{"id":63927,"date":"2022-10-13T13:30:18","date_gmt":"2022-10-13T16:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=63927"},"modified":"2025-07-22T16:22:34","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T19:22:34","slug":"best-drought-tolerant-grasses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Best Drought-Tolerant Grasses for Your Yard"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Due to climate change, droughts are becoming increasingly common. \u200b\u200bBut if you choose from the best drought-tolerant grasses, such as Bermudagrass and fine fescues, you can maintain a lush and green lawn even in scorching heat.<\/p>    <p>Drought is one of the worst nightmares of any lawn lover, as it can do significant damage to grasses. According to the Palmer Drought Severity Index, conditions for around 10 to 70 percent of the country\u2019s land area were drier than usual from 2000 to 2023. With our expert tips, you can determine which among these drought-resistant grass types is the best for your yard.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-6137e980-b633-4eea-9965-ef150432940a\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\"><strong>Here are the best drought-tolerant grasses:<\/strong><\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/#0-top-drought-tolerant-warm-season-grasses\" style=\"\">Top Drought-Tolerant Warm-Season Grasses<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/#1-1-bermudagrass\" style=\"\">1. Bermudagrass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/#2-2-buffalograss\" style=\"\">2. Buffalograss<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/#3-3-zoysiagrass\" style=\"\">3. Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/#4-4-bahiagrass\" style=\"\">4. Bahiagrass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/#5-5-centipedegrass\" style=\"\">5. Centipedegrass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/#6-6-st-augustinegrass\" style=\"\">6. St. Augustinegrass<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/#7-top-drought-tolerant-cool-season-grasses\" style=\"\">Top Drought-Tolerant Cool-Season Grasses<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/#8-1-fine-fescue\" style=\"\">1. Fine Fescue<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/#9-2-tall-fescue\" style=\"\">2. Tall Fescue<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/#10-3-sheep-fescue\" style=\"\">3. Sheep Fescue<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/#11-4-kentucky-bluegrass-drought-tolerant-cultivars\" style=\"\">4. Kentucky Bluegrass (Drought-Tolerant Cultivars)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/#12-faq-about-drought-tolerant-grasses\" style=\"\">FAQ About Drought-Tolerant Grasses<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"505\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"United States map showing the cool season grass zone, warm season grass zone, and the transition zone\" class=\"wp-image-111242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1-646x408.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1-150x95.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1-768x485.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-top-drought-tolerant-warm-season-grasses\">Top Drought-Tolerant Warm-Season Grasses<\/h2>    <p>Generally, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/warm-season-grass-growing-guide\/\">warm-season grasses<\/a> grow best in places with warm summers. But while they do well in warm climates, drought conditions can put them to the test.<\/p>    <p>From the <strong>most drought-tolerant to the least drought-tolerant<\/strong>, these warm-season grasses are especially built for these tough conditions:<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-1-bermudagrass\">1. Bermudagrass<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bermudagrass-2.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A close-up view of dense, green Bermudagrass blades covering the ground.\" class=\"wp-image-135433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bermudagrass-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bermudagrass-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bermudagrass-2-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bermudagrass-2-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bermudagrass-2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/close-up-texture-shot-of-green-bermuda-turf-grass-captured-from-directly-above\/321737669\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">William J. Adams<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Out of all drought-resistant grasses, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/bermudagrass-guide\/\">Bermudagrass<\/a> is the champion. It\u2019s fast-growing, hardy, and thrives even in drought conditions. Ideal for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/sports-turf\/fifa-club-world-cup-grass\/\">soccer fields<\/a>, this warm-season grass is resilient and recovers quickly.<\/p>    <p>Bermudagrass does best with full sunlight and regular trimming. But what makes it drought-tolerant is its deep, fibrous root system, which extends deep into the soil. Once established, it forms a dense, green lawn that\u2019s hard to beat in dry weather.<\/p>    <p>According to Michael Masucci, community association liaison and public educator at the University of Florida IFAS Extension, \u201cBermudagrass recovers quickly after dry periods, thanks to its aggressive growth and deep root structure. It performs well in full sun and poor soils.\u201d<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes left-align-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Excellent drought and heat tolerance<br>\u2713 Perfect for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-grasses-for-high-traffic-yards\/\">high-traffic yards<\/a><br>\u2713 Quickly recovers from wear and damage<\/td><td>\u2717 Turns brown during cooler months<br>\u2717 High maintenance during peak growing season<br>\u2717 Can spread aggressively into unwanted areas<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Thrives in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-hardiness-zone-map-helps-yard\/\">USDA hardiness zones<\/a> 6-10, making it suitable for a wide range of warm climates, such as Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and parts of California.<\/p>    <p><strong>Note:<\/strong> If you\u2019d rather have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-ground-covers\/\">drought-tolerant ground covers<\/a>, you can hire a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\">local landscaping pro<\/a> for help.