots grow deeper into the soil, improving drought tolerance and long-term lawn health.

3. Use Moisture Management Treatments

During peak heat, even regular watering might not be enough. That’s where moisture management treatments—like those offered by Anointed Lawn Care—make a huge difference.

These professional applications use advanced products such as LESCO® Moisture Manager to:

• Improve soil water retention
• Reduce evaporation and runoff
• Help lawns use every drop more efficiently
• Strengthen roots against heat stress

This water-saving solution keeps lawns hydrated longer, even in the toughest drought conditions.

4. Adjust Your Mowing Practices

Mowing too short can leave grass vulnerable to sun damage and moisture loss.

Follow these mowing best practices during drought:

• Raise the mower blade to 3–4 inches
• Keep blades sharp to avoid tearing grass
• Avoid mowing in extreme heat or right after watering

Taller grass shades the soil, reducing water evaporation and keeping roots cooler.

5. Aerate Compacted Soil

Compacted soil prevents water, air, and nutrients from reaching roots—making drought stress worse.

Core aeration, especially in spring or fall, loosens the soil and allows deeper water penetration. This helps your lawn absorb moisture more efficiently when it’s needed most.

Anointed Lawn Care provides core aeration services that prepare your yard for both heavy rainfall and dry spells.

6. Fertilize Wisely

While fertilization is important, avoid heavy applications during drought. Excess nutrients can stress already fragile grass and increase water demand.

Use slow-release fertilizers in early spring and fall, when temperatures are mild, to strengthen roots before the heat arrives.

Pro tip: Anointed Lawn Care’s fertilization plans are timed seasonally, ensuring your lawn gets exactly what it needs at the right moment.

7. Control Weeds and Pests

Weeds compete for the same water and nutrients your grass needs to survive. Pests like grubs and chinch bugs further weaken turf, making it more vulnerable to heat damage.

Professional weed and pest control services protect your lawn by eliminating these stressors, helping every drop of water benefit your grass—not the invaders.

8. Don’t Panic Over Dormancy

During severe drought, some grass types naturally go dormant to conserve energy. It may appear brown, but the roots are still alive.

Avoid overwatering or fertilizing during this phase—wait until conditions improve and new growth begins naturally.

With proper care, your lawn will bounce back once regular rainfall returns.

9. Reseed or Repair if Needed

If certain areas don’t recover after drought, reseeding or patch repair can restore coverage. Professional lawn restoration services ensure seed-to-soil contact, proper fertilization, and balanced watering for lasting results.