8 Best Grass Types for Dry States and Water-Restricted Areas

Maintaining a healthy, attractive lawn can be challenging in dry climates where rainfall is limited, summers are hot, and watering restrictions are common. Traditional lawn grasses may require frequent irrigation to stay green, making them difficult and expensive to maintain in drought-prone regions.

Fortunately, several drought-tolerant grass varieties can survive with significantly less water once established. Many develop deep root systems that help them reach moisture below the soil surface, while others naturally slow their growth or enter dormancy during extended dry periods.

Whether you live in the Southwest, the Great Plains, a dry mountain region, or an area with seasonal watering restrictions, choosing the right grass can help you create a more resilient and water-efficient lawn.

Here are eight of the best grass types for dry states and water-restricted areas.

1. Buffalograss

Buffalograss is one of the most drought-tolerant native lawn grasses in North America. Originally found throughout the Great Plains, it naturally grows in regions with hot summers, limited rainfall, and extended periods of dry weather.

This warm-season grass develops a dense, low-growing lawn with fine, blue-green blades. Its extensive root system allows it to survive long periods without supplemental irrigation. During severe drought, buffalograss may turn tan and enter dormancy, but it usually greens up again when moisture returns.

Buffalograss also grows slowly and generally requires less mowing and fertilizer than many traditional lawn grasses.

Best qualities:

• Excellent drought tolerance
• Low water requirements
• Requires less frequent mowing
• Performs well in full sun
• Native to much of the central United States
• Low fertilizer needs

Best growing conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, and warm summers.

Potential drawback: Buffalograss does not perform well in heavy shade or areas with frequent foot traffic.

2. Bermudagrass

Bermudagrass is a popular warm-season lawn grass known for its outstanding heat tolerance and ability to recover quickly from wear. It forms a thick, durable lawn through aggressive aboveground runners and underground stems.

Once established, Bermudagrass can tolerate drought by developing deep roots and entering temporary dormancy during extended dry periods. Although occasional deep watering helps maintain its green color, established lawns can survive with less water than many other commonly planted turfgrasses.

Bermudagrass is especially well suited to hot southern and southwestern states.

Best qualities:

• Excellent heat tolerance
• Very good drought resistance
• Recovers quickly from damage
• Handles heavy foot traffic
• Forms a dense lawn
• Performs well in intense sunlight

Best growing conditions: Full sun, warm temperatures, and well-drained soil.

Potential drawback: Its aggressive growth can spread into flower beds and landscaped areas if it is not regularly edged.

3. Zoysiagrass

Zoysiagrass produces a thick, carpet-like lawn that can tolerate heat, drought, and moderate foot traffic. Its dense growth helps crowd out many weeds while reducing moisture loss from exposed soil.

Once its deep root system becomes established, Zoysiagrass can remain healthy with less frequent watering. During prolonged drought, it may turn brown and become dormant rather than dying. It typically recovers when rainfall or irrigation returns.

Zoysiagrass grows more slowly than Bermudagrass but creates a dense and attractive lawn with proper care.

Best qualities:

• Very good drought tolerance
• Dense growth helps suppress weeds
• Handles heat well
• Tolerates moderate foot traffic
• Requires less frequent mowing because of its slow growth
• Tolerates some light shade

Best growing conditions: Full sun to light shade and well-drained soil.

Potential drawback: Zoysiagrass can be slow to establish and may take more than one growing season to fill an entire lawn.

4. Bahiagrass

Bahiagrass is a tough, low-maintenance warm-season grass commonly grown in hot regions with sandy or low-fertility soils. Its deep root system provides excellent drought resistance and allows it to survive where more demanding lawn grasses may struggle.

Although Bahiagrass does not produce the finely manicured appearance of some premium turf varieties, it is dependable, durable, and relatively easy to maintain. It is often used for large lawns, rural properties, roadsides, and areas where water conservation is more important than a perfectly uniform appearance.

Best qualities:

• Deep, drought-resistant root system
• Performs well in sandy soil
• Tolerates low-fertility conditions
• Requires relatively little fertilizer
• Handles high temperatures
• Good choice for large properties

Best growing conditions: Full sun and sandy, acidic, or well-drained soil.

Potential drawback: Bahiagrass produces tall, visible seed heads that may require frequent mowing during active growth.

5. Centipedegrass

Centipedegrass is often called a low-maintenance lawn grass because it grows slowly and generally requires less fertilizer and mowing than many other warm-season varieties.

It performs especially well in acidic soils and warm climates. Once established, Centipedegrass has moderate drought tolerance and can survive temporary dry periods by becoming dormant. It is best suited to homeowners who prefer a simple lawn-care routine and do not need turf that can withstand heavy traffic.

Best qualities:

• Low fertilizer requirements
• Slow-growing and easy to maintain
• Requires less frequent mowing
• Performs well in acidic soils
• Tolerates hot weather
• Can survive moderate drought

Best growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade and acidic, well-drained soil.

Potential drawback: Centipedegrass is less tolerant of heavy foot traffic and prolonged extreme drought than Buffalograss or Bermudagrass.

6. Fine Fescue

Fine fescues include several cool-season grasses, such as creeping red fescue, hard fescue, sheep fescue, and chewings fescue. These grasses have narrow, fine-textured blades and generally require less water and fertilizer than many traditional cool-season lawn grasses.

Hard fescue and sheep fescue are particularly useful in dry, low-maintenance landscapes. Fine fescues also tolerate shade better than most drought-resistant warm-season grasses.

During hot, dry summers, fine fescue may become dormant and turn brown. However, healthy established lawns often recover when cooler temperatures and rainfall return.

Best qualities:

• Good drought tolerance for a cool-season grass
• Performs well in partial shade
• Low fertilizer requirements
• Fine, attractive leaf texture
• Suitable for low-maintenance lawns
• Adapts to cooler climates

Best growing conditions: Cool or transitional climates with partial shade or moderate summer temperatures.

Potential drawback: Fine fescue may struggle in areas with extreme summer heat, poor drainage, or heavy foot traffic.

7. Tall Fescue

Tall fescue is one of the most popular drought-tolerant cool-season lawn grasses. Unlike many shallow-rooted grasses, tall fescue can develop roots several feet into suitable soil, allowing it to reach moisture during dry conditions.

Modern turf-type tall fescue varieties have finer blades and a more uniform appearance than older varieties. They remain green longer during dry weather when compared with many other cool-season grasses.

Tall fescue is widely grown throughout the transition zone and can also perform well in cooler regions where summers occasionally become hot and dry.

Best qualities:

• Deep root system
• Very good drought tolerance
• Remains green longer during dry periods
• Tolerates moderate shade
• Handles moderate foot traffic
• Adaptable to many soil types

Best growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade in cool-season and transition-zone climates.

Potential drawback: Tall fescue usually grows in clumps and may not naturally repair bare areas as quickly as spreading grasses.

8. Blue Grama Grass

Blue grama is a drought-tolerant native prairie grass found throughout much of the central and western United States. It is naturally adapted to dry climates, intense sunlight, temperature changes, and low annual rainfall.

This warm-season grass has narrow green blades and distinctive curved seed heads that are sometimes described as resembling eyelashes. Blue grama can be grown as a natural meadow grass or maintained as a low-water lawn.

Because it evolved in dry prairie environments, established Blue grama requires very little supplemental irrigation.

Best qualities:

• Exceptional drought resistance
• Very low water requirements
• Native to dry regions of North America
• Performs well in poor soils
• Low fertilizer needs
• Excellent for natural and low-maintenance landscapes

Best growing conditions: Full sun and dry, well-drained soil.

Potential drawback: Blue grama grows slowly and may not tolerate heavy traffic or consistently wet soil.

How to Choose the Right Drought-Tolerant Grass

The best grass for your property depends on more than drought tolerance. Climate, winter temperatures, sunlight, soil type, foot traffic, and the amount of maintenance you are willing to provide should all influence your decision.

Warm-season grasses generally grow best in regions with long, hot summers. These include:

• Buffalograss
• Bermudagrass
• Zoysiagrass
• Bahiagrass
• Centipedegrass
• Blue grama

Cool-season grasses are usually better suited to northern states, higher elevations, and regions with cold winters. These include:

• Fine fescue
• Tall fescue

Homeowners in transition-zone climates may be able to grow either warm-season or cool-season grasses, depending on local temperatures and growing conditions.

Tips for Growing a Lawn With Less Water

Choosing drought-tolerant grass is an important first step, but proper lawn care can further reduce water use.

Water deeply but less frequently to encourage roots to grow farther into the soil. Frequent shallow watering can create shallow root systems that are more vulnerable during drought.

Mow at the recommended height for your grass type. Leaving grass slightly taller can shade the soil, reduce evaporation, and encourage deeper root growth.

Avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade during a single mowing. Cutting too much at once can stress the lawn and increase its need for water.

Improve compacted soil by aerating when necessary. Looser soil allows water and oxygen to reach grass roots more effectively.

Leave finely chopped grass clippings on the lawn when possible. They return nutrients and organic matter to the soil while helping conserve moisture.

Can Drought-Tolerant Grass Survive Without Water?

Drought-tolerant does not mean that grass never needs water. Newly planted seed and newly installed sod require consistent moisture while roots become established.

Mature drought-resistant grasses can survive longer periods with little rainfall, but their appearance may change. Some varieties naturally turn tan or brown and enter dormancy during severe drought. Dormancy is a survival response and does not necessarily mean the lawn is dead.

When moisture and favorable temperatures return, healthy dormant grass can often begin growing and regain its color.

Final Thoughts

A beautiful lawn does not always require frequent watering. Drought-tolerant grasses such as Buffalograss, Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, Bahiagrass, Centipedegrass, Fine Fescue, Tall Fescue, and Blue grama can provide attractive ground cover while reducing irrigation needs.

For extremely dry regions, Buffalograss and Blue grama are excellent native, low-water choices. Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass are strong options for hot climates where durability is important. In cooler regions, Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue can provide better drought resistance than many traditional cool-season lawn grasses.

By matching the grass variety to your climate, soil, sunlight, and intended use, you can create a healthier and more water-efficient lawn that is better prepared for dry weather and seasonal watering restrictions.