How Does Morning Dew Help The Lawn?
Quick answer: Morning dew adds a little moisture and slows water loss from the grass, but it does not replace watering and it will not carry grass seed through germination on its own. Dew helps most by keeping a seed bed damp and reducing heat stress until the sun burns it off.
Dew is a natural way Mother Nature can help “water” your lawn! Dew is the moisture that occurs from water vapor that condenses on cold surfaces. There are some plants that can absorb water from dew and help receive the moisture and nutrients it needs. Moisture from morning dew keeps the seed bed moist and the less intense sun rays slow the rate of evaporation. The soil temperatures are still warm and the cool rains make it beneficial for your lawn. Morning dew can also help with fertilizer, which creates enough moisture for the grass to take the fertilizer.
Dew reduces water stress on your lawn and plants so when water is on grass, it reduces transpiration. Dew actually forms a protective shield on the leaf and transpiration will not occur until the dew evaporates. What this means is the grass or plants retain the moisture in its cell, making it more protected from hot, dry conditions. As the dew disappears, it cools the grass and plants down and reduces heat stress in warm environments. It also plays an important role in seed germination. If there is a significant amount of dew, it can provide moisture to help seeds germinate.
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