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-2-buffalograss\">2. Buffalograss<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/PIXNIO-4149-800x600-1.jpg\" alt=\"Closeup view of buffalograss\" class=\"wp-image-88091\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/PIXNIO-4149-800x600-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/PIXNIO-4149-800x600-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/PIXNIO-4149-800x600-1-646x485.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/PIXNIO-4149-800x600-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/PIXNIO-4149-800x600-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pixnio.com\/textures-and-patterns\/grass-texture\/buffalo-grass-texture#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixnio<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Native to the Great Plains, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/buffalograss\/\">buffalograss<\/a> evolved to survive in areas where rainfall is scarce and the summers are hot. This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/native-grasses-are-they-right-for-your-lawn\/\">native grass<\/a> has an extensive root system that allows it to pull water from deep underground.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"712\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/rsz_native_plant_roots-v2.jpg\" alt=\"native plant roots\" class=\"wp-image-68362\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/rsz_native_plant_roots-v2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/rsz_native_plant_roots-v2-300x267.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/rsz_native_plant_roots-v2-646x575.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/rsz_native_plant_roots-v2-150x134.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/rsz_native_plant_roots-v2-768x684.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>A top pick for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/eco-friendly-grass-alternatives\/\">eco-friendly yards<\/a>, buffalograss is ideal for xeriscaping and dryland lawns with limited water availability.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes left-align-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Extremely low water and mowing needs<br>\u2713 Grows well in poor soils<br>\u2713 Native and eco-friendly<\/td><td>\u2717 Limited shade tolerance<br>\u2717 Not ideal for high-traffic areas<br>\u2717 Dormant brown color for much of the year in some climates<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-8, including the Great Plains and dry central states like Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-3-zoysiagrass\">3. Zoysiagrass<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Starr_070906-8518_Zoysia_sp.-1.jpg\" alt=\"A closeup of Zoysiagrass\" class=\"wp-image-105055\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Starr_070906-8518_Zoysia_sp.-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Starr_070906-8518_Zoysia_sp.-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Starr_070906-8518_Zoysia_sp.-1-646x485.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Starr_070906-8518_Zoysia_sp.-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Starr_070906-8518_Zoysia_sp.-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Starr_070906-8518_Zoysia_sp..jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Forest &amp; Kim Starr<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>A favorite among homeowners, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/zoysiagrass\/\">Zoysiagrass<\/a> can give you a thick lawn even if you skip a watering session or two. It forms a lush, green lawn that crowds out weeds naturally and handles moderate foot traffic.<\/p>    <p>Zoysiagrass has a dense root system and a waxy leaf coating that helps reduce water loss. During extended dry spells, it enters dormancy but rebounds quickly once watered.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes left-align-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Very drought-tolerant once established<br>\u2713 Thick growth helps suppress weeds<br>\u2713 Low fertilizer requirements<\/td><td>\u2717 It\u2019s not recommended to plant Zoysia from grass seeds since they\u2019re slow to establish<br>\u2717 Can be prone to thatch buildup<br>\u2717 May turn brown early in fall<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6-11, including North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Northern Texas.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>If you need help mowing your lawn, you can hire a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/lawn-care\">LawnStarter lawn care pro<\/a> to do it for you. Our customers pay our pros an average of <strong>$51 to mow a 1\/4 acre lawn<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-4-bahiagrass\">4. Bahiagrass<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_24854989872_453b8a1dc0_c.jpg\" alt=\"Bahiagrass\" class=\"wp-image-58003\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_24854989872_453b8a1dc0_c.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_24854989872_453b8a1dc0_c-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_24854989872_453b8a1dc0_c-646x485.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_24854989872_453b8a1dc0_c-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_24854989872_453b8a1dc0_c-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"http:\/\/flickr.com\/photos\/starr-environmental\/24854989872\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Forest and Kim Starr<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Coarse and open-bladed, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/grass-guides\/bahiagrass-lawn-maintenance-guide\/\">bahiagrass<\/a> is commonly used in roadsides and low-maintenance lawns. It does well in sandy soils and withstands intense sun and heat.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>\u201cBahiagrass is the easiest warm-season option for low-maintenance, drought-prone areas due to its minimal fertilizer needs, adaptability, and low cost,\u201d says Masucci. He agrees that bahiagrass is one of the most drought-tolerant grasses.<\/p>    <p>\u201cIts minimal water and fertilizer requirements make it ideal for regions with frequent dry spells,\u201d he says.