Tennessee summers can bring long stretches of high heat and limited rainfall, often resulting in periods of drought. For homeowners looking to maintain a lush, green lawn, these conditions can pose a challenge. However, choosing drought-resistant lawn care strategies can help conserve water, reduce maintenance, and ensure that your lawn stays healthy through the hottest months. In this blog, we'll explore effective methods for keeping your Tennessee lawn looking its best despite the summer heat.

Selecting Drought-Resistant Grass Species

One of the most important steps in creating a drought-tolerant lawn is selecting the right type of grass. Some grass species are naturally more suited to Tennessee's hot, dry summers and require significantly less water to thrive.

Recommended Grasses

Zoysia: Known for its ability to tolerate heat and drought, Zoysia grass forms a dense, carpet-like lawn that naturally resists weeds and pests. It requires less water once established, making it a perfect choice for drought-prone areas.
Bermuda: This warm-season grass thrives in high temperatures and is exceptionally drought-tolerant. Bermuda grows quickly, has a deep root system, and requires minimal watering once established.
Buffalo Grass: A native grass that is highly drought-resistant, Buffalo grass needs very little water and maintenance once established. It's a great choice for homeowners looking to reduce their water usage significantly.

Why These Grasses Require Less Water: These grasses have deep root systems that help them access water deep in the soil, even during dry spells. They also have lower water requirements compared to cool-season grasses like Fescue, which are often less heat-tolerant and require more frequent watering during the summer months.

Learn more about the best types of grass for Tennessee.

Efficient Watering Practices

Proper watering is critical for drought-tolerant lawns, but it's important to understand that more frequent, shallow watering can do more harm than good. Instead, focus on deep watering methods that encourage root growth and help your lawn survive dry spells.

Deep Watering Methods

Water your lawn deeply, but less frequently. This promotes deeper root growth, which enables grass to access moisture further down in the soil.
A good rule of thumb is to water once or twice a week, providing about 1-1.5 inches of water each time.
Use a rain gauge or a container (like a tuna can) to measure how much water your sprinkler is delivering to ensure you're watering adequately.

Best Time to Water

Watering early in the morning or late in the evening is ideal, as this reduces water loss due to evaporation during the heat of the day.
Early morning watering is preferable, as it allows grass blades to dry off by the time temperatures rise, reducing the risk of disease.

Soil Management

Good soil management can significantly enhance your lawn's drought tolerance by improving water retention and promoting healthy root growth.

Add Organic Matter

Incorporating organic matter like compost into your soil can improve its ability to retain moisture. This will help your lawn survive periods of drought while reducing your need for supplemental watering.
Organic matter also improves soil structure, providing better drainage during heavy rainfall and improved moisture retention during dry periods.

Benefits of Mulch

Apply a layer of mulch around garden beds, trees, and shrubs to help retain soil moisture and keep roots cool during hot weather.
Mulch also reduces soil erosion and discourages weed growth, which competes with your lawn for valuable water resources.

Mowing and Maintenance Adjustments

Adjusting your mowing practices during the summer months can make a significant difference in how well your lawn copes with drought conditions.

Raise Mower Height

Raising the mowing height helps the grass grow taller, which in turn reduces water evaporation from the soil. Taller grass also provides more shade, which helps keep the soil cool during hot weather.
Aim for a grass height of 3 to 4 inches for the best drought-tolerant results.

Reduce Foot Traffic

During periods of drought, try to minimize foot traffic on your lawn. Heavy foot traffic can compact the soil, which restricts root growth and reduces water absorption.
Consider setting up pathways or using gravel to protect high-traffic areas of your lawn.

Alternative Landscaping Options

Incorporating drought-tolerant plants into your landscape can help reduce the amount of lawn area that requires constant watering and maintenance.

Drought-Tolerant Plants and Xeriscaping

Consider replacing portions of your lawn with drought-tolerant plants, shrubs, and flowers. These plants are adapted to dry conditions and will require much less water and care than traditional lawn grass.
Xeriscaping, or water-efficient landscaping, uses drought-resistant plants, mulch, and efficient watering techniques to reduce water consumption while maintaining an attractive, low-maintenance yard.

Reducing Lawn Area

By reducing the size of your lawn, you can save both water and maintenance time. Focus on creating a diverse landscape that includes native plants, rocks, and other hardscaping elements to create a beautiful, functional yard that thrives in Tennessee's summer heat.

For ideas on sustainable landscaping, check out the Tennessee Smart Yards Workbook from the University of Tennessee Extension.

Conclusion

Tennessee summers can be tough on lawns, but with the right drought-tolerant strategies in place, your yard can stay healthy and vibrant even during the hottest months. By selecting the right grass species, practicing efficient watering, improving soil health, adjusting your mowing habits, and incorporating alternative landscaping options, you can create a sustainable lawn that thrives in dry conditions. Making these adjustments will not only help you save water but also create a more resilient, beautiful outdoor space for you to enjoy all summer long.

Embrace drought-tolerant lawn care and contribute to a more sustainable future for your home and community.

Drought-Tolerant Lawn Care Tips for Tennessee Summers