- 1. Bermudagrass<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Buffalograss<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Tall fescue<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Bahiagrass<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Blue grama<\/a><\/li>
- 7. St. Augustinegrass<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Creeping red fescue<\/a><\/li>
- FAQs about drought-tolerant grasses<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
1. Bermudagrass<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Bermudagrass\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/15467067276_71e7fb7576_c.jpg\")
Bermudagrass | Scot Nelson<\/a> | Flickr | Public Domain<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> - Classification: <\/strong>Warm-season<\/li>
- Region:<\/strong> South\/Southeast, Southwest (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Arizona, New Mexico, southern California, southern Nevada)<\/li>
- Heat tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/li>
- Recommended mowing height: <\/strong>1 to 2 inches<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> 1 inch of water every 5 to 10 days<\/li>
- Pros:<\/strong> Excellent drought survival, fast-growing, handles heat and heavy wear<\/li>
- Cons:<\/strong> Turns dormant with frost and requires frequent mowing and maintenance<\/li> <\/ul>
Bermudagrass is a tough, fast-growing grass popular in the South for its ability to withstand drought and foot traffic<\/a>. According to lawn experts at the North Carolina Extension, \u201cBermudagrass is extremely drought tolerant, grows rapidly on any type of soil<\/a>, and makes a good turf if fertilized<\/a> and mowed low and often.\u201d<\/p>
During a drought, Bermuda will go dormant, but it bounces back quickly once it gets watered again. In terms of maintenance, Bermudagrass needs regular mowing<\/a> and edging<\/a> to keep it looking neat. <\/p>
Read more:<\/strong><\/p>
- Bermudagrass: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a><\/li>
- Most Common Bermudagrass Pests<\/a><\/li>
- 5 Common Bermudagrass Diseases<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
2. Buffalograss<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Buffalograss\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/3139246071_47110d3ef9_c.jpg\")
Buffalograss | John Tann<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> - Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season<\/li>
- Region:<\/strong> Great Plains\/Midwest (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri)<\/li>
- Heat tolerance:<\/strong> High <\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Recommended mowing height:<\/strong> 2 to 4 inches<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Established buffalograss goes dormant during dry spells. If you want to prevent dormancy, water 0.5 to 1 inch of water per week.<\/li>
- Pros: <\/strong>Low-water needs, low-growing habit, and few pest<\/a> or disease issues<\/li>
- Cons: <\/strong>Goes fully dormant in winter and during extended drought, not suited for shade, and is slow to establish<\/li> <\/ul>
Buffalograss is a native grass that forms a soft lawn and survives on very little water. According to Brad S. Fresenburg, turfgrass specialist at the University of Missouri Extension, \u201cDuring extended dry periods without moisture, buffalograss goes dormant to avoid drought stress and will remain dormant until moisture is available.\u201d<\/p>
As a native species, buffalograss is well-suited to local environments and offers ecological benefits by supporting wildlife. However, Boley from University of Maryland notes that native grasses aren\u2019t suited to the same maintenance routines as traditional turf. \u201cThey do not like to be mowed, but they also develop a much deeper and elaborate root system,\u201d she says.<\/p>
Read more: <\/strong>Buffalograss: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a><\/p>
3. Zoysiagrass<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Zoysiagrass\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Zoysiagrass_800.jpg\")
Zoysiagrass | K-State Research and Extension<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> - Classification: <\/strong>Warm-season<\/li>
- Region:<\/strong> Transition Zone, Southeast (Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, northern Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, southern Missouri, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, southern Ohio)<\/li>
- Heat tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/li>
- Recommended mowing height: <\/strong>1 to 2.5 inches<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> 0.5 inch every 2 to 3 weeks; tolerates 3 to 4 weeks of no water<\/li>
- Pros:<\/strong> Very drought resistant, thick, dense turf that crowds out weeds, low fertilization needs<\/li>