<\/p>    <p>Its deep root system makes bahiagrass highly efficient at accessing groundwater during dry spells. While it may not have the manicured look of a golf course, it can quickly green up once watered after a severe drought.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes left-align-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Excellent drought and heat resistance<br>\u2713 Low fertility and water needs<br>\u2713 Ideal for poor soils<\/td><td>\u2717 Coarse texture and open growth may look patchy<br>\u2717 Seed heads appear quickly if unmowed<br>\u2717 Doesn\u2019t tolerate cold or shade well<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8-10, including hot, humid southeastern regions like Florida, southern Alabama, and coastal Georgia.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-5-centipedegrass\">5. Centipedegrass<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Centipedegrass.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Low angle shot of centipede grass\" class=\"wp-image-135441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Centipedegrass.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Centipedegrass-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Centipedegrass-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Centipedegrass-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Centipedegrass-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/low-angle-shot-of-centipede-grass-and-a-wheelbarrow-full-of-sod-beside-a-building\/376567589\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">William J. Adams<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>&#8220;Lazy man\u2019s grass&#8221; is a common nickname for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/centipedegrass-lawn-maintenance-guide\/\">centipedegrass<\/a> because it practically takes care of itself. It doesn\u2019t grow fast, so there\u2019s less mowing involved, and it doesn\u2019t demand a lot of water or fertilizer.<\/p>    <p>Centipedegrass can slow its growth and go partially dormant, helping it survive dry periods. While its shallow root system can\u2019t pull moisture from deep underground, it recovers well when watered again.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes left-align-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Very low maintenance<br>\u2713 Tolerates heat and moderate drought<br>\u2713 Grows well in poor, acidic soils<\/td><td>\u2717 Sensitive to cold and foot traffic<br>\u2717 Doesn\u2019t tolerate salt or high pH well<br>\u2717 Slower to recover from damage<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Performs best in USDA hardiness zones 7-10, including Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and the Carolinas.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-6-st-augustinegrass\">6. St. Augustinegrass<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/St-Augustine-Grass.jpg\" alt=\"A closeup of St. Augustine grass\" class=\"wp-image-91072\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/St-Augustine-Grass.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/St-Augustine-Grass-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/St-Augustine-Grass-646x485.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/St-Augustine-Grass-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/St-Augustine-Grass-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Staugustinegrass.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stickpen<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Public domain<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Favored in coastal regions, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-care-for-st-augustine-grass\/\">St. Augustinegrass<\/a> can thrive in sandy soils and humid conditions. It has a coarse texture and a rich, blue-green color.<\/p>    <p>St. Augustinegrass can survive short dry spells by entering a dormant state. It has deep roots and an ability to recover quickly once watered. Plus, its thick leaves can hold moisture well.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes left-align-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Good drought and salt tolerance<br>\u2713 Tolerates shade better than most warm-season grasses<br>\u2713 Grows quickly and fills in bare spots<\/td><td>\u2717 Not cold-hardy; struggles in frost-prone areas<br>\u2717 Susceptible to chinch bugs and fungal diseases<br>\u2717 Requires frequent mowing in summer<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Ideal for USDA hardiness zones 7-12, including humid southern coastal regions, such as Florida, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-top-drought-tolerant-cool-season-grasses\">Top Drought-Tolerant Cool-Season Grasses<\/h2>    <p>Actively growing in spring and fall, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/cool-season-grass-growing-guide\/\">cool-season grasses<\/a> generally prefer milder temperatures. But just because they thrive in cooler weather doesn\u2019t mean they can\u2019t handle a dry spell.<\/p>    <p>These cool-season grasses (<strong>listed from the most to the least drought-tolerant<\/strong>) have surprisingly good tolerance to drought, especially when properly maintained:<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-1-fine-fescue\">1. Fine Fescue<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/fine-fescue-grass.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Close up image of fine fescue grass with a hand on it\" class=\"wp-image-135476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/fine-fescue-grass.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/fine-fescue-grass-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/fine-fescue-grass-656x453.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/fine-fescue-grass-150x104.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/fine-fescue-grass-768x530.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.extension.purdue.edu\/extmedia\/TURF-63-W.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fine Fescue<\/a><br>Photo Credit: Aaron J. Patton, Ph.D. \/ Turfgrass Extension Specialist at Purdue University<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Prized for their low-maintenance nature and shade tolerance, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/fine-fescue\/\">fine fescues<\/a>, which include hard fescue and creeping red fescue, have slender blades and a soft, fine texture, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-grasses-walk-on-barefoot\/\">great for walking barefoot<\/a>.