Hot weather and extended droughts are commonplace in many parts of the western United States, making it a real challenge for homeowners to keep their lawns healthy and vibrant.
However, with drought-tolerant sod homeowners can keep their lawns looking beautiful and green, even in the most drought-prone climates. So what is drought-tolerant sod and what are some of the best types?
What Is Drought Tolerant Sod?
Drought-tolerant sod, also known as drought-resistant sod, is just like normal sod except that the varieties of grass have been researched and developed to be more drought-resistant, allowing it to thrive in hot, sunny climates and low water conditions.
Varieties of Kentucky Bluegrass have been developed to survive when water is short and even go into dormancy in severe drought and green up again when water is available.
They also tend to grow slower and have narrower leaves than other less drought-tolerant grasses, which allows the lawn to lose less water through transpiration.
While there are tons of different types of grasses, dwarf turf type tall fescue is significantly more drought resistant than others. This drought-resistant grass tends to have much deeper root systems than other types of grass, allowing it to access water much deeper in the ground.
Texas Blue grass is one of the newest advances that combines extensive rhizomes along with heat and drought tolerance. Its’ drought and heat resistance, along with lower water and nitrogen inputs, make it a good choice for lower water use areas. In addition, its shade tolerance is better than traditional Kentucky bluegrass. Texas Blue produces a dense, dark green ground cover throughout the summer, recovers quickly from drought and is resistant to brown patch with its’ aggressive rhizomes.
Research and development has crossed many Kentucky bluegrass varieties with Texas bluegrass varieties to improve genetics and enhance drought resistance, shade tolerance, and slower growing characteristics.
What are the Benefits of Using Drought-Tolerant Sod for your Lawn?
Drought-Resistance
The most obvious benefit of drought-tolerant sod is its ability to thrive in hot and low water conditions. While other grasses will start dying and turning brown after only a few days without water, drought-tolerant grass will stay beautifully green longer through the toughest conditions.
Water Conservation
Being that drought-resistant grass thrives in low water conditions, it's no surprise that taking care of it requires much less water than older varieties. Using drought-tolerant sod in your lawn can help you conserve water and save money on your water bill.
Low Maintenance
Drought-tolerant grass also tends to grow slower and have narrower leaves than other types of grasses, meaning that you can spend less time and money on lawn care like mowing, fertilizing, and watering your lawn.
Environmentally Friendly
Drought-resistant grass is also much more environmentally friendly than other traditional types because it requires a lot less water to properly maintain. They also still provide many of the awesome benefits to the environment that grass provides.
What are the Best Types of Drought Tolerant Sod?
American Bluegrass™ Drought Tolerant Sod
American Bluegrass™ Drought Tolerant Sod is a unique blend of Kentucky Bluegrasses that is incredibly drought resistant and boasts a luxurious, soft feel and a dark blue-green color. It can beautifully transform any landscape into a lush, green oasis for years to come.
This fine-textured grass performs well in both sun and shade, making it an excellent choice for any yard, regardless of climate or location. However, its high drought resistance makes it a perfect fit for areas prone to long, hot, dry summers.
American Oasis™ Turf Type Tall Fescue Sod
American Oasis™ Turf Type Tall Fescue Sod is also a blend of some of the most drought-tolerant dwarf turf-type tall fescue grasses and is often used on sports fields and parks where there is generally a lot of foot traffic.
Its medium blade width allows it to be exceptionally durable, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas and or yards with pets. It is also endophyte enhanced, which provides pest, insect, and disease resistance, making it even more durable and low maintenance.
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