Georgia sees its fair share of rain storms, and most of the time, they don’t do a lot of damage to our lawns. However, torrential downpours can do damage during and after the storm. Here is what to do with your lawn after a downpour to avoid any significant damage.
The biggest thing you can do to prevent damaging your waterlogged lawn is to stay off of it. If you can walk on it and leave footprints behind, you are risking compaction problems. You could also rip up grass from the moist soil, and that amounts to a yard that is more of a mud pit than a green turf. Make sure you remove any lawn furniture or other things that could cause compaction issues.
You really can’t aerate your lawn when it is waterlogged, but you can do it before it gets that way. Aeration is another way to prevent compaction, and a properly aerated lawn will absorb more water. Fall is a good time to aerate cool season grasses like tall fescue. Wait until spring for warm season grasses.
The more grass you have, the more water it will absorb, so ensuring that your lawn is thick is a recipe for success when it comes to a big storm.
If you consistently have water issues, you may have a drainage problem. This can be corrected by installing a French drain or a dry creekbed to channel excess water away from the grass and any structures.
Pay attention to any areas of the lawn that get puddles during rain storms, and you can work on leveling out those are as of the lawn following the storm. Any areas where standing water remains for an extended period of time can be vulnerable to mold and fungus.
Like walking on the lawn, mowing the lawn while it is soaked is going to tear up the grass and leave you with a muddy mess. Be patient even if the rains don’t subside for quite a while. Once it is dry, resume your normal mowing schedule.
Waterlogged lawns are susceptible to damage, and they aren’t able to get the oxygen or nutrients they need to remain healthy. With a little preparation and ensuring you don’t walk on it while it is soaked, your lawn will thrive following stormy conditions.
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Greenfeet Lawncare Provides Service to the Following Areas.
770-619-2929
North Fulton, East Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth Counties - including Alpharetta, Canton, Cobb, Cumming, Dunwoody, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Marietta, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs
