When selecting the type of grass for your lawn in Utah, make sure to choose a variety that is able to withstand drought. Take into account the local climate and the time of year when planting.
Drought-resistant grass does not need a lot of water and it can survive even in sunny weather. Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass that is suitable for Utah weather. Its deep and extensive root system makes it a low-maintenance grass.
Utah’s climate is hot and dry. Its soil is mostly sandy and does not retain as much water for proper plant growth. Therefore, you need to choose suitable grass to grow in these conditions.
Here is the best drought-resistant grass suitable for planting in Utah.
Bermuda grass is the best drought-resistant grass to plant in Utah. It is a warm-season grass that is the best for the Utah climate. Its dense roots prevent soil erosion and enable it to withstand the Utah heat.
Also, Bermuda grass does not need a lot of water to grow. It grows densely which ensures that it shades most weeds.
To keep it green all year, use a slow-release fertilizer and mow it regularly during summer.
Bermuda grass freezes in Utah winter and may not always withstand the summer heat.
#2. Kentucky bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass is also suitable for Utah. It is drought-tolerant and has a deep green color to keep your lawn attractive.
Kentucky bluegrass requires shade to grow well. It will also grow well in Utah which enjoys numerous sunny days. Plant it in loam soil for it to grow well. It requires good drainage for it to grow.
1.5 inches of water weekly is sufficient for it to grow well and retain its color.
#3. Zoysia grass
Zoysia is a drought-resistant grass that will grow well in Utah. It is drought-resistant and needs less than 0.5 inches of water per week to grow well.
In drought, Zoysia grass goes dormant for three to four weeks. Making it a suitable grass to grow on your Utah lawn. Additionally, it can self-repair after a drought due to its dense root system.
Zoysia grass grows well in properly drained soils. Plant it at least six inches deep to enhance the strength and depth of its roots. Deep roots ensure that the grass can survive drought and self-repair in the right conditions.
#4. Buffalo grass
Buffalo grass grows well in hot dry areas with lots of sunshine. It needs soil with good drainage to grow well.
Buffalo grass is coarse with a deep dark green color. However, it does not grow as dense as Bermuda grass. It grows well in shade and partial shade.
Buffalo Grass does not like traffic. Therefore, you will have to keep people and pets away from it if you plant it on your lawn.
#5. St Augustine grass
St Augustine grass is good for Utah. It is low maintenance and does not need a lot of water. It grows well in the sun and also in the shade. It has stems above the ground which hold water and help the grass to self-repair after a period of drought.
St Augustine grass is drought-resistant and can go dormant for three to four weeks of drought without dying. It will then self-repair to its light-to-dark green in normal conditions.
#6. Bahia grass
Bahia grass is also suitable for Utah. It is a low-maintenance grass that grows well in the sun and warm weather.
Bahia grass is highly drought-resistant and grows well even without watering.
#7. Fescue grass
Fescue grass is a cold-weather grass that adapts to different weather conditions which makes it a good grass to plant in Utah.
It is highly drought-resistant and remains green throughout the year. It thrives in areas where other types of grass do not grow.
Factors to consider when growing grass in Utah
Utah climate
Utah is hot and dry. Therefore, to grow grass properly, you will need to water it regularly.
In addition, the soil in Utah is sandy. Thus, it provides good drainage and is suitable for grass that needs good drainage and that does not need to grow too deep.
Best time to plant
The best time to plant grass in Utah is between October and February. At this time, the weather is favorable for planting and growth of grass.
If you plant grass during summer in Utah, it will not grow due to a lack of moisture in the ground.
Choice of grass
When planting grass in Utah, you need to choose the right type of grass.
You need to choose the right type of grass for the climate in Utah. Planting the wrong type of grass means that it will not grow.
The best type of grass to plant in Utah is drought-resistant and that can withstand long exposure to sunshine and also grow in shade or partial shade. It should also be pest resistant.
Tips for growing grass in Utah
- Aerate your lawn biannually to improve water penetration to the roots.
- Water grass regularly during drought.
- Mow minimally
- Leave mowed grass on the lawn to increase the moisture content in the soil.
- Proper soil preparation before planting. Ensure that your soil is moist before you plant your grass.
- Keep pets and kids off the grass.
Hire a pro lawn service
Use this free service if you want to hire a professional to establish your lawn.
Homegardenguides.com is a free tool to hire professionals to advise you on the best grass to grow in Utah.
It connects homeowners to professionals in the following easy steps.
- Enter your zip code at the top of the tool.
- Fill in the form to provide more details about the service you need.
- You will receive three or four quotes and advice from professional and licensed tree removal service providers.
