Is Your Grass Designed to Withstand Droughts?

Posted on June 10, 2025

Get Water-Saving Hacks & In-Depth Details About Southern Turf

Scorching summers and water restrictions don’t have to spell disaster for your lawn. Part of the secret? Choosing warm-season grasses that evolved to thrive in hot conditions. The other part? Trusting Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage & Lighting for underground sprinkler system repairs, drip irrigation, landscape drainage systems, and more.

Let’s explore which grass types perform best during droughts and how to care for them to maintain a healthy yard even when rainfall is scarce.

Nature’s Drought Defenses in Southern Grasses

Warm-season turfgrasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine developed remarkable survival mechanisms to cope with dry periods:

Efficient root networks that tap into underground water reserves
Dense growth patterns that create natural moisture barriers
Dormancy capabilities allowing temporary shutdown during extreme dryness

For homeowners across Texas, Florida, the Carolinas, and Oklahoma, selecting the right grass variety and implementing proper irrigation techniques can mean the difference between a thriving lawn and a barren landscape during peak summer heat.

Bermuda Grass

This beloved turf boasts:

Extensive root systems
Rapid regeneration after rainfall returns
Exceptional heat tolerance

Hydration needs: Only 1 inch every 2-3 weeks when dormant

Ideal for: Full sun locations with heavy foot traffic

Zoysia

This top choice offers:

Dense turf that naturally suppresses weeds
Waxy leaf coating that reduces water loss
Slower growth requiring less frequent mowing

Hydration needs: 30-50% less water than St. Augustine

Considerations: May develop fungal issues in humid areas

St. Augustine

While thirstier than others, it provides:

Superior shade adaptation
Quick spreading to fill bare patches
Extended green periods into cooler months

Hydration needs: 1.5-2 inches weekly during summer

Best Application: Landscapes with mixed sunlight exposure

Centiped Grass

Dubbed the “set-it-and-forget-it” grass because it:

Requires minimal fertilization
Grows at a leisurely pace
Withstands moderate dry spells

Hydration needs: Survives 3-4 weeks without irrigation

Perfect for: Acidic soils throughout the Southeast

Bahia Grass

The highway department’s favorite due to its:

Ability to flourish in nutrient-poor soils
Natural resistance to pests
Near-zero maintenance requirements

Hydration Needs: Thrives on 1 inch monthly

Best Used For: Expansive, low-care properties

Recognizing Thirsty Turf

Stay alert for these drought distress signals:

Color transformation ( green to gray to brown)
Persistent footprints after walking across the lawn
Leaf rolling (blades curling lengthwise)
Visible soil cracks appearing
Delayed recovery after mowing

Pro tip: Catching these symptoms early allows for effective intervention before permanent damage occurs.

Water-Wise Lawn Care Strategies

1. Quality Over Quantity Irrigation

Apply 1-1.5 inches per watering session
Space sessions 5-7 days apart in summer
Use the tuna can test to measure output

2. Optimal Watering Schedule

Prime time: 4-8 a.m. (minimal evaporation)
Avoid: Afternoon (wasteful) or evening (disease-promoting)

3. Irrigation Upgrades

Smart controllers that adjust based on weather
Drip irrigation systems for sloped landscapes
Regular maintenance checks for efficiency

More Drought-Busting Tips

Elevate mowing height to 3-4 inches
Aerate every year to improve water penetration
Compost topdressing to enhance moisture retention
Pause fertilization during dry spells
Gradually resume normal watering over 10-14 days

Combine the Right Grass With the Right Service

There are several grass types that can survive the Southern heat in summer. However, the right sprinkler systems can also make a huge difference. For expert assistance with drought-proofing your lawn, Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage & Lighting serves these metropolitan areas: