Warm Season Grass That Can Take a Drought
Warm season grasses are used across the southern half of the US where winters are mild and the summers are hot. That being said, there’s a wide variation in climates. The hot and humid sea climate of Miami, for instance, is nothing like the dry heat in central Texas. If you live in one of these dry heat climates, then you need grass for your lawn that can stand up to the heat and survive without a lot of water.
The droughts and water restrictions of recent years have made the right grass choice even more important. Many people who have irrigated their water-guzzling lawns for years are suddenly left with brown, dead grass.
But that doesn’t mean you have to give up your lawn. Here are a few warm season grasses that can take the heat and have a high drought tolerance.
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is known for its love of sun and general high tolerance to traffic, disease, and heat. In addition to good drought resistance, it also responds quickly when it’s watered after a drought. This makes it a good match for areas with infrequent rain. You’ve got a lot of choice with Bermuda, including Common Bermuda, Celebration, GN1, Grimes EXP, TexTurf, TifSport, and Tifway 419 cultivars
St. Augustine Grass
St. Augustine grass grows a thick, dense turf that makes it a very durable grass. A deep root system allows the grass to survive long periods of lower water amounts. It’s popular across the Southern US for its resistance to heat, sun, shade, and salt. Experts recommend the Floratam cultivar for the best drought resistance.
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia takes a lot longer to get established than other varieties like St. Augustine or Bermuda. Once Zoysia is established it forms a thick, lush turf that’s low maintenance and tolerates traffic well. It’s very important to choose the right cultivar with Zoysia, since many are not drought resistant. The best bet is to go with cultivars like El Toro, Empire, Jamur, and Palisades.
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass is native to the US, especially the Great Plains. In fact, its name comes from the buffalo that used to cover its native habitat. These areas naturally get about 10-15 inches of rain every year. Buffalo grass will thrive in this environment and stay green until it completely dries out. Once that happens it turns brown, and even then will still create a very attractive lawn. It’s more expensive than other grasses, but it’s a great choice that’s both drought and eco-friendly.