Avoiding a Drought Disaster: How to Keep Your Lawn Alive in Peak Austin Heat

Is It Even Possible to Keep a Lawn Alive During a Texas Drought?

Yes—and it doesn’t require constant watering.

During peak summer in Austin, it’s easy to assume your lawn’s fate is sealed. With 100+ degree days, watering restrictions, and baking sun, many lawns go dormant—or worse, die off entirely. But with a few smart practices, you can protect your turf, reduce water usage, and keep your lawn looking surprisingly green, even during drought.

1. Embrace Drought-Resistant Grasses

The best way to drought-proof your lawn starts with the right turf. Some grasses naturally handle heat and water scarcity better than others:

• Zoysia – Dense-growing and drought-tolerant once established.
• Bermuda – Extremely resilient in full sun and recovers fast.
• St. Augustine – Tolerates heat but needs more water—best for shady yards.

2. Follow the “Water Deeply, Not Daily” Rule

Overwatering in the summer can waste water and weaken your lawn. Austin often has strict watering rules in place, so make every drop count:

• Water only once or twice a week, but apply ½–¾ inch each time.
• Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to reduce evaporation.
• Water before 9 AM to allow time for absorption and avoid fungal issues.
• Use a rain gauge or screwdriver test to ensure water reaches 6–8 inches deep.

If you’re under Stage 2 restrictions or higher, prioritize high-value areas or shade zones.

3. Don’t Scalp Your Lawn—Raise the Mower Blades

A longer lawn holds moisture better and shades the soil, reducing evaporation and root stress.

• Set mower height to 3–4 inches, especially for St. Augustine or Zoysia.
• Mow with sharp blades to reduce leaf damage and stress.
• Leave grass clippings as mulch to insulate and feed the soil.

Letting your grass grow slightly taller during drought is one of the easiest ways to retain moisture.

4. Apply Compost, Not Chemicals

Chemical fertilizers can burn stressed turf and require more watering. Instead, build healthy soil that helps your lawn tolerate drought naturally.

• Topdress with compost in early summer to improve moisture retention.
• Use organic soil amendments like humates or biochar to increase water-holding capacity.
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers during peak heat unless professionally recommended.

5. Mulch and Landscape Smartly

Grass isn’t always the best solution for every part of your yard during a drought. For tough spots:

• Replace high-maintenance turf with mulch beds, native plants, or stone groundcover.
• Use hardscaping like paths, patios, or river rock to break up lawn areas.
• Mulch around trees and beds to retain soil moisture and reduce runoff.

These changes reduce water demand and improve the overall drought resilience of your landscape.

6. Aerate and Dethatch Annually

Compacted soil repels water, while thatch buildup can prevent water and nutrients from reaching roots.

• Aerate your lawn in late spring to reduce compaction and allow water penetration.
• Dethatch if your lawn feels spongy or has excessive dead material on top.
• Follow up with compost for even better results.

This combination helps roots grow deeper, giving your lawn a better chance of surviving prolonged dry spells.

7. Accept Dormancy—but Don’t Let It Die

During a long drought, even the healthiest lawns may go dormant (turn brown but still alive). That’s okay. What’s not okay is letting it die completely.

• Apply just enough water (½ inch every 2–3 weeks) to keep roots alive during dormancy.
• Avoid heavy foot traffic or mowing while the lawn is dormant.
• Resume regular watering and mowing once rain returns or restrictions ease.

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

You don’t have to let the Central Texas heat win. With the right turf, smart watering habits, and seasonal lawn care strategies, your yard can stay resilient—even during extreme drought. It’s all about consistent, proactive care—and that’s where we come in.

At Loopers Lawn Care, we specialize in helping Austin homeowners protect and preserve their lawns through even the toughest Texas summers. Whether you need drought defense treatments, compost topdressing, or expert mowing services—we’ve got you covered.

Ready to save your lawn from the heat? Contact Loopers Lawn Care today for a free lawn health assessment and personalized summer survival plan.