Drought Resistant Grass for Georgia

Types

• Warm-season grasses thrive when temperatures reach 80 to 95 degrees F. They grow well throughout much of the year in Georgia. They enter dormancy in late fall or early winter when temperatures may reach as low as 5 to 20 degrees F at times. Bermuda grass and Seashore Paspalum both provide excellent drought resistance in Georgia. Seashore Paspalum shows moderate tolerance for both wet and dry soil condtions and performs well in the southern half of Georgia. Bermuda grass continues to grow satisfactorily when exposed to high traffic and thrives throughout the state.

Growing Conditions

• Neither of these grasses performs well in shady locations, although Seashore Paspalum shows slightly more tolerance in lightly shaded areas. Both require 2 to 5 lb. of fertilizer per 1,000 sq. ft. on an annual basis. Both grasses prefer moist soil, but resist drought well. Bermuda grass survives slightly better in drought conditions than Seashore Paspalum, according to Texas A&M University.

Considerations

• These two grasses both need full sun to remain healthy and develop into a thick, lush lawn. This makes them ill-suited for lawns with even moderate shade. Homeowners facing this dilemma should consider planting centipedegrass, which grows well in partial shade. This grass shows slightly poorer tolerance of drought, but still demonstrates above average results during extended dry periods.

Tip

• If you prefer to cool-season grasses, pick the species carefully, as most do not resist drought well. The best options in this category include perennial ryegrass and tall fescue. Avoid other species such as creeping bentgrass and rough stalk bluegrass.