<\/p>    <p>These fescues can go dormant during extended dry periods, but can bounce back quickly once it rains or when watered. Their thin blades and slow growth rate both help to reduce their water demand.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes left-align-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Grows well in shade and poor soils<br>\u2713 Minimal fertilizer and mowing needs<\/td><td>\u2717 Not ideal for high-traffic areas<br>\u2717 May thin out in high heat or humidity<br>\u2717 Can look patchy without overseeding<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Ideal for USDA hardiness zones 3-7, including cool, shady regions in the northern U.S. and New England, such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vermont, and upstate New York.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-2-tall-fescue\">2. Tall Fescue<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tall-fescue-1.jpg\" alt=\"tall fescue\" class=\"wp-image-87157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tall-fescue-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tall-fescue-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tall-fescue-1-646x485.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tall-fescue-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tall-fescue-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.extension.purdue.edu\/extmedia\/TURF-63-W.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tall Fescue<\/a><br>Photo Credit: Aaron J. Patton, Ph.D. \/ Turfgrass Extension Specialist at Purdue University<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>According to Masucci, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/grass-guides\/tall-fescue-lawn-maintenance-guide\/\">tall fescue<\/a> is resistant to drought \u201cdue to its deep, dense roots that access water far below the surface, enabling it to stay green longer during dry spells.\u201d<\/p>    <p>It can go semi-dormant, then bounce back to life once conditions improve.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes left-align-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Excellent drought resistance for a cool-season grass<br>\u2713 Tolerates heat and moderate foot traffic<br>\u2713 Grows in sun or partial shade<\/td><td>\u2717 Coarse texture may not appeal to everyone<br>\u2717 May brown in extreme cold or heat<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9, including transition and northern regions, such as Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, and parts of the Pacific Northwest.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-3-sheep-fescue\">3. Sheep Fescue<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Sheep-Fescue.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"close up image of clump of sheep fescue\" class=\"wp-image-135444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Sheep-Fescue.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Sheep-Fescue-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Sheep-Fescue-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Sheep-Fescue-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Sheep-Fescue-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/the-clump-of-fine-green-grass-festuca-ovina-sheep-s-or-sheep-fescue-with-shining-water-drops-a-close-up-of-a-tufted-bright-fresh-green-grass-in-dew-on-a-meadow\/353433019\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">prambuwesas<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>With a blue-green hue, sheep fescue is often used for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping-tips\/how-to-control-erosion\/\">erosion control<\/a>, naturalized areas, and eco-friendly or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/no-mow-grass-alternatives\/\">no-mow lawns<\/a>.<\/p>    <p>It doesn\u2019t need much water or fertilizer, and it can survive rocky or sandy soils where other grasses fail to grow. Its waxy coating and fine blades help reduce water loss through evaporation, and its clump-forming characteristic also conserves soil moisture.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes left-align-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Extremely drought-resistant grass<br>\u2713 Low-maintenance and rarely needs mowing<br>\u2713 Grows well in poor, rocky soils<\/td><td>\u2717 Not suitable for traditional high-traffic lawns<br>\u2717 Doesn\u2019t self-repair like rhizome-spreading grasses like Kentucky bluegrass<br>\u2717 Its patchy appearance may not suit all tastes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Ideal for USDA hardiness zones 2-7, including cold northern regions and mountainous areas like Montana, the Dakotas, Colorado, and northern New England.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-4-kentucky-bluegrass-drought-tolerant-cultivars\">4. Kentucky Bluegrass (Drought-Tolerant Cultivars)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of Kentucky bluegrass\" class=\"wp-image-86581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Kentucky-Bluegrass-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Kentucky-Bluegrass-646x485.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Kentucky-Bluegrass-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Kentucky-Bluegrass-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/plant_diversity\/3883807553\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matt Lavin<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>It\u2019s tough to beat the signature dark green color of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/kentucky-bluegrass\/\">Kentucky bluegrass<\/a>. Fortunately, some of the new varieties produced from selective breeding are now drought-tolerant.<\/p>    <p>While traditional bluegrass types have shallow roots, newer varieties like \u2019BlueBank\u2019 and \u2019Midnight\u2019 have been bred to have roots that go deeper and hold up better during dry weather. They\u2019ll still need more water than fescues in hot summers, but in cooler areas with occasional drought, they can perform well.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes left-align-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Attractive, lush appearance<br>\u2713 Good cold tolerance<br>\u2713 Self-repairing due to rhizome spread<\/td><td>\u2717 High water and fertilizer needs compared to other cool-season grasses<br>\u2717 Susceptible to drought stress and heat damage<br>\u2717 Slower germination (can take up to 21 days)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-7 in cold northern states like Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-faq-about-drought-tolerant-grasses\">FAQ About Drought-Tolerant Grasses<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1750484084583\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Long Does it Take Drought-Tolerant Grass to Establish?