As climate change leads to hotter, drier summers, many homeowners are looking for lawn options that can withstand periods of drought. Drought-tolerant grasses are an excellent choice for low-maintenance, water-wise lawns. With the right grass variety and proper care, you can have an attractive, green lawn that thrives despite limited water.
Why Choose Drought-Tolerant Grass?
Drought-tolerant grasses provide numerous benefits:
Require Less Watering
Drought-resistant varieties like buffalograss need 30-50% less water than typical turfgrasses. This saves time, effort, and money spent on irrigation.
Stay Green Longer
During drought, drought-tolerant grasses go dormant and turn brown later than other types. They green up quicker once rain returns.
Resist Diseases and Pests
Adaptations like deep root systems make drought-tolerant grasses less susceptible to common diseases and pests.
Tolerate Varied Conditions
These grasses handle different soil types, sun exposure, temperatures, and foot traffic. Flexibility makes them ideal for many landscapes.
Provide Appealing Texture and Color
Varieties like Bermuda and Zoysia have fine blades and emerald color for an attractive lawn. Dense growth resists weeds.
Help Conserve Water
Using drought-tolerant turf supports water conservation efforts. Less irrigation also means fewer chemicals leaching into groundwater.
Best Grass Species for Drought Tolerance
Several grass species perform well with minimal water. Consider the climate and growing conditions in your region when choosing the right grass.
Bermudagrass
Bermuda is a warm-season favorite for drought resistance. It forms a dense mat of fine-textured blades and spreads by above-ground stolons. Opt for improved hybrid varieties.
Buffalo Grass
This native prairie grass has excellent drought tolerance and a blue-green hue. It grows slowly, so combine it with a companion grass like blue grama.
Zoysia Grass
There are several Zoysia species to choose from, all touting impressive drought tolerance. It greens up early and forms a dense, wear-resistant turf.
Tall Fescue
For cooler areas, tall fescue is a top choice. Look for a turf-type, dwarf cultivar. This bunch-forming grass has deep roots.
Perennial Ryegrass
Used alone or with tall fescue, perennial ryegrass retains color well under drought stress. Look for heat-tolerant cultivars.
Growing and Maintaining Drought-Resistant Lawns
Proper maintenance is key to helping drought-tolerant lawns thrive on less water. Here are some top tips:
- Allow grass to go dormant – Letting the lawn turn brown and go dormant in drought reduces the need for water. Grass will green when rain returns.
- Mow high – Raise mowing height to 3-4 inches. Taller grass promotes deeper roots, retains moisture, and shades soil.
- Aerate soil – Punch holes in the soil to allow better air and water movement to roots. Do this in early fall.
- Fertilize less – Excess fertilizer requires more water. Apply a slow-release fertilizer once or twice a year.
- Mulch clippings – Leave short clippings on the lawn as a natural fertilizer. Add supplemental nitrogen if needed.
- Water early – Water deeply, but infrequently in the early morning to reduce evaporation.
- Improve drainage – Ensure any puddles or soggy areas dry quickly so roots don’t sit in moisture.
When to Water Drought-Resistant Grass
Here are guidelines on when to water drought-tolerant lawns:
- Wait to water until grass shows signs of drought stress – wilting, blue-gray color, footprints remain visible.
- Water when 30-50% of the lawn is in drought stress. This triggers dormancy to conserve water.
- Water early in the morning before heat builds. Avoid frequent, light watering.
- Prioritize watering the root zone about 4-6 inches deep. Shallow watering encourages shallow roots.
- Apply about 1-1.5 inches per watering. Split into 2 sessions spaced 3-6 hours if runoff occurs.
- Infrequent but deep soakings encourage deeper root growth for better drought tolerance.
- For cooler season grasses, water every 10-21 days under drought. Warm season grasses can go longer.
- Adjust frequency based on weather, soil type, and grass variety. Sandy soils need more frequent watering.
Conclusion
Switching to drought-resistant lawn varieties and maintaining them properly helps conserve water while still enjoying a nice landscape. Be sure to choose grass suited to your climate. Allow the lawn to go dormant when drought hits. Water deeply but infrequently, fertilize lightly, and mow high. With the right grass and care, you can maintain an attractive lawn that thrives with minimal irrigation.