Prepare your lawn to withstand the next drought with these simple, effective tips.
8 Must-Know Tips to Drought-Proof Your Lawn
Published on Dec. 06, 2024
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Plant a Drought-Tolerant Grass
One effective way to drought-proof your lawn is by choosing drought-tolerant grass varieties. In warm climates, grasses like Zoysia, Bermuda, and Buffalo thrive on minimal water. For cooler regions, Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue are resilient to both drought and cold. These grasses are perfect for dry spells and require less water than other varieties.
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Increase Mower Height
Heading into a drought with taller grass will help it survive, so keep your mower deck between 3 to 3 1/2 inches when cutting. Taller grass shades the soil, protects roots from extreme temperatures and improves moisture retention. It also encourages deeper root growth, helping the lawn access water deeper in the soil. If you’re currently in a drought, avoid mowing if possible to minimize stress on the grass.
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Water Deeply and Less Often
Though it may seem counterintuitive, watering less often but more deeply actually benefits your lawn. “That will train grass roots to grow deeper into the soil looking for water,” Churchill says. Overwatered lawns develop shallow root systems, which are more vulnerable during extended dry spells.
Instead of setting your automatic sprinkler to run every day, try adjusting it to every three or four days. “Let the ground dry out some, your lawn will actually thank you for it,” Churchill says.
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Fertilize Properly
Fertilizing your lawn at the right times helps develop deeper, stronger roots for better drought resistance. Start in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote early root growth. Avoid fertilizing during peak summer to prevent heat stress. After the peak of summer heat, apply a fertilizer with moderate nitrogen and higher potassium to help grass conserve water, resist stress and grow stronger roots, which are crucial for surviving late-summer or fall droughts.
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Plant Trees
Planting a few trees to provide natural shade can go a long way toward drought-proofing your lawn. The shade helps protect grass from intense sun, lowering soil temperatures and improving moisture retention. Trees also serve as windbreaks, shielding your lawn from drying winds during dry spells.
Overall, trees are a low-maintenance, natural solution to conserve moisture and enhance your lawn’s drought resilience.
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Use Soil Moisture Sensors
If drought-proofing your lawn is the goal, avoid watering on a set routine. Instead, consider factors like grass type, rainfall, air temperatures, soil types and wind speeds before deciding to water.
To simplify this process, Churchill recommends relying on irrigation technology. “The best way to determine if and when your lawn needs water is to install moisture sensors in the soil just under the lawn surface,” he says. These sensors activate sprinklers only when needed, promoting optimal root growth and health.
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Mulch Lawn Clippings
Instead of bagging grass clippings, mulch them back onto the lawn to help drought-proof your yard. A thin layer of mulched clippings regulates soil temperatures, improves moisture retention and adds organic matter to the soil. This helps conserve water and enriches the soil with nutrients, promoting a healthier, more resilient lawn. However, if your lawn is very overgrown, avoid mulching, as thick clippings can create a mat that may harm the grass.
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Consider Lawn Alternatives
If you live in a dry, drought-prone area, consider lawn alternatives to conserve water and reduce maintenance. Xeriscaping involves replacing traditional grass with drought-tolerant native plants that can survive on minimal water.
Instead of grass, you can use bushes, shrubs, and rock landscaping to create a beautiful, low-water landscape. Additionally, artificial turf has come a long way in both appearance and durability, offering a realistic grass look without the need for irrigation or regular upkeep.
About the Expert
- Joe Churchill is a Senior Turf Specialist for Reinders, a major distributor of lawn care products throughout the Midwest. Churchill is certified in Turf Management and has over 25 years of experience in the turfgrass industry.
