Experts: Higher Grass Will Retain Moisture During Drought

BOSTON (CBS) - Severe drought conditions are gripping much of Massachusetts. It's left homeowners high and dry but there are some things you can do to protect your lawn.

Charles Kerbage is still fighting to keep his grass green. The Canadian native moved to Arlington two years ago, just in time for monumental snow and desert-like conditions.

"Extreme weather. Record snowfall and record drought, but we're doing well," Kerbage said. "We're loving it."

In fact, if you ask experts like Demelza Levick at Pemberton Farms and Garden Services, that brown lawn isn't just dormant, it's likely dead.

But here's the upside: Even if it's not all brown experts say don't mow it. Higher grass will help retain whatever moisture is left in the soil.

"If you don't have a sprinkler system, or regular watering, you're going to be looking at brown, crispy grass and unfortunately, there's not much you can do," Levick says.

And if you have to replace what you've already lost, think grasses, lavender and succulents.

Or, if you aren't in water-restricted areas like Charles, just hide the water bill from your wife.

"Everything is dying, but the grass is greener on my side than my neighbor's."

Dozens of towns have restricted water use: Click Here for the full list