Grass Roots Galore

by Brad Voss, M.S., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, County Extension Agent

Now is the time, while rainfall is plentiful and the temperatures are mild, for us to prepare our lawns for the summer heat. It is critical that our lawns head into the brutal summer months strong and healthy with an extensive root system. The goal is deep rooting. This deep, extensive root system builds the drought tolerance needed to tackle the dry months. We can positively impact root growth by mowing at the proper height and frequency, aerating compacted soils, and following proper irrigation practices.

Become A Root Farmer
Watering deeply and infrequently, and maintaining a longer cutting height encourages grass to root more deeply. Moreover, the height of the grass directly influences the depth and extent of root systems. Longer grass blades generally correspond to deeper rooting. Essentially, to beat the heat, we need to become root farmers!

Improving Clay Soil
Core aeration can help relieve compacted clay soils, improving rooting and water infiltration. Take the opportunity to rake high-quality compost into the holes to boost soil organic matter. The more roots in the soil, the more pathways for water to move into and through our soil. These roots also help hold soil in place and preserve soil structure.

Mulching grass clippings is also a great way to add organic matter to a lawn. Leaving mulched clippings in a lawn continually recycles organic matter back into our lawns. Avoid bagging this valuable resource; let it break down and build soil health and structure.

Mow To The Right Height!
Follow the One-Third Rule (remove no more than one-third of the grass blade per cutting) to ensure small clippings break down quickly. The One-Third Rule should determine how often you should mow. Remember, organic matter is critical to building soil structure, which in turn helps build strong roots. Strong roots help beat drought!

Waterwise Practices
Watering your lawn can dramatically help your lawn but it can stunt root development if done too frequently. Yes, we can love our lawns too much! Water no more than .5 to 1" per week, split across no more than 2 days. This infrequency allows the soil to partially dry down, encouraging deeper rooting in plants, which harnesses the plants' survival characteristics.

Water during the wee hours of the morning before dawn. We want the sunshine to dry off the grass foliage to help mitigate fungal disease. Leaving the leaves wet through the night is a recipe for increased fungal pressure. Avoid watering during the heat of the day as this can cause your lawn to burn due to magnification from water droplets, and more water will be lost to evaporation.

Managing a lawn needn't be a headache for homeowners. Achieving a beautiful lawn can be very simple if we put our soils and grasses to work for us. It is ok to provide some tough love. Honestly, most plants would probably thank us if they could talk.

Happy yarding, y'all!

Click here for more on keeping a beautiful, healthy warm-season lawn with best mowing practices.

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