- Cons: <\/strong>Slow growth and establishment<\/li> <\/ul>
Once established, Zoysiagrass<\/a> is highly drought resistant. It stays green longer than fescue or bluegrass. Its dense mat of roots helps it trap moisture and resist drying out. The trade-off with zoysia is patience. Because it grows slowly, it\u2019s best planted as sod<\/a> or plugs<\/a>, in spring. It might take a full season or even two for plugs to knit into a complete lawn. <\/p>
Read more:<\/strong><\/p>
- 6 Best Lawn Fertilizers for Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li>
- 5 Common Pests in Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li>
- Most Common Diseases Affecting Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
4. Tall fescue<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Tall](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_621672430.jpeg\")
Tall Fescue | hegearl<\/a> | Adobe Stock Free | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> - Classification: <\/strong>Cool-season<\/li>
- Region:<\/strong> Transition Zone, parts of Northeast and Northwest (Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, parts of New York, Oregon, Washington, northern California)<\/li>
- Heat tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate to high <\/li>
- Recommended mowing height: <\/strong>2 to 4 inches<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> .75 inch every 2 weeks; requires some moisture every 2 to 3 weeks<\/li>
- Pros:<\/strong> Deep root system, which makes it drought tolerant when established<\/li>
- Cons: <\/strong>Clump-type growth, commonly needs reseeding since it doesn\u2019t spread fast, and can thin out in prolonged drought<\/li> <\/ul>
Tall fescue is highly drought-tolerant compared to other cool-season varieties. In the transition zone<\/a>, it is the best choice. Experts at the North Carolina University Extension say tall fescue may turn brown but can often survive short periods of drought. However, they warn it may not survive a drought that exceeds three weeks.<\/p>
Read more:<\/strong> Tall Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a><\/p>
5. Bahiagrass<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Bahiagrass\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/24854989872_d5c0ba9766_k_800.jpg\")
Bahiagrass | Forest and Kim Starr<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> - Classification: <\/strong>Warm-season<\/li>
- Region:<\/strong> Southeast\/Gulf Coast states (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, eastern Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina)<\/li>
- Heat tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Low <\/li>
- Recommended mowing height: <\/strong>3 to 4 inches<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> .5 inch every 2 to 3 weeks; endures 3 to 4 weeks without water<\/li>
- Pros:<\/strong> Deep, extensive root system gives it good drought tolerance<\/li>
- Cons: <\/strong>Coarse, open turf texture, not as lush or dense as others<\/li> <\/ul>
Bahiagrass is used in areas where other grasses struggle. Originally a pasture grass, it\u2019s now valued for being a low-maintenance and highly drought-tolerant lawn. \u201cBecause bahiagrass forms an extensive root system, it has better drought tolerance than other Florida lawngrasses,\u201d explains turfgrass experts at the University of Florida Extension.<\/p>
It needs little fertilizer and has few pest issues<\/a>. If you prefer a pristine lawn, bahiagrass isn\u2019t for you. But if your goal is a tough, drought-proof grass that can grow in sandy soil, bahiagrass is an excellent choice.<\/p>
Read more: <\/strong>Bahiagrass: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a><\/p>
6. Blue grama<\/span><\/h2>
![\"blue](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/blue-grama-grass.jpg\")
Blue Grama | Olivia Neuhaus<\/a> | Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> - Classification: <\/strong>Warm-season<\/li>
- Region:<\/strong> Great Plains, Southwest (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada)<\/li>
- Heat tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Recommended mowing height: <\/strong>4 to 6 inches<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> .25 inch every 3 to 4 weeks; survives 4 to 5 weeks without irrigation<\/li>
- Pros:<\/strong> Drought and heat tolerant; survives in poor, dry soils<\/li>
- Cons: <\/strong>It spreads slowly and turns brown in winter or extreme drought<\/li> <\/ul>
Blue grama is a native prairie grass that handles drought, heat, and even cold very well. It has fine, delicate leaves and is great for creating a natural, meadow-like lawn that needs very little upkeep. Since it grows in small clumps, it doesn\u2019t form a thick, dense lawn on its own. For a fuller look, mix it with buffalograss, which helps fill in the gaps. <\/p>
