Charleston, WV (WOWK) — A persistent summer drought is causing significant challenges for homeowners, with plants and lawns suffering across the region.
This summer, temperatures have averaged 5 degrees higher than usual, and rainfall is down by two inches for the year. July was particularly harsh, with West Virginia receiving 3.6 inches less rain than the monthly average, leaving many struggling to keep their plants alive and lawns green.
Nathan Wills, owner of Town and Country Supply in Nitro, shared his insights on the situation, noting that such conditions are rare. “I’ve been in this business for 50 years, and it’s probably been a good 30 years since I’ve seen conditions this dry,” said Wills.
Wills advised that the best time to water lawns is early in the morning, before temperatures peak. This allows the water to penetrate the soil effectively, providing essential nourishment to the grass.
He also offered a tip for plant care. “If you’re using tap water, let it sit in a bucket or tub for 24 hours before watering your plants. This gives the chlorine time to evaporate, making the water more beneficial for the plants,” Wills explained.
Brian Combs, a homeowner in Nitro who grows tomatoes during the summer, has noticed a decline in his harvest this year. “I’ve never seen it this hot for this long. I’ve been watering with tap water, but I think the lack of rain is preventing the plants from getting the nutrients they need. The crop just isn’t performing as well as in previous years,” Combs said.
Although there was some rain in the region today, Wills emphasized that a slow, steady rain lasting several days is necessary to rejuvenate lawns.