Plant expert: In drought, either water your lawn regularly or not at all

CREATED Jun. 13, 2012

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  • A lawn spray. | Photo: Today's TMJ4

Click here for more lawn and gardening tips from "Plant Doctor" Melinda Myers.

MILWAUKEE - Many people in the Milwaukee area are witnessing their lawns turning various shades of brown because of the lack of rainfall.

It seems easy to say that people should water their lawns to bring the green color back to them, but a plant expert suggests that if people take that step, they have to commit to doing it on a regular basis.

"Once you start watering your lawn, you need to keep watering it.  It's taking it in and out of dormancy that really hurts it," explained Melinda Myers, often known as "The Plant Doctor," on Newsradio 620 WTMJ's "Wisconsin's Morning News." 

"If you're looking out and going, 'Not sure if I can keep up with a good soaking once a week,' you're better off not watering it.  Let it go dormant."

Myers also suggests to only use a certain type of lawn supplement in these dry conditions.

"Don't use any herbicides.  Only use a low-nitrogen slow-release fertilizer.  Then, I wouldn't even do that until it starts growing again.  If you've done something like a Milorganite (on) Memorial Day, you're fine."

Another thing to think about with the lawn when it's this dry: should you even walk on it at all?

"Don't cut through the law if it's dormant.  Take the walk if you can," suggests Myers.

She does say that even without rain, some unwanted plants may still spring up.

"The weeds will still thrive.  You may need to do a little trimming because you've got to keep the weeds down."

Beyond your grass, Myers says that people need to take responsibility for hydrating all the plants on their property when it's so dry.

"Any new planting, we need to take care of, whether it's a city tree, your own tree, new annuals," said Myers.

"Those should be your high priority.  They don't have the root system.  They need help."