Wisconsin Homeowners: How-To Guide For A Drought-Tolerant Lawn

Growing a lush and green lawn in Wisconsin means planting grass that does well in this climate. The best grass varieties are those that are resistant to low rainfall and drought so that your lawn stays healthy all year round

There are two different categories of drought-resistant grasses: warm season or cool season. When landscaping your yard, planting a grass that thrives in the climate where you live sets your lawn up for success.

Here are the best grass varieties for drought conditions in warm and cool climates:

Warm Season Grasses

Warm season grasses grow best in drought regions that have hot summers followed by mild winters:

• Bermuda: Often used on golf courses and athletic fields, Bermuda grass is best in full sun in areas that are hot and dry. Fine-textured, this grass will go dormant in colder weather.
• St. Augustine: Requiring good aeration and soil, St. Augustine is tolerant to hot temperatures and drought conditions. Rather than direct sunlight, this grass does best in dappled sun and shade.
• Buffalo: Ideal for areas that have hot summers, Buffalo grass is low maintenance, deep-rooted, and does well with limited watering.

Cool Season Grass

Cool season grasses grow well in drought areas that have temperate summers and below-freezing days in the winter:

• Fescues: Available in different varieties, Fescue is resistant to drought and heat and does well in poor soil conditions. The grass remains green even in colder months.
• Ryegrass: A fast-growing perennial, Ryegrass has a green and lush appearance even during drought conditions. With its incredible low maintenance and durability, Ryegrass is often planted in high-traffic areas.
• Bentgrass: With lovely bluish green foliage, Bentgrass does well in drought climates but needs cooler night temperatures to really flourish. Low maintenance, this grass is good for both residential homes, golf courses, and athletic fields.

For lawn care and grass planting, call a professional landscaper in Wisconsin.

Eco-Friendly Green Alternatives

Why not consider these green alternatives to drought-tolerant grass for all or part of your lawn? You’ll be able to reduce water consumption while still having a yard that looks green and lush:

• Moss – Moss is easy to install, spreads quickly to cover the ground, and requires little to no watering.
• Sedum – Low-growing succulents such as sedum are ideal as ground cover. Creeping sedum is fast growing, low maintenance, and can be planted in areas where there is foot traffic.
• Thyme – Slow spreading, thyme thrives in dry and sunny conditions. Thyme comes in a variety of different colors and as a bonus releases a lovely fragrance.

Lawn Care

When choosing and planting the right grass variety for your climate region, use these tips to keep it looking green and healthy:

• Look for native grass at your local nursery. Native grass will be better able to handle the weather conditions in your area.
• Select grass that has deep roots, which can access water deeper in the soil.
• Plant in healthy soil.
• Water grass regularly and deeply, but avoid over-watering.
• Mow grass to a height that’s appropriate for the variety. This will help to increase the drought resistance of your lawn.
• Harvest rainwater by setting up a collection system under downspouts.
• Install a drip irrigation system.

Need help and advice for planting a drought-tolerant lawn? Contact a professional HomeAdvisor landscaper in Wisconsin.

This Patch article is sponsored by HomeAdvisor.