Drought conditions can kill grass and harden the ground to the point that seeds can't germinate and new shoots cannot take root. There are places where the lack of adequate precipitation has resulted in state mandated restrictions on how much water can be used for specific tasks. In California, for example, watering a dead lawn when drought conditions are severe can result in a large fine. Property owners do have options, however, to keep their dead lawn looking somewhat green and vibrant.
Paint It Green
One of the quickest and most cost effective ways of keeping a dead lawn looking green is to paint it. Landscaping companies are beginning to offer this service as an alternative to more expensive options. Depending on the size of the lawn, applying a coat of paint can take anywhere from half an hour to 3 or 4 hours. The paint dries rather quickly and children and pets can return outside to play in a relatively short amount of time.
Landscape Options
Homeowners who find themselves facing the brown, dreary look of a dead lawn may choose to landscape the entire area if it is small enough to do it in a cost effective manner. A variety of landscaping materials can be used including rocks, gravel, pea size stone, wood chips, drought resistant plants and decorative grasses, as well as small statues, fountains and ponds. Large landscaped areas can be connected by grassy pathways that can be kept green through painting or through the use of artificial turf.
Individuals with very small lawns will have no problem converting the entire area into a beautifully landscaped haven. Using materials that accent the house and create a stylish and well kept look will also add resale value to the home if the owner chooses to sell.
Artificial Turf
While artificial turf is more expensive and the initial investment can seem overwhelming. It offers a homeowner several benefits that the other alternatives do not. First and foremost, is the fact that artificial turf is low maintenance. To prevent a dead lawn in drought conditions takes constant work. By installing artificial turf, there is no further need to water, rake, mow, trim or fertilize the lawn. With the initial cost being the most expensive part of the project, one must consider that when it is divided up over the lifetime of the lawn and the fact that there is no cost or upkeep for lawn equipment, the price is extremely reasonable in the long run.
Another benefit of artificial turf is that it produces no real lawn waste. A dead lawn can look brown, drab and dreary. Artificial turf retains its color and texture through any temperature extreme and weather conditions. When a natural grass lawn is mowed, the clippings can collect on the lawn, turning brown and giving the yard the appearance of being a dead lawn. The only lawn waste that will be generated is from the bushes and trees found throughout the yard. There will be instances where small branches, twigs and leaves will occasionally make their way into your yard. Using a small lawn rake will help you remove.
No one likes to look at a lawn that is brown and dreary. To prevent having a dead lawn, it is important to know your alternatives. Once you have all of the information you need to make a good decision, you can turn your dead lawn in to a beautiful backyard paradise. Whether you choose to use landscaping materials and create a drought resistant garden or paint the grass a vibrant, shamrock green, your lawn will look full of life without the hassle of spending several hours a week maintaining it.
