If my grass is taller, two weeks between mows, does it keep ground less dry? (health)

[janejanejanejanejane]

Stupid question, I know...but, if we go two weeks instead of one week in between mows in this drought, will the taller grass provide more shade and therefore, less evaporation from the dirt?
We have bermuda and it takes a beating, even though drought resistant.

[ITO]

Not sure about Bermuda, but Saint Augustine will develop runners if you don't mow regularly. These runners will create a condition were dead grass leaves do not decompose quickly (part of the normal life cycle of the grass) and form a thatch that will actually make it harder for the water to reach and soak the dirt during watering. The whole letting your grass grow to save water does not always work like you think it should.

[tdrew]

A better option would be to cut it at your regular interval, but set your mower higher. That gives you the increased shade, but still stimulates healthy growth/minimizes runners.

[10scoachrick]

Haven't had Bermuda in many years, but it seems like there is a problem with long Bermuda developing a fungus problem when it finally does rain and it stays wet. Sounds like we MAY have those conditions next week.

[scm53]

First question is do you have common or hybrid Bermuda? If you don't know, was it sod or seed/hydromulch? If it was sod, chances are it is hybrid. Hybrid is more drought tolerant. Hybrid should be cut between .5 and 1.25 inches, common 1.25 to 2.5. Your goal is to only cut off the top 1/3 so that you keep cutting only in the green part. The problem in letting it get long as you want, is that when you do cut it, chances are you will only have the brown stem showing.

Cut it the right height, water an inch a week, and you will do fine.