MSU Extension Drought Resources

Turf

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  Irrigation and herbicides: Benefits and challenges

  Published on April 21, 2025
  Applying irrigation water can bring many benefits to growers, but it also has environmental risks to watch out for.

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  Surviving the dry spell: MSU Extension's drought website provides vital resources

  Published on June 8, 2023
  Drought conditions are always troubling, but MSU Extension resources are available to help producers and landowners make the best management decisions for them.

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  How much water does your lawn irrigation system apply?

  Published on July 8, 2020
  As dry conditions persist, knowing how much water your irrigation system applies is critical for maintaining healthy turf.

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  Lawn irrigation tips

  Published on July 8, 2020
  Light, frequent irrigation during this hot, dry weather will help your lawn survive and thrive.

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  Helping your turf during dry and hot weather

  Published on July 7, 2020
  Throughout much of Michigan, lawns are under stress from high temperatures and lack of rainfall.

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  Grub damage to lawns is being reported now in drought-stricken parts of Michigan

  Published on November 2, 2015
  White grub damage is being reported now because drought conditions in some areas have weakened and thinned turf root systems, making lawns much more susceptible to grub-feeding injury. Insecticide treatments may or may not be effective at this time.

• Fall lawn care tips from MSU turfgrass expert Kevin Frank

  Published on September 19, 2012 by MLive.com
  

• Irrigating with lake water during drought and dry weather

  Published on August 29, 2012
  Lakefront property owners have riparian right to “reasonable use” of lake water.

• Turfgrass establishment following a hot, dry summer

  Published on August 22, 2012
  Following the summer of 2012, many turfgrass areas and lawns may need to be over-seeded to fill in damaged or dead areas.

• Summer stress of turf on golf courses

  Published on August 10, 2012
  The drought and heat during the 2012 summer has resulted in tremendous stress to golf course turf.

• Understanding the drought through the Evaporative Stress Index

  Published on August 9, 2012
  A look at the Evaporative Stress Index explains patterns of water availability and moisture stress across large areas.

• What is evapotranspiration and why it matters

  Published on July 25, 2012
  Under drought conditions, plants may not be able to extract water fast enough to keep up with evapotranspiration.

• Does a dormant lawn need to be treated for grubs?

  Published on July 12, 2012
  Home lawns are the most susceptible to grub damage under dry conditions. If you have seen turf damage caused by grubs in the last two years, plan on applying an insecticide for grubs before August 1.

• Don't give up on drought-stressed trees

  Published on September 10, 2010
  Most deciduous trees, and even conifers, will drop leaves (or needles) when they undergo drought stress. This is part of the tree’s drought adaptation. The trade off is that the tree is also shedding parts that photosynthesize.