PHOTO GALLERY: Lawncare companies change strategy during drought

July 15, 2012 | 6:00 a.m. CDT

With the drought this summer, lawncare companies have seen the need for mowing decrease but are getting more requests to replace dead trees and shrubs.

Patrick Hickerson, a manager of Grizzly Bear Lawn Care, cuts the dead branches of a tree Friday morning on the Goodwill property on Grindstone Parkway. According to Hickerson, cutting dead branches helps prevent diseases and pest infection and also prevents water from the root going into dead branches. | Yi Gan

According to Patrick Hickerson, this tree has been affected by the Japanese beetle. With the drought and pests, the tree might not survive. | Yi Gan

This dead tree will be pulled out by Grizzly Bear Lawn Care employees Friday morning. According to Patrick Hickerson, the drought may kill young trees and keep grass from growing. | Yi Gan

A lawn with an irrigation system in the foreground stays green while the one without an irrigation system on the other side of the street has become yellow because of a lack of water. | Yi Gan