Waterlogged Lawns
It’s been an incredibly stormy few days here in North Mississippi, and you probably see a lot of standing water when you look out over your yard.
That’s no good.
What’s happening to my lawn?
The health of your grass depends on its root system. If you’re no stranger to our blog, you’ve noticed the emphasis we place on cultivating your lawn’s root system as a living, growing organism. Just like any other organism, that root system needs oxygen and nutrients to survive.
Waterlogged soil makes oxygen exchange more difficult—it’s not so different from a person being held under water.
Certain species of weeds thrive in water-saturated conditions. Heavy and frequent rain plays a big role in what types of weeds pop up and how fast they grow. Don’t be surprised if you see more weeds spring up over the next few weeks.
Wet, soft soil doesn’t anchor tree roots very well, and when heavy winds come into play, they could lead to disaster. Do you have an older tree in your yard, or a tree leaning over (or toward) your home? Now may be the time to contact a tree surgeon for advice.
Finally, it’s never a good idea to park your car on your grass, but doing so can be especially damaging after a heavy rain. Not only do your tires leave ruts, but they compact the soil, making it even more difficult for your grass to get the oxygen it desperately needs to thrive.
How do I keep my lawn from drowning?
The silver lining of so much rain is that standing water can highlight problem areas of your yard. It can help you prioritize what adjustments to make in order to achieve your best lawn.
Take a walk around your yard. Are your flower beds holding water? If so, you may lose some shrubs, or the ground may become so saturated that water could seep under your house, taxing its foundation.
Areas of your yard that hold water will become thinner and produce more weeds. You’ll need to consult a professional on how to fix this drainage issue. While LPS doesn’t offer drainage services, we’ll be happy to consult with you and help you find a reputable contractor.
Heavy rainfall might necessitate a round of aeration to break up compaction. The aeration process will help fight the damage from so much rain and compaction by allowing your grass to better access the oxygen it needs to grow. LPS can help with that. If you haven’t aerated your lawn in the last year or two, you should definitely consider lawn aeration this year. Reach out through our contact page to set up your free assessment.
Grass is a resilient plant. Your lawn wants to thrive and maintain the deep green look that’s so appealing and enjoyable. These tips will give your yard a leg up and help it bounce back quickly once the rains have passed.