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It depends on the type. For example, Bermudagrass takes less time to establish than buffalograss or fine fescue. Whether it\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-plant-grass-seed\/\">planted as seed<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-lay-sod\/\">laid as sod<\/a> also affects how quickly your drought-tolerant grass will establish.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1750484128955\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Are Drought-Tolerant Grasses More Disease-Resistant?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Some drought-tolerant grasses, like tall fescue and Zoysiagrass, are fairly disease-resistant. But drought tolerance doesn\u2019t always mean fewer pests or diseases. That\u2019s why regular and proper lawn care still matters.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1750484151204\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Will Drought-Tolerant Grasses Stay Green Even in Drought?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Some, like Bermudagrass and tall fescue, stay green longer in dry spells, but most will go dormant during extended drought and bounce back once watered. Using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-is-grass-paint\/\">grass paint<\/a> is also one way to maintain your lawn color during a drought.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-keep-your-lawn-green-with-less-effort\">Keep Your Lawn Green with Less Effort<\/h2>    <p>You wouldn\u2019t want to spend summer tending to your lawn just to keep it green. The secret is to choose the right grass type that can naturally thrive during these dog days. And if you hire <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/lawn-care\">local lawn care pros<\/a>, you can be sure you and your lawn have plenty of time to enjoy the sun.<\/p>    <p><strong>Read More:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/drought-tolerant-landscape-ideas\/\">7 Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Ideas<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/drought-lawn-grass-resistance-tolerance\/\">How to Take Care of Your Lawn During a Drought<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/best-drought-tolerant-trees\/\">20 Best Drought-Tolerant Trees by Region<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/best-drought-tolerant-shrubs\/\">Best Drought-Tolerant Shrubs<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-97b8169e-693c-4535-80bd-a9c083d200f5\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-97b8169e-693c-4535-80bd-a9c083d200f5\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-97b8169e-693c-4535-80bd-a9c083d200f5\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-97b8169e-693c-4535-80bd-a9c083d200f5\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/climate-indicators\/climate-change-indicators-drought\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Climate Change Indicators: Drought<\/a>.\u201d United States Environmental Protection Agency.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/cales.arizona.edu\/yavapai\/anr\/hort\/byg\/archive\/buffalograss2021.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Drought Tolerant Buffalograss<\/a>.\u201d By Jeff Schalau, Extension agent. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwyo.edu\/barnbackyard\/_files\/documents\/magazine\/2012\/fall\/092012bbdroughtolerantlawn.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Drought-Tolerant Lawn Species Help Reduce Water Use, Still Look Great<\/a>.\u201d By Chris Hilgert, master gardener coordinator. University of Wyoming Extension.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/content.ces.ncsu.edu\/extension-gardener-handbook\/9-lawns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lawns<\/a>.\u201d By Grady Miller, professor of crop science. North Carolina State University Extension.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ifas.ufl.edu\/hillsboroughco\/author\/masuccim\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Michael Masucci<\/a>, community association liaison and public educator at the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/plants.ces.ncsu.edu\/find_a_plant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox<\/a>.\u201d North Carolina State University Extension.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/factsheet\/ornamental-grasses-and-grass-like-plants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ornamental Grasses and Grass-Like Plants<\/a>.\u201d By Karen Russ, former HGIC horticulture specialist, and Robert Polomski, associate Extension specialist. Clemson University.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>.\u201d U.S. Department of Agriculture.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/ucanr.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/2022-05\/368079.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Your Lawn During Drought<\/a>.\u201d University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p>Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/grass-background-st-augustine-grass\/286146651\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Formatoriginal<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>    <p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this guide, you\u2019ll discover the best drought-tolerant grasses that can withstand hot weather, which include Bermudagrass and tall fescue.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":135447,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[9],"class_list":["post-63927","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-2","tag-lawn-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/St.Augustine-grass.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Melanie Joseph","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/melanie-josephlawnstarter-com\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>10 Best Drought-Tolerant Grasses<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In this guide, you\u2019ll discover the best drought-tolerant grasses that can withstand hot weather, which include 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