Drought-Friendly Lawn Care Tips for Utah Homeowners

Experts share advice on reducing water use and keeping lawns healthy during dry conditions.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As Utah faces ongoing drought concerns, homeowners are being encouraged to re-evaluate their lawn care practices and consider more water-efficient options. Experts recommend fixing irrigation issues, reducing unnecessary grass areas, and adopting drought-tolerant grass varieties like tall fescue mixes and Tahoma 31 bermudagrass to maintain healthy, green lawns with significantly less water.

Why it matters

With potential water restrictions looming, Utah homeowners need to be proactive about conserving water in their landscapes. Lawns are often the biggest water guzzler, so making smart adjustments can lead to substantial savings without sacrificing curb appeal.

The details

Many Utah lawns receive nearly twice the water they actually need due to inefficient irrigation systems, misaligned sprinklers, clogged filters, and outdated timers. Fixing these issues and watering deeply but less often can help lawns stay healthy with 30-50% less water. Replacing unnecessary grass areas with water-wise options like mulched beds can also reduce consumption. While Kentucky bluegrass lawns can often survive on limited water, drought-tolerant mixes and Tahoma 31 bermudagrass require about 50% less water and are being strongly encouraged by local authorities.

  • Tahoma 31 bermudagrass typically stays green from early May through mid-October in Utah.
  • It takes about a year for Tahoma 31 to fully establish after planting.

The players

Taun Beddes

The author of the original article, providing expert advice on drought-friendly lawn care for Utah homeowners.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Even with expected restrictions that may limit water use to 30–50% of normal, most landscapes can still be kept healthy this year.”

— Taun Beddes, Author

“The key is to water deeply and less often. When you irrigate, aim to moisten the soil to a depth of at least six inches.”

— Taun Beddes, Author

What’s next

Homeowners should check with their local water authority to see if there are any new restrictions on installing new lawns, and consider drought-tolerant options when planning any new turf areas.

The takeaway

By making smart adjustments to their lawn care practices, Utah homeowners can significantly reduce water usage without sacrificing the look and feel of a healthy, green lawn during times of drought.