FROM THE MASTER GARDENERS: Low Water Turf Alternatives for Our Climate
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
By Vince McGrath, UCCE Master Gardener of San Diego County, for Let’s Talk Plants! August 2026.
Low Water Turf Alternatives for Our Climate
Several years ago, the mantra for San Diego homeowners was “Toss the Turf!” The reason was to stop wasting water that we did not have on water-guzzling lawns. Water agencies were asking their customers to restrict water usage. The newer catch phrase was “Be water wise.”We were urged to replace that thirsty grass with low-water plants such as cactus, succulents and Mediterranean plants that do well in our region, and to add rocks, decomposed granite, and other non-plant material to create a look using less water and that would be easier to maintain. The consumers, who did this, took advantage of great rebates that helped them cover some of the costs to replace irrigation, plants, and other items.
If you take the time to drive around your neighborhood, you will see where people have not taken advantage of the rebates. They are spending time on maintenance and have higher water bills. Also, invasive grasses have found their way into turf, making it a challenge to maintain a good-looking lawn.
But wait! You still want lush green grass. The good news is that it’s possible to grow healthy turf grass while cutting your water usage!
Most of Southern California requires a warm-season ground cover that has a high tolerance for drought and very little shade.
Here are 3 drought tolerant turf alternatives:
Tifgreen Hybrid Bermuda (Cynodondactylon x C. transvaalensis) is ideal for our hot and arid climate. It prefers sun and little shade, can stand foot traffic, and recovers quickly from wear and tear due to its aggressive growth.It is disease tolerant and stays green except in the winter when it can be seeded over. This turf alternative is used on golf courses, and in parks and residential homes. Consider it as a go-to option but be aware that it can spread, through rhizomes, to other areas of the garden.
Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica) was developed in Japan. This warm-season turf can survive and grow in any soil. It has a high tolerance for heat, drought, and heavy traffic. It is slow growing but once established has few pest problems. Zoysia uses less fertilizer and nitrogen (though using some in winter helps retain its green color). There are new varieties that tend to become established quickly.
Kurapia(Lippianodiflora L. Kurapia) is University of California-Tested Drought Tolerant. This is a newly developed, highly versatile, low maintenance, low water turf once established. It is dark green and grows rapidly but not high. Its dense growth suppresses weeds and can help with soil erosion. If left un-mowed, Kurapia has a small white flower from May to October. Kurapia is available in plugs or sod and should be planted in full sun to part shade. It is not recommended for heavy traffic areas.
More information on turf management and low-water turf can be found at UC IPM Guide to Healthy Lawns. https://ipm.ucanr.edu/tools/turf/
For questions on home gardening, contact the UCCