Grass Sod That Doesn't Need a Lot of Watering

Growing Kentucky Bluegrass

• Comprised of more than 100 species, cool-season perennial Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) has several heat- and drought-tolerant cultivars, including ''America,'' ''Apollo,'' ''Brilliant,'' ''Midnight," ''Showcase'' and ''Total Eclipse.". Kentucky bluegrass has a medium texture with medium-to-dark green coloring, and grows best in full to partial sunlight. Infrequent but deep watering and regular fertilization keep it healthy and green. Kentucky bluegrass grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 6.

Growing Bermuda Grass

• Common bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season perennial grass that tolerates long-term drought conditions. Bermuda grass is commonly used for golf courses and sports fields, but it's also ideal for residential lawns. Its texture is dense but slightly fine, and it withstands heavy traffic. Bermuda grass requires full sunlight and turns brown when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for warmer climates. To keep Bermuda grass looking its best, mow it frequently and provide adequate fertilization. Bermuda grass grows in USDA zones 7 through 10.

Growing Zoysia Grass

• Zoysia grass is a genus of over 200 species of warm-season perennial grass that tolerates mild drought conditions. It's ideal for heavy traffic because of its stiff texture and moderate density. It grows best in full sunlight, but withstands moderate amounts of shade. Zoysia grass requires minimal fertilization to keep it healthy, but it does require frequent mowing. Zoysia grass grows in USDA zones 5 through 10.

Growing Creeping Red Fescue

• Red fescue (Festuca rubra), also know as creeping red fescue, is a cool-season grass that requires little maintenance and irrigation. It's fine-textured with dark green, narrow blades and it grows slowly. Red fescue prefers shadier areas and cool weather, but it will survive in hot weather when watered once or twice a week. Red fescue looks best when cut to about 3 inches high, and it requires minimal fertilization. Red fescue grows in USDA zones 3 through 7.