Drought resistant lawn and drought tolerant grasses

Australia's drought conditions are bringing about changes in the
way we landscape our gardens.

Of particular concern is the traditional front or back lawn. While some people may decide to replace their lawn with drought resistant plants, others don't wish to give up the attractive spread of green which has had its place in Australian gardens for so long. A place for kids to play, dogs to frolic, and somewhere maybe to sprawl on a fine sunny day, enjoying the outdoors.

But in times of drought in Australia, the kind of lawn we grow is worth considering. A drought resistant grass type is much more practical and sensible, requiring less frequent use of our precious resource- water- and therefore also costing us less in water charges.

Drought tolerant grasses are specially developed to withstand hotter drier conditions, and to go for longer periods between watering. They are also fairly resilient if they do get starved of water- even after a prolonged period they will usually spring back to healthy, green life after the rain, or watering, begins again. So, with a lot of drought resistant lawns, (especially those with rhizomes) there is no need to be too concerned if dry brown patches do appear during summer.

You can help "train" your drought tolerant lawn to become even more resistant by giving it deep waterings, spread well apart. Once a week is usually sufficient, once the lawn has taken vigorous hold. Frequent shorter watering does not encourage deep root development, and the grass therefore has to rely more on what its roots can reach near the surface.

Some of the varieties recommended for drought resilience are:

Buffalo Grass

• Drought resistant
• Grows well in hot climates
• Hardy. Resistant to herbicides and fungus
• Grows reasonably in shade
• Great kids play area grass, as it is soft to touch
• Less invasive in garden beds than some lawn grasses
• Needs less mowing than some other grasses

Couch

• Once again, there are several varieties.
• Very heat and drought resistant
• Needs less water than most other grasses
• Grows in filtered sunlight
• An inexpensive grass
• Hardy
• Generally non irritating to skin, so good for kids to play on
• Resistant to pests and diseases

Kikuyu

• Very drought resistant
• Grows fast when plentiful water returns
• Needs regular mowing
• Grows very rapidly in a sunny, warm climate
• One of the less expensive lawn grasses
• Hardy, can withstand heavy traffic
• Spreads via runners
  

Empire Zoysia

• One of the most drought resistant lawns
• Keeps good appearance even with little water
• Cold hardy
• Low maintenance
• Rhizomes
• Sun & moderate shade
• Tough and hard wearing
• Out competes weeds well
• Disease and pest tolerant
• Grows well in clay and sandy soils
• Can be grown throughout Australia
  

Some grasses do better in shade or full sun than others, so choose appropriately for your conditions.

Soil type is also a consideration. You will also find a difference in costs with different varieties of drought resistant grasses, so make sure you look into this if it is an issue.

Of course, the most drought resistant "grass" is artificial lawn. These days there are some quite good realistic ones available, so for no water or regular maintenance, this may be a choice worth considering.

But for many people, a lawn just wouldn't be the same without the living feel of it, or the wonderful scent when it is freshly mown!

Check out further information online for more details about drought resistant grasses, as well as how to plant and care for a well planned drought tolerant lawn.

Happy Mowing!