7. St. Augustinegrass<\/span><\/h2>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/st.-augustine-grass.jpg\")
St. Augustine Grass | Sarit Richerson<\/a> | Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> - Classification: <\/strong>Warm-season<\/li>
- Region:<\/strong> Deep South and Gulf Coast (Florida, southern Georgia, southern Alabama, southern Mississippi, Louisiana, south Texas, Hawaii)<\/li>
- Heat tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate <\/li>
- Recommended mowing height: <\/strong>2.5 to 4 inches<\/li>
- Water needs<\/strong>: .5 to 1 inch every 1 to 2 weeks<\/li>
- Pros:<\/strong> Fast growth rate that crowds out most weeds<\/li>
- Cons: <\/strong>Moderate to high potential for diseases and pests<\/li> <\/ul>
St. Augustinegrass is a heat-loving coastal turfgrass known for its wide blades, fast growth, and moderate shade tolerance. It thrives in warm, humid regions and is often found in southern and coastal areas. This grass establishes quickly and is available as sod, sprigs, or plugs but not as seed. <\/p>
Read more: <\/strong>St. Augustinegrass: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a><\/p>
8. Creeping red fescue<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Creeping](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/creeping-red-fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: KELLY<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> - Classification: <\/strong>Cool-season<\/li>
- Region:<\/strong> Northern states, higher elevations (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, northern California, Colorado at higher elevations)<\/li>
- Heat tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Low <\/li>
- Recommended mowing height: <\/strong>3 to 3.5 inches<\/li>
- Water needs<\/strong>: .5 to .75 inch every 1 to 2 weeks; needs moisture every 2 weeks<\/li>
- Pros:<\/strong> Excellent drought tolerance for a cool-season grass, and grows in shade and low-nutrient soils<\/li>
- Cons: <\/strong>It doesn\u2019t handle heavy foot traffic well<\/li> <\/ul>
Creeping red fescue is perfect for shady yards<\/a> and low-water landscapes. It spreads slowly through underground stems, which helps it fill in patchy areas. This makes it a good choice if you want a more complete lawn cover without a lot of reseeding<\/a>. It doesn\u2019t need much mowing or fertilizer. It may brown in summer heat, but it bounces back with cooler weather and rain.<\/p>
For guidance on native grasses, Boley suggests reaching out to your local Extension office or Cooperative Extension Service. They offer expert advice and valuable resources, including native plantings. To find yours, search your county and state along with the word \u201cExtension.\u201d<\/p>
FAQs about drought-tolerant grasses<\/span><\/h2>
What makes a grass drought-tolerant?<\/strong>Drought-tolerant grasses have deep root systems that reach moisture far below the surface, narrow or waxy leaves that reduce water loss, and the ability to go dormant during dry periods.<\/p> <\/div>
What are the benefits of planting drought-tolerant grass?<\/strong>The benefits are lower water use, reduced maintenance, and lawn resilience during hot, dry weather. These grasses often stay green longer in summer and bounce back faster after drought. They are great for areas with watering restrictions<\/a> or homeowners looking to cut water bills and support more sustainable landscaping<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
- Region:<\/strong> Northern states, higher elevations (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, northern California, Colorado at higher elevations)<\/li>
- Region:<\/strong> Deep South and Gulf Coast (Florida, southern Georgia, southern Alabama, southern Mississippi, Louisiana, south Texas, Hawaii)<\/li>
- Region:<\/strong> Great Plains, Southwest (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada)<\/li>
- Region:<\/strong> Southeast\/Gulf Coast states (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, eastern Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina)<\/li>
- Region:<\/strong> Transition Zone, parts of Northeast and Northwest (Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, parts of New York, Oregon, Washington, northern California)<\/li>
- 5 Common Pests in Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li>
- Region:<\/strong> Transition Zone, Southeast (Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, northern Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, southern Missouri, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, southern Ohio)<\/li>
- Region:<\/strong> Great Plains\/Midwest (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri)<\/li>
- Most Common Bermudagrass Pests<\/a><\/li>
- Region:<\/strong> South\/Southeast, Southwest (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Arizona, New Mexico, southern California, southern Nevada)<\/li>
- 2. Buffalograss<\/a><\/li>