Drought-Resistant Grass: Best Types for a Green Lawn

When the summer heat sets in and watering restrictions tighten, drought-resistant grass can be the difference between a crispy brown patch and a lush, resilient lawn. While no grass can thrive indefinitely without water, some varieties are specifically bred — or naturally evolved — to flourish with far less, making them more drought-tolerant than resistant. For homeowners in dry or water-conscious regions, these tough turfs offer a smart solution: lasting curb appeal while lowering skyrocketing water bills and lessening constant upkeep.

Opting for drought-tolerant grass means saving water, reducing maintenance and keeping your lawn healthier through long, dry spells. It also means quicker recovery once the stress of the heat and dry conditions subside, providing a greener lawn for more days than not. Deep-rooted varieties pull moisture from farther below the surface, allowing you to water less often. Their slower growth during hot, dry periods means less mowing — freeing up your weekends from lawn chores.

At TruGreen, we make water-wise lawn care easy. Our expert lawn care plans are tailored to your region and paired with treatments like Lawn Stress Guard, which helps reduce moisture loss, strengthen roots and maintain health even in extreme heat. Whether you’re planting new seed or upgrading your existing lawn, TruGreen’s experts can help you choose the right turf and keep it healthy — no matter how dry the forecast looks. 

Drought tolerance in Phoenix doesn’t look the same as it does in Pittsburgh. That’s why it’s important to choose grass suited to your climate. Turf types are typically grouped into warm-season (thriving in hot climates) and cool-season (better for cooler, northern areas) grasses. Below, we break down the best drought-tolerant options in both categories so you can find the right fit for your yard — and your water bill.

Warm Season Grasses

Perfect for the South, Southwest and regions with long, hot summers.

Bermuda Grass

• Where it thrives: Deep South, Southwest, coastal regions
• Sunlight needs: Full sun (8+ hours daily)
• Watering: About 1 inch per week once established
• Why it works: Fast-spreading, handles foot traffic and self-repairs
• Watch out for: Turns brown after frost, can creep into flower beds

Zoysia Grass

• Where it thrives: Southern and transition zones
• Sunlight needs: Full sun, tolerates some shade
• Watering: 0.5-1 inch weekly
• Why it works: Thick, weed-resistant turf with low fertilizer needs
• Watch out for: Slow to grow from seed, shade can cause dormancy

Buffalo Grass

• Where it thrives: Great Plains and high-desert areas
• Sunlight needs: Minimum 6 hours of sun
• Watering: Often survives on rainfall alone
• Why it works: Native, super low maintenance, needs little mowing
• Watch out for: Doesn’t like shade; pale green color isn’t for everyone

Bahia Grass

• Where it thrives: Gulf Coast, sandy Southern soils
• Sunlight needs: Full sun
• Watering: 1 inch every 10-14 days
• Why it works: Tough in drought, great for poor acidic soil, good low-maintenance lawn grass
• Watch out for: Coarse feel, limited traffic and shade tolerance  

St. Augustine Grass

• Where it thrives: Coastal Southeast, humid regions
• Sunlight needs: 4-6 hours daily
• Watering: About 1 inch per week
• Why it works: Lush, broad blades, good in partial shade
• Watch out for: Not cold hardy; watch for chinch bugs

Cool Season Grasses

Great for northern climates, higher elevations and areas with chilly winters and mild summers.

Tall Fescue

• Where it thrives: Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest and Northeast
• Sunlight needs: Full sun to light shade
• Watering: 1 inch every 7-10 days
• Why it works: Deepest roots in its class, stays green longer, handles wear and tear
• Watch out for: Can clump without overseeding, struggles in extreme heat and humidity

Fine Fescue (Creeping Red, Chewings, Hard)

• Where it thrives: Northern zones, shady and coastal yards
• Sunlight needs: Shade or filtered light
• Watering: 0.5-0.75 inch weekly
• Why it works: Soft, low-maintenance, grows well in poor soil
• Watch out for: Limited heat tolerance, not great for rough play areas

Kentucky Bluegrass

• Where it thrives: Upper Midwest, Northeast, mountain areas
• Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Watering: 1 inch weekly; can go dormant to survive dry spells
• Why it works: Classic green lawn look, fills in bare spots naturally
• Watch out for: Needs more fertilizer, shallower roots than fescue, susceptible to grubs

Choosing the right grass can help you save water, reduce maintenance and keep your lawn looking great — no matter the forecast. Still unsure? A TruGreen specialist can help you select the perfect turf for your climate and lifestyle. 

Native plants are naturally built for your local climate. They’ve adapted to survive dry spells, intense sun and sudden downpours with deep roots and moisture-saving leaves. Once established, most need little more than rainfall to thrive — no heavy watering or fuss required.

For homeowners, that means less time and money spent on watering, fertilizing and maintenance. Native grasses and perennials offer a low-maintenance way to add beauty and resilience to your landscape while trimming utility costs.

Want to boost your lawn’s drought resistance?

Mix in native species alongside traditional turf. Try planting drought-tolerant bunchgrasses in sunny borders, adding native wildflowers to patchy spots or overseeding thin areas with native grass seed. You’ll strengthen your lawn’s ability to handle extreme weather — and help support local pollinators and wildlife.

Top native grasses to consider:

• Buffalo Grass: A Great Plains classic that thrives on rainfall alone, needs minimal mowing and blends easily with warm-season lawns
• Blue Grama: Perfect for hot, dry climates in the Southwest and Mountain West, with fine texture and graceful seedheads
• California Fescue: Ideal for West Coast slopes and shade-dappled areas; great for erosion control with little irrigation

Pair these grasses with native perennials like:

• Purple Coneflower: A hardy prairie bloomer that attracts pollinators and thrives in dry conditions
• Blanketflower: Bright and cheerful, this daisy-like perennial handles heat and poor soil with ease
• Black-Eyed Susan: A tough native that adds a pop of yellow and needs little more than sunshine
• Yarrow: Feathery foliage and long-lasting blooms make it a drought-tolerant favorite across many regions
• Penstemon: With tubular flowers and a love of dry soil, it’s a magnet for hummingbirds and bees

Bonus tip: When paired with professional care like TruGreen’s Lawn Stress Guard, native additions give your yard an extra edge against heat and drought while still looking great. 

Switching to drought tolerant grass puts you in control of water usage while keeping your lawn thick, green and enjoyable through sizzling summers. With fewer watering cycles, reduced mowing and lower fertilizer needs, you’ll spend less time on upkeep and more time relaxing outdoors, all while supporting a landscape that can handle regional dry spells.

TruGreen’s lawn care professionals make this transition seamless. From selecting the right grass seed or sod to applying Lawn Stress Guard at just the right moment, our science-backed approach and localized expertise ensure your yard thrives even when rainfall is scarce.

Take the first step toward a resilient, low-maintenance lawn. Call TruGreen today for a quote or if you're already a TruGreen customer, call today to add it to your plan.