The Best Drought Resistant Grass for Your Yard
Most homeowners and garden lovers want a lush, green lawn. However, as the warmer months come by and we are asked to reduce water consumption, having a drought-resistant lawn becomes important. A scorched, brown mess is not what you want your pride and joy to look like. You can avoid this by planting drought-resistant grass.
Maintaining a healthy lawn can be a struggle. You need to find the right grass seed for your garden and make sure it is drought-resistant. Additionally, you must consider how you will irrigate your grass and the type of soil you have. When there are so many aspects to consider, it can be tough to know where to begin.
Before you buy any grass seed, look at our list below of the best drought-resistant grasses. This will help ensure that your lawn survives the heat and looks great.
Table of Contents
5 Best Drought Resistant Grass Reviews
1. Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Supreme Grass Seed Blend
This grass seed can grow in many different types of soil, including clay and sandy soils, and in areas that are either full sun or partial shade. The seed also germinates quickly, and it is naturally resistant to insects, so you don't have to worry about any slugs or snails eating your lawn.
This grass has a coating on it that helps to keep moisture in the leaf. This makes the turf green and resistant to drought. The same coating also helps to protect the lawn from diseases.
Customers who have bought this grass seed say that it is more expensive than other brands, but a single bag can cover much ground. In fact, one 7-pound bag of this grass seed may support the growth of a 2800-square-foot lawn!
Pros
Utilizes a mixture of drought-resistant grass seeds, including Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass
Extremely adaptable and may be cultivated in challenging soil types like clay and sand and in full sun and moderate shade.
Established grass has a thick, waxy layer that helps retain moisture and prevent illness.
Cons
It is more expensive than other seed mixes; however, one 7lb bag can cover 2800 square feet.
2. WaterSaver Lawn Seed Mixture with Tall Fescue & RTF
This grass grows back together over patches that have become worn or damaged. Therefore, it requires less watering and mowing. It also grows well in sun and shade, so it is perfect for gardens that have some shady areas.
WaterSaver lawn seed can withstand stressful weather conditions without losing its green color. This seed mixture produces grass that is quick to establish and highly resistant to disease.
Some people who bought this lawn seed said it doesn't need to be watered as much as other types of grass seed. That's good for people who want a low-maintenance garden during dry conditions.
Pros
Excellent for low-maintenance gardening
Capable of withstanding drought and other harsh weather conditions
Self-healing turf that knits itself together over damaged areas
Cons
However, it is still usable in other regions of the country.
3. Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed (2 lbs.) 100% Pure Seed
This grass only needs 1 inch of water per week during the summer when it grows. It is good for lawns in direct sunlight and in very hot areas.
Zoysia is a species of grass that grows slowly yet is durable. It can stand up to hot weather and a lot of traffic. So if you have kids or pets, this might be the right kind of grass for you.
Zoysia seed is perfect for both home and commercial use. It grows with a thick root system, which means it doesn't need much watering, and it will help keep out any weed growth. It also goes dormant during the winter but doesn't lose any thickness, so you don't have to do anything to it over the winter.
Pros
Can withstand both tremendous heat and frigid cold
Grows with deep roots that help keep weeds at bay.
Cons
Although this grass seed germinates rapidly, it may take longer to establish than other seed mixtures.
4. Grotrax Biodegradable Grass Seed Mat, Bermuda Rye
Suppose you plant grasses like Perennial Rye, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Fescue. In that case, your lawn will be able to endure the summer heat. The bio fabric below the grass will hold up to six times its weight in water, so your lawn will need less watering.
Another good thing about this seed mat is that it helps keep the seeds in place while they grow. This means that they won't get washed away by rain or blown away by the wind. They will grow in the spot you want them to.
This seed mat is easy to layout. You can cut it to fit around corners or the edge of your lawn. The seed mat is also good for getting even coverage on slopes and inclines. Your new grass will be lush and green in as little as five weeks.
Pros
Includes drought-tolerant grasses such as Fescue, Rye, and Kentucky Bluegrass. Bluegrass
Holds seeds in place without fear of washing or blowing away, keeping everything exactly where you want it.
It is simple to install and may be trimmed to accommodate corners, edges, mounds, and slopes.
Cons
Some customers discovered that the mat gets removed during heavy gusts. Therefore it may need to be pegged down until properly set.
5. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Mix
This grass mix, which is tough and called Kentucky Bluegrass, can self-repair after being in the sun for a long time. This means it is perfect if you look for a low-maintenance lawn that can handle being in the sun and not getting a lot of water.
The Scotts 4-in-1 WaterSmart Plus Technology will help keep your seeds moist for longer and also help them to grow faster. The seed mix is also very resistant to cold weather, so you don't have to worry about it dying during a frost.
Not only is this mix tough and durable, but the Kentucky Bluegrass that grows from it can also withstand high foot traffic damage. This makes it perfect for anyone with a family.
This mix of seeds will germinate within 7-14 days and grow into the grass that can be mown once it is 3 inches tall.
Pros
Grows well in both direct sunlight and partial shade
Self-repairs after long periods of heat and is extremely drought-resistant
The seeds are coated with 4-in-1 WaterSmart Plus Technology, which helps maintain moisture, stimulates growth, and prevents disease.
Grows into strong, durable Kentucky Bluegrass that is ideal for high-traffic areas.
Cons
Due to the WaterSmart Plus coating, storing it in a shed or building outside the house.
Best Drought Resistant Grass Buyer’s Guide
Soil Type
The first consideration should be the type of soil present. Some seeds will thrive in particular soils while others will not. Clay and sandy soils are particularly challenging for plant growth.
Clay soil is thick and heavy. It often has a lot of moisture. The soil needs to be broken up before you put the seed. Sandy soil is thinner and drier. Seeds can grow in it, but they might not have enough water or food.
Check the soil type in your garden, and then find a seed mix that will grow well in that type of soil.
Type of Grass
Certain types of grass can survive in areas with little water. If you're looking to plant new grass in a dry area, be sure to look for mixes that contain one of the following types:
· Tall Fescue
· Fine Fescue
· Chewing Fescue
· Kentucky Bluegrass
· Perennial Rye
· Bermuda
· Zoysia
Sun Position
The sun's position in your garden will be something to think about. If you want to have a drought-resistant lawn, the garden should have full sun for most of the day.
However, suppose there are patches of your lawn shaded by trees or overlooking buildings. You should seek a seed mixture comprising grasses that grow equally well in the sun and shade in this scenario.
Time of Year
You should sow your grass seeds during certain times of the year. If you sow them in the winter, there is a good chance that your seeds will not germinate. Even if they germinate, the young plants might die because of frost and cold temperatures.
You can plant your seeds in the spring or the fall. It is best to do this when the temperatures are mild so that the seeds will germinate and start to grow, but it is not too hot, so you will need to water and take care of them constantly.
Durability
Drought-resistant grasses can take a lot, but if you have kids or pets, you might want to get a seed mix that will give you tough grass that can handle being played on or stepped on.
Application
One further item to take into consideration is how the grass seed will be distributed. Some of the mixtures can be spread by hand with relative ease. If you are only going to repair a damaged location or a tiny area, this is a fantastic option.
It is highly recommended that you invest in a seed spreader if you plan on sowing seeds across a broad region. You will have less work to do, as well as an easier time, spreading the seeds out evenly if you do this. In addition, seed mats can be purchased to assist in planting on sloped ground.
Soil Preparation
The plant growth process cannot begin until the soil has been prepared. Before you can start spreading the seed, you have to clear the area of any weeds and work the soil. When determining how much seed to use, the recommendations provided by the manufacturer should be followed.
If you follow these steps, you will be able to cultivate a lawn that can withstand dry conditions and does not need any upkeep throughout the warm summer months. This will assist you in doing your part to preserve the water supply.
Click here to learn more about the effects of the greatest drought in decades.
