Has your lawn gone to sleep?

Are you worried that the prolonged hot, summer weather is damaging your grass and turning it yellow? Don't worry: your lawn is dormant but still very much alive. Once the temperature gets cooler, your lawn will return to its natural thriving condition.

Grass can stay dormant for up to six weeks. To ensure your lawn manages the drought, consider the amount of natural rainfall and follow these simple tips:

- Apply half an inch of water, twice a week to your lawn. This is all that is needed for your lawn to survive the dry weather.

- Use a rain gauge to measure how much water your lawn receives. If it rains, reduce your watering habits accordingly.

- Water before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening maximizes water absorption into the soil and roots.

- Remove weeds as the seeds may germinate in dormant lawns.

"People are often tempted to over water their lawns during drought-like conditions," said Johann Manente, manager of public education programs and services. "When weather is hot, your lawn is going to turn yellow. If you follow the guidelines, your lawn will remain healthy, will look good as new when it cools down and you won't end up with a high water bill."

For more information, visit watersmartpeel.ca or call 905-791-7800, ext. 4409.