What Grass Needs the Least Water?

It’s a common misconception that consistent watering is the only way to keep your lawn grass green and healthy. Although proper watering is essential for success, it’s not the only consideration and overwatering can be detrimental. As the old adage goes, “too much of anything is dangerous,” and this also applies to watering lawns. Overwatering can damage grass, leading to shallow roots, increased susceptibility to diseases, and wasted resources.

So, how can you maintain a lush, green lawn with limited water availability? The key is to select drought-tolerant grass varieties and adopt efficient lawn care practices. By focusing on drought-resistant grass species and proper maintenance, you can achieve a healthy, green lawn while conserving water.

What Makes Grass Drought-Tolerant?

Drought-tolerant lawn grasses are particularly adapted to endure extended periods without water. Some grass species have natural adaptability to drought by utilizing deep root systems to draw moisture form lower soil profiles. Some drought-tolerant warm-season grasses are also bred as improved cultivars, offering superior water efficiency and drought tolerance.

Certain drought-tolerant grass types also exhibit temporary dormancy during dry spells by slowing down respiration which often causes the grass to turn brown and become wilted. However, they should recover quickly once conditions improve or when water becomes available. This characteristic makes them an excellent option for regions prone to inconsistent rainfall.

Best Lawn Maintenance Practices to Improve Drought Tolerance

Even the most drought-tolerant grass varieties still require some level of irrigation and will perform better with proper care. Here are some tips to boost their resilience during challenging conditions.

Keep grass slightly taller by mowing at a higher height. Taller grass provides shade to the soil, reducing evaporation and keeping the ground cooler. The increased leaf surface also improves photosynthesis, which strengthens the plant. This practice also encourages deeper root growth, allowing the grass to access water stored deeper in the soil.

Water deeply but less frequently to promote a strong, deep root system that can access water during dry periods. This approach is particularly ideal when water restrictions are in place, limiting the time or frequency of watering your lawn. Maximizing the use of limited water helps maintain lawn health even during droughts.

Apply fertilizer judiciously to maintain strength without overstimulating growth, which can increase water demands.

Grass That Needs the Least Water: The Most Drought-Tolerant Grasses

The best drought-tolerant lawn grasses for your yard depend mainly on your growing region. In temperate climates like Florida, warm-season grass species thrive, offering exceptional drought resistance and adaptability. Three top contenders are bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, and St. Augustine grass, all of which can be successfully established as sod for immediate lawn coverage.

Bermudagrass

Bermudagrass is a standout among drought-tolerant warm-season grasses. It is ideal for hot, dry areas and exhibits excellent drought tolerance once established. This finely textured turf has deep roots, sometimes reaching depths of up to 6 feet, which allows it to access moisture deep in the soil. Bermudagrass requires low water inputs, tolerates heavy foot traffic, and recovers quickly from damage. Bimini Bermudagrass, an improved hybrid, offers heightened drought resistance and durability, making it a preferred choice for golf courses and sports fields.

Zoysiagrass

Zoysiagrass is a drought-tolerant option that grows more slowly than bermudagrass, requiring less fertilizer and mowing. It also tolerates shade better than bermudagrass. Zoysiagrass is versatile and durable, with varying textures and drought tolerance across species, ideal for Florida lawns. Icon Zoysiagrass is a standout variety known for its adaptability and exceptional performance in dry conditions.

St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass is known for its high dehydration tolerance and deep root system, allowing it to thrive in warm, coastal climates like Florida and the Gulf Coast. Its deep roots and high shade tolerance make it a favorite among homeowners with mixed lawn conditions.

It tolerates shade well and spreads quickly via stolons, repairing damage efficiently. Proper maintenance, including good air circulation, helps reduce its susceptibility to diseases and ensures this grass thrives even in challenging conditions. Cultivars like CitraBlue and Scotts ProVista St. Augustine are bred for better drought resistance and overall health, making them reliable choices for challenging environments.

How to Keep Grass Healthy in Drought

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your lawn green and healthy and increasing drought tolerance. Adjusting lawn care during prolonged dry spells is also crucial to avoid causing more damage to already stressed grass.

Reduce Fertilization: Apply fertilizers sparingly to support healthy growth without increasing water demands. Skip fertilizing altogether when grass is dormant to avoid unnecessary stress and nutrient waste.

Deep Watering: Water deeply but less frequently to encourage root systems to grow deeper, improving drought resilience.

Mow High: Adjust your mower to the highest recommended height for your grass type. Taller grass blades provide shade for the soil, reducing evaporation and promoting root growth.

Allow Dormancy: Let the grass go dormant during severe drought conditions. Healthy grass should recover naturally once conditions improve.

Final Thoughts

For homeowners seeking drought-tolerant lawn solutions, Bethel Farms offers a range of warm-season grass sod for sale. Sod offers immediate ground coverage with fully grown grass, making it more resilient and requiring less time to establish. This also reduces the need for frequent watering.

Whether you’re considering bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, or St. Augustinegrass, our lawn care experts at Bethel Farms are here to help. Contact us today for more advice on selecting and maintaining the best drought-tolerant grass for your lawn.