Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass is one of the most drought-tolerant turfgrasses available. It has very deep roots that allow it to draw moisture from deep in the soil. Bermudagrass goes dormant and turns brown during drought, but will green up again once adequate rainfall returns. Its aggressive growth habit allows it to recover well from drought stress.
Key traits:
- Extremely drought tolerant
- Deep root system
- Aggressive spreading growth habit
- Quick green-up after drought
Buffalograss
Native to the Great Plains, buffalograss is highly adapted to dry conditions. It has a deep root system and fine leaf blades that limit water loss. Buffalograss naturally goes dormant during extended drought, resulting in a straw-brown lawn. But it will revive with summer rains. Its slow growth rate makes it a low maintenance option.
Key traits:
- Native grass with excellent drought tolerance
- Fine leaf blades conserve moisture
- Goes dormant during drought
- Low maintenance needs
Zoysiagrass
Zoysiagrass has good drought resistance thanks to its deep roots and ability to go dormant under drought stress. It can tolerate moderate drought without browning. Zoysia is slower to green up after drought compared to bermudagrass. But it retains its appearance better during drought than cool-season grasses.
Key traits:
- Good drought tolerance
- Deep roots access moisture
- Dormancy mechanism conserves water
- Slower to recover from drought than bermudagrass
Inland Saltgrass
For hot, arid regions with saline soils, inland saltgrass can provide a drought-tolerant lawn option. This native grass has stiff, coarse leaf blades and extensive roots to capture moisture. Saltgrass tolerates brackish water and heat stress. Its blue-green color provides an attractive look.
Key traits:
- Extremely drought tolerant warm-season grass
- Tolerates saline, alkaline soils
- Dense network of roots access moisture
- Distinctive color and texture
Seashore Paspalum
Ideal for hot coastal regions, seashore paspalum is heat and drought tolerant. It has deep roots and can use water efficiently. Paspalum may go dormant during severe or prolonged drought. Its sensitivity to salt spray makes it a better choice for inland areas.
Key traits:
- Good drought tolerance
- Deep rooting
- Salinity tolerance
- Water efficient
Lawn Care Tips for Drought-Tolerant Grasses
To help warm-season grasses cope with drought, implement good lawn care practices:
- Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots
- Raise mowing height to promote deeper roots and moisture retention
- Mulch clippings to return nutrients and moisture to soil
- Avoid excessive fertilization which can increase water needs
- Control weeds which compete for water
- Consider overseeding with ryegrass for green color during dormancy
- Irrigate if extended drought persists and grass browns completely
- Improve drainage and reduce runoff
With proper selection and care, warm-season grasses can deliver a lush green lawn even in dry environments prone to drought. Utilizing their natural drought tolerance mechanisms, these grasses can withstand periods of limited rainfall while remaining resilient. With routine best practices that optimize growing conditions, a drought-resistant warm-season lawn can thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most drought tolerant warm season grass?
Bermudagrass is considered the most drought tolerant warm season grass. It has very deep roots and an aggressive growth habit that allows it to withstand and recover from drought stress better than other grasses.
How often should you water warm season grasses during drought?
During drought, warm season grasses should be watered infrequently but deeply. Target 1-2 deep waterings per week during drought to encourage deeper root growth instead of frequent shallow watering.
Do warm season grasses go dormant in drought?
Yes, warm season grasses will go dormant and turn brown during extended periods of drought as a survival mechanism. The grasses are not dead, simply dormant. They will green back up with irrigation or rainfall.
Should I fertilize warm season grass during drought?
Avoid fertilizing during severe or prolonged drought, as this can place additional stress on the grasses. Light fertilization during moderate drought can aid recovery when rains return. But heavy fertilization should be avoided.
Should I overseed warm season grass with ryegrass for winter color?
Overseeding bermuda or zoysia lawns with ryegrass can provide green color during winter dormancy. But ryegrass has high water needs. Limit overseeding during drought and be prepared to irrigate to keep the ryegrass alive.
Conclusion
Warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, buffalograss and zoysiagrass have excellent drought tolerance thanks to deep root systems and dormancy traits. With proper selection and care focused on infrequent deep watering, raising mowing heights, and strategic fertilization, these grasses can deliver attractive, resilient lawns despite limited rainfall. Utilizing their natural adaptations, warm-season grasses can withstand periodic drought while recovering quickly when moisture returns.