{"id":5999,"date":"2021-10-15T16:19:19","date_gmt":"2021-10-15T16:19:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=5999"},"modified":"2026-08-07T23:57:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T23:57:10","slug":"drought-tolerant-grass-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-tolerant-grass-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Drought-Tolerant and Drought-Resistant Grass Alternatives"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 Drought-tolerant grasses survive dry spells but may go dormant and turn brown; drought-resistant grasses actively thrive with minimal water.<br>\u2022 Buffalograss and fine fescue are among the lowest-water turfgrass options for low-traffic lawns.<br>\u2022 Ground covers, native plants, and ornamental grasses typically use far less water than traditional turf \u2014 and most require little to no mowing.<br>\u2022 According to the EPA, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-have-green-lawn-using-less-water\/\">outdoor watering<\/a> accounts for over 30% of household water use. Worse, up to 50% of that is entirely lost to evaporation, wind, and runoff.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When summer heat bakes your yard, and water restrictions kick in, the question isn&#8217;t just how to water less \u2014 it&#8217;s what to grow instead.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drought-tolerant and drought-resistant grass alternatives can keep your lawn looking good using a fraction of the water, whether you&#8217;re chasing a low-water lawn goal, suffering through drought, dealing with water restrictions, or just tired of a high water bill.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lawn Love&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\">local lawn care pros<\/a> can help you plan and install the right mix for your yard and region.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-6e9892ea-9c04-44d4-a357-8b2ae630aa37\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-tolerant-grass-alternatives\/#0-drought-resistant-vs-drought-tolerant-whats-the-difference\" style=\"\">Drought-resistant vs. drought-tolerant: what&#8217;s the difference?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-tolerant-grass-alternatives\/#1-native-plants\" style=\"\">Native plants<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-tolerant-grass-alternatives\/#2-ornamental-grasses\" style=\"\">Ornamental grasses<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-tolerant-grass-alternatives\/#3-wildflower-meadow\" style=\"\">Wildflower meadow<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-tolerant-grass-alternatives\/#4-fescue-grasses\" style=\"\">Fescue grasses<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-tolerant-grass-alternatives\/#5-buffalograss\" style=\"\">Buffalograss<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-tolerant-grass-alternatives\/#6-ground-covers\" style=\"\">Ground covers<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-tolerant-grass-alternatives\/#7-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-drought-resistant-vs-drought-tolerant-whats-the-difference\"><span id=\"drought-resistant-vs-drought-tolerant-whats-the-difference\">Drought-resistant vs. drought-tolerant: what&#8217;s the difference?<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"409\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Drought-tolerant-vs.-drought-resistant-whats-the-difference-800-x-409-px.jpg\" alt=\"Drought-tolerant vs. drought-resistant what's the difference\" class=\"wp-image-46195\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Drought-tolerant-vs.-drought-resistant-whats-the-difference-800-x-409-px.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Drought-tolerant-vs.-drought-resistant-whats-the-difference-800-x-409-px-300x153.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Drought-tolerant-vs.-drought-resistant-whats-the-difference-800-x-409-px-768x393.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Drought-tolerant-vs.-drought-resistant-whats-the-difference-800-x-409-px-610x312.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Graphic: Amy Stenglein\/LawnLove. Created with Claude (Anthropic)<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People often mix up &#8220;drought-resistant&#8221; and &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-makes-plants-drought-tolerant\/\">drought-tolerant<\/a>,&#8221; but these plants handle hot summers differently.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jessica Mercer, PhD, a horticulturist at <a href=\"https:\/\/plantaddicts.com\/\">Plant Addicts<\/a> in Valley, NE, explains the distinction: &#8220;Drought-tolerant plants can survive a dry stretch, but they may slow down or look stressed while they wait for water.&#8221;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conversely, Mercer says that drought-resistant plants endure long, dry periods with far less visible stress.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;An example of a drought-tolerant plant is purple coneflower, whereas agave and most cacti are considered drought resistant,&#8221; Mercer says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both options easily outperform a thirsty <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/kentucky-bluegrass-guide\/\">Kentucky bluegrass<\/a> lawn during a heat wave.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>One important note:<\/strong> No matter which type you choose, every new plant requires consistent watering during its first few months in the ground so its roots can fully establish.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more<\/strong>:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-tolerant-landscaping-ideas\/\">12 Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Ideas<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-often-water-grass-summer\/\">How Often Should You Water Your Lawn in the Summer?<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-native-plants\"><span id=\"native-plants\">Native plants<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"446\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_mark-teachey-c02fkp8nozw-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"purple coneflowers\" class=\"wp-image-5027\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_mark-teachey-c02fkp8nozw-unsplash.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_mark-teachey-c02fkp8nozw-unsplash-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_mark-teachey-c02fkp8nozw-unsplash-768x428.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_mark-teachey-c02fkp8nozw-unsplash-610x340.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_mark-teachey-c02fkp8nozw-unsplash-390x217.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mark Teachey | <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/c02fKP8NOZw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Native plants are the ultimate low-water alternative. Because they evolved locally, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-native-plant\/\">native plants<\/a> adapt to natural rainfall and rarely need extra watering.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMy favorite hidden benefit of replacing part of a traditional lawn with <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/reasons-to-grow-native-plants\/\">native plants<\/a> is that you can cut way back on fertilizer, herbicides, and mowing,\u201d Mercer says.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She adds that this change invites beautiful wildlife to your yard.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWith less chemical input, you will start seeing more <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-pollinator-lawn\/\">pollinators<\/a> and birds using the space. Less mowing means the yard gets quieter and I can avoid one of my least favorite chores.\u201d<br><br>Tyler Wilson, owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/copperheadlawncare.com\/\">Copperhead Property Maintenance<\/a> in Lutz, FL, explains that native covers naturally suppress pests.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cClients are usually shocked how much their pest management costs drop,\u201d he says.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Near zero water required once established<br>\u2713 Supports local wildlife and pollinators<br>\u2713 No fertilizer needed<br>\u2713 Extremely low maintenance<br>\u2713 Increase local biodiversity<\/td><td>\u2717 Establishment period (1\u20132 seasons) requires regular watering<br>\u2717 Not suited for high-traffic play areas<br>\u2717 May look &#8220;wild&#8221; \u2014 not ideal for formal lawn aesthetics<br>\u2717 Regional availability varies<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-ornamental-grasses\"><span id=\"ornamental-grasses\">Ornamental grasses<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ornamental grasses are decorative, clumping plants that work as borders, focal points, or sweeping ground covers. While most are drought-tolerant once established and require minimal maintenance, they still need basic care.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe one job not to skip is cutting <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-drought-tolerant-ornamental-grasses\/\">ornamental grasses<\/a> back before new growth starts,\u201d Mercer says. \u201cI usually do it in very early spring so I don&#8217;t disturb overwintering insects.\u201d Mercer warns that if you wait too long and cut the fresh shoots, the grass will survive but look ragged afterward.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Popular options include blue oat grass, feather reed grass, and prairie dropseed.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Very low water needs once established<br>\u2713 Wide variety of heights and textures<br>\u2713 No mowing required<br>\u2713 Year-round visual interest<\/td><td>\u2717 Not suitable for lawns with foot traffic<br>\u2717 Spreads slowly in clumps<br>\u2717 Need cutting back once a year<br>\u2717 Certain varieties can become overgrown<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Warning: <\/strong>Before planting popular options like Pampas grass or Common Yarrow, check your local university extension office guidelines. Common Yarrow spreads aggressively through underground creeping stems and is considered an invasive weed in many regions.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-care-for-ornamental-grass\/\">How to Care for Ornamental Grass<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-wildflower-meadow\"><span id=\"wildflower-meadow\">Wildflower meadow<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_leslie-bowman-pfcmd2nrqpe-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"meadow of wild flowers\" class=\"wp-image-5591\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_leslie-bowman-pfcmd2nrqpe-unsplash.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_leslie-bowman-pfcmd2nrqpe-unsplash-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_leslie-bowman-pfcmd2nrqpe-unsplash-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_leslie-bowman-pfcmd2nrqpe-unsplash-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_leslie-bowman-pfcmd2nrqpe-unsplash-610x458.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_leslie-bowman-pfcmd2nrqpe-unsplash-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_leslie-bowman-pfcmd2nrqpe-unsplash-390x293.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Leslie Bowman | <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/PfCmd2nRQPE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A wildflower meadow trades the uniform green lawn for a biodiverse mix of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/design-ideas-for-your-wildflower-garden\/\">flowering plants<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once established, a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-grow-wildflower-meadows\/\">meadow<\/a> needs almost no watering, no fertilizing, and far less mowing \u2014 typically once a year after flowering. It&#8217;s one of the most water-efficient lawn alternatives available for low-traffic, full-sun areas.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;A new meadow usually looks more green at first, with fewer flowers than expected. It can look patchy and a little weedy while the long-lived plants build roots. That does not mean it failed. It means the planting is still establishing.&#8221; Mercer says.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Near-zero water once established<br>\u2713 Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds<br>\u2713 One mow per year<br>\u2713 Low fertilizer needs<\/td><td>\u2717 Takes 2\u20133 seasons to establish fully<br>\u2717 Not walkable or usable as a play area<br>\u2717 May conflict with HOA turf requirements<br>\u2717 Can look weedy during establishment<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-fescue-grasses\"><span id=\"fescue-grasses\">Fescue grasses<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tall fescue and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fine-fescue-guide\/\">fine fescue<\/a> are practical choices for homeowners who want a real lawn instead of a garden bed. Both go dormant in extreme drought but green up quickly when moisture returns.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/tall-fescue-guide\/\">Tall fescue<\/a> is a good fit for places with hot summers and cold winters because it handles both ends better than many lawn grasses,\u201d Mercer says. She explains that \u201cits deep roots help it reach moisture lower in the soil, so it stays green longer during dry weather.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because it also features a strong winter hardiness rating down to zone 5b, Mercer points out that this low-water profile is incredibly hard to beat.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 True lawn look and feel<br>\u2713 Low water needs compared to traditional grass (0.75\u20131.25 in\/week)<br>\u2713 Shade-tolerant (especially fine fescue)<br>\u2713 Good for transition zone climates<br>\u2713 Needs overseeding every few years<\/td><td>\u2717 Goes dormant and turns brown in extreme drought<br>\u2717 Fine fescue is not suited for high-traffic areas<br>\u2717 Tall fescue can be coarse in texture<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/\">8 Top Drought-Tolerant Grasses for Your Yard<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-buffalograss\"><span id=\"buffalograss\">Buffalograss<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe perfect yard for <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/buffalograss-guide\/\">buffalograss<\/a> is open and sunny, with decent drainage and light foot traffic,\u201d Mercer says. As a native Great Plains grass, it boasts incredible drought resistance. <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.missouri.edu\/publications\/g6720\">The Missouri Extension<\/a> reports it requires just 0.3 inches of water per week to stay actively green.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, Wilson explains that it requires an owner who embraces a natural yard.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe moment someone expects tight edges and deep green color, it&#8217;s the wrong grass,\u201d he notes.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mercer also warns against planting buffalograss in shaded, soggy yards or areas with active kids and dogs. Additionally, while it thrives in the Southwest and South-Central states, it goes dormant in winter and easily catches diseases in very humid climates.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Extreme drought resistance (~0.25 in\/week)<br>\u2713 Native to U.S. \u2014 no fertilizer needed<br>\u2713 Soft texture; good for barefoot lawns<br>\u2713 Very low mowing frequency&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><td>\u2717 Brown and dormant in winter<br>\u2717 Not suited for shade or humid Southeast<br>\u2717 Slow to establish from seed&nbsp;<br>\u2717 Limited availability as sod<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/buffalograss-guide\/\">Buffalograss: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-ground-covers\"><span id=\"ground-covers\">Ground covers<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_9246701153_44847d36e9_h.jpg\" alt=\"creeping thyme ground cover over bricks\" class=\"wp-image-6695\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_9246701153_44847d36e9_h.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_9246701153_44847d36e9_h-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_9246701153_44847d36e9_h-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_9246701153_44847d36e9_h-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_9246701153_44847d36e9_h-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_9246701153_44847d36e9_h-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_9246701153_44847d36e9_h-610x458.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_9246701153_44847d36e9_h-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_9246701153_44847d36e9_h-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_9246701153_44847d36e9_h-820x615.jpg 820w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_9246701153_44847d36e9_h-1180x885.jpg 1180w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">uacescomm | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/uacescomm\/9246701153\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Flickr<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ground covers like clover and creeping thyme make excellent low-water turf substitutes. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/why-choose-clover-over-grass\/\">Clover<\/a> stays green during droughts, fertilizes the soil naturally, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-create-pollinator-lawn\/\">attracts pollinators<\/a>. Meanwhile, creeping thyme handles light foot traffic, offers summer blooms, and releases a pleasant scent.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, planting them takes effort.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe most common mistake of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-microclover\/\">clover<\/a> or creeping thyme lawn is poor establishment,\u201d Mercer says. She explains that casually scattering seeds rarely works, as both options need steady moisture, good soil contact, and early weed control.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCreeping thyme requires patience because it fills in slowly, and the first year usually involves more weeding than people expect,\u201d she says.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Very low water needs<br>\u2713 Some (clover, thyme) handle light foot traffic<br>\u2713 Clover fixes nitrogen \u2014 no fertilizer needed<br>\u2713 Low or no mowing<\/td><td>\u2717 Not suited for heavy play areas<br>\u2717 Slower to establish than sod<br>\u2717 Patchy during establishment<br>\u2717 May not satisfy HOA turf requirements<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Warning:<\/strong> Clover flowers attract many bees, posing a sting hazard for barefoot children and anyone with severe allergies. To keep your yard safe, simply mow the clover before it blooms.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro tip: <\/strong>To save even more water, consider <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-xeriscaping\/\">xeriscaping<\/a>. Replacing your grass entirely with mulch, hardscapes, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-xeriscaping-plants\/\">drought-adapted plants<\/a> cuts outdoor water use by up to 70%.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/ground-cover-grass-alternatives\/\">Best Ground Covers as Grass Alternatives<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-drought-tolerant-ground-covers\/\">9 Best Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-ground-covers-for-foot-traffic\/\">Best Ground Covers for Foot Traffic<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/xeriscape-ideas\/\">11 Xeriscape Ideas for a Water-Wise Yard<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-faqs\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1777380716227\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do drought-tolerant grasses go dormant?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most do. Drought-tolerant grasses turn brown and pause growth during extended dry periods to conserve water \u2014 this is temporary, not permanent damage. They green up when moisture returns.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1777380734496\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Which option works best in my region?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Buffalograss excels in the Great Plains and Southwest. Fine fescue suits the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. Native plants are always regionally specific \u2014 check with your local cooperative extension service for recommendations.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1777380747431\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I mix drought-tolerant alternatives with my existing lawn?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-overseed-lawn\/\">Overseeding<\/a> with fine fescue or tall fescue gradually shifts your turf toward more drought-tolerant varieties without a full replacement. Clover also can be mixed into an existing lawn as a companion plant.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-hire-a-local-lawn-care-pro\"><span id=\"hire-a-local-lawn-care-pro\">Hire a local lawn care pro<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"12-getting-your-lawn-ready-for-drought-takes-the-right-plants-the-right-plan-and-time-you-may-not-have-if-youd-rather-leave-it-to-someone-who-does-this-every-day-lawn-loves-local-lawn-care-pros-make-it-simple-%E2%80%94-get-an-instant-quote-pick-a-time-and-a-local-pro-will-handle-the-rest\">Getting your lawn ready for drought takes the right plants, the right plan, and time you may not have. If you&#8217;d rather leave it to someone who does this every day, Lawn Love&#8217;s local lawn care pros make it simple \u2014 get an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\">instant quote<\/a>, pick a time, and a local pro will handle the rest.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha) in a front yard during autumn. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/feather-reed-grass-outdoor-decorative-plant-dry-grass-at-the-fancy-house-front-yard-autumn-plants\/304790313\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LanaKin<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Experts say drought-tolerant grasses like fescue survive dry spells but may go dormant, while drought-resistant plants like buffalograss thrive with less water.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":71,"featured_media":46196,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[126],"tags":[226],"class_list":["post-5999","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-tips","tag-lawn-care-tips"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AdobeStock_304790313.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Luminita Toma","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/luminita-toma\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5999","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/71"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5999"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5999\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48278,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5999\/revisions\/48278"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/46196"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5999"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5999"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5999"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}