Tips For More Drought Resistant Grass

Rains come. Rains go. Sometimes whether you want them to or not. Taking with them any hope of the succulent green carpet you desire. Because you may end up with watering restrictions that limit how often you can water.

Yet why do some lawns do better than others in drought conditions?

Well, possibly because some homeowners are aware of what produces drought resistant grass.

Turf that does well all starts with growing the right variety for your region. That alone can reduce the amount of water you'll have to lavish on your thirsty turf.

Let's assume you live where long hot dry summers occur more often than not. Instead of investing in a better sprinkler system maybe reseeding with a more drought resistant grass variety would be best. For instance St Augustine, Bermuda or Zoysia. Something that would put you within striking distance of a drought tolerant lawn should extended dry periods be common in your neighborhood.

When you water do so first thing in the morning. There's less wind to affect your sprinkler. Besides cooler temperatures and less sunlight means less water will evaporate before it soaks in.

It's also smart to water longer but less often. Since doing so encourages deep root growth. Deep roots can pull moisture in from the earth better than shallow ones. Giving you more drought resistant grass.

Do not cut your grass too short. Why not? You will have shallow roots. Leaving your lawn more exposed to drought. And do not take your mowers word for it. Make sure the setting is right by measuring how high the blade is from your driveway.

Now while it's the case that the taller your grass the more water it needs, longer grass also gives you deeper roots. Which again gives your lawn a better chance of weathering a dry spell in better shape.

Then too you want to feed constantly. Just not how you'd think. What do I mean? Do not bag your clippings.

Doing so robs your lawn of a valuable source of nitrogen. Not bagging also can cut your lawn's need for fertilizer by as much as a third.

Speaking of fertilizing do not do it during a drought. Spring a better time to do that. More rain and cooler temps. Not only that but if you fertilize and stimulate growth you'll need to water more if it's not raining regularly. Is that wise? And for sure not the best way to grow more drought resistant grass.

Follow these simple steps and you just may develop your best lawn ever. Regardless of what mother nature brings your way.