Is My Grass Drought-Resistant or Not?

Posted on June 16, 2025

Learn How Northern Turf Reacts to Dry Spells + Water-Saving Hacks

Summer heat waves happen more and more in the Midwest. When they do, cool-season grasses face a tough task. But with proper understanding and care from the lawn care experts at Kapp’s Green Lawn, your lawn can survive and recover from drought conditions.

How Cool-Season Grasses React to Drought

Cool-season grasses naturally thrive in spring and fall when temperatures range between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if there are dry periods during the summer, these grasses have different survival strategies:

Turf Type Tall Fescue

Deep root system (reaching 2-3 feet) accesses subsoil moisture
Maintains better color than other cool-season grasses during drought
Recovers well with proper irrigation

Kentucky Bluegrass

Goes dormant quickly (turns brown) to conserve energy
Can survive 4-6 weeks of drought in dormancy
Best for: Northern climates with reliable summer rainfall

Ryegrass & Bentgrass

Shallow roots make them vulnerable to drought
Shows stress quickly (fast to wilt and brown)
Requires the most frequent watering among cool-season grasses

Recognizing the Signs of Drought Stress

Even drought-resistant grasses show warning signs when water becomes scarce. Look for these indicators:

Color Changes: Transition from green to dull blue-gray, then straw brown
Footprint Test: Grass stays flattened after walking on it
Leaf Curling: Blades fold lengthwise to conserve moisture
Slow Recovery: Takes longer to bounce back after mowing
Soil Cracks: Visible gaps forming in the soil surface

Catching these signs early allows you to contact the professionals at Kapp’s Green Lawn before permanent damage occurs.

Smart Watering Strategies for Heat Waves

1. Water Deeply But Infrequently

Ideal Amount: 1-2 inches per week (including rainfall)
Frequency: 2-3 sessions weekly (better than daily light watering)
Benefit: Encourages deeper roots that access subsoil moisture

2. Time It Right

Best Window: 4-8 a.m. (reduces evaporation by 30-50%)
Avoid: Evening watering (promotes fungal diseases)
Never: Midday watering (too much water lost to evaporation)

3. Irrigation Upgrades

Smart Controllers: Adjust watering based on weather forecasts
Soil Moisture Sensors: Prevent overwatering
Sprinkler Audit: Use tuna cans to measure output uniformity

More Drought-Proofing Essentials

Mowing High: Keep grass between 2-4 inches to shade roots
Aerate Annually: Improves water penetration by 50%
Topdress with Compost: Adds organic matter to retain moisture

Post-Drought Recovery Plan

When rains return or drought eases:

Gradually resume normal watering over 10-14 days
Apply balanced fertilizer to support regrowth
Overseed thin areas in early fall
Monitor for insects that target weakened grass above and below the surface
Continue deep, infrequent watering to maintain drought tolerance

Choosing the Right Grass for Drought-Prone Areas

For homeowners in drought-prone regions of the Midwest:

Best Choice: Turf-type tall fescue blends
Good Alternative: Kentucky bluegrass (only with reliable irrigation)
Avoid: Perennial ryegrass as your primary grass in dry climates

Remember: Even drought-tolerant cool-season grasses need 1-1.5″ of water weekly during peak summer heat. Proper care during normal conditions builds resilience for when drought strikes.

Want to save yourself the hassle of keeping your yard in peak condition? Contact Kapp’s Green Lawn! We proudly serve communities in the Midwest, ensuring high-quality lawn care services in these areas: