Lawn Management

Turfgrass selection

Turfgrass often covers the largest area in a yard. Warm-season grasses, like bermudagrass, handle drought well, but it is still easy to overwater them. A few simple lawn care steps can help your lawn stay healthy while using less water.

Choose a turfgrass species that is adapted to Oklahoma's weather and rainfall. Look at your yard conditions before you decide. Avoid planting tall fescue in full sun, and remember that it needs twice as much water as bermudagrass. In shaded areas, consider using tough, shade-tolerant perennials and mulch. These options need less water and maintenance than cool-season grasses.

Types of turfgrass

Table adapted from Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Factsheet L-437

Be a water-wise irrigator 

Water deeply and less often to help your lawn grow strong, deep roots. Look for the first signs of wilt before you water. Use the "cycle and soak" method: turn on your system, stop it when you see runoff, let the water soak in, then repeat as needed.

Use a rain gauge or tuna can to measure how much water your lawn receives. Bermudagrass lawns need about 1 inch of water per week during the hottest months. Tall fescue lawns need about 2 inches of water per week. Include rainfall in your total and turn off your system when you do not need it. Visit the irrigation schedule page for more information.

Manage for water efficiency

Mow your lawn at a taller height. Taller grass acts like a natural mulch, helps the soil hold moisture, and shades out weeds. Mowing too low stresses the turfgrass and makes you water more often. Use a mulching mower or compost your grass clippings to keep valuable nutrients in your yard and out of the landfill.

Aerate your lawn to reduce compaction and help water soak into the soil. Add a thin layer of compost, no more than 1/2 inch, to improve soil nutrients and water-holding capacity. Fertilize only when needed, and always take a soil test first.