Even when there is enough rain to keep your lawn watered, it is a good idea to have a plan for hot summers when water use can be restricted. One of the best ways to keep your lawn green in Texas is to grow drought-resistant varieties of grass. Even then, however, efficient watering methods and a good lawn maintenance schedule will be essential to keeping the lawn looking nice throughout the year.
Drought-Resistant Grass
Warm-season grasses naturally have a high tolerance for drought because they thrive in hot conditions. If you’re planting a new lawn or repairing an existing one, it can be a good idea to choose varieties that are particularly good at surviving low water conditions. Zoysia grows well in sun or shade, forms a lush lawn, tolerates foot traffic, and has good drought resistance. Bermuda grass prefers even warmer conditions than zoysia and needs full sun. Many varieties are drought tolerant, and some can be grown from seed. Bahia grass has a course texture if you’re walking on it barefoot, but it grows thickly and thrives in poor soil and full sun.
Water Efficiently
Even when there are no mandated water restrictions, it is good practice to water as efficiently as possible. Deep watering that soaks into the soil encourages root growth, increases the length of time between waterings, and is healthier for your lawn than smaller, more frequent waterings. Watering efficiently also makes sure water stays on the lawn, where it will do the most good, instead of running off onto sidewalks and streets.
Water early in the morning to minimize water loss from evaporations. Another way to make sure water gets to the grass roots is to use soaker hoses instead of sprinklers. Soaker hoses are more efficient, but they only water a few feet on either side and will need moved several times to cover an entire lawn. If your irrigation system has an automatic timer, make sure to turn the sprinklers off if it has rained recently to avoid overwatering.
Let the Lawn Go Dormant
In times when there is very little water available for the lawn, it can be a good idea to let the grass go dormant. Warm-season grasses go dormant over the winter when it gets too cool for them to grow, and a similar reaction can happen in the summer when water is scarce. A dormant lawn will not stay green, but the grass will survive until water is available again. While grass is dormant, the lawn will need about half an inch of water after 4-6 weeds of drought, and then every 2-3 weeks after that to keep the grass alive. If there is less water available, you may need to replant patches of dead grass after the drought has passed.
Planning ahead for times when water is scarce is one way to keep your lawn healthy. Watering your grass efficiently to make the most use of available water will help keep your grass green and growing. During a drought, or if you simply don’t want to irrigate the lawn, the grass can survive in a dormant condition and come back healthy and green when more water is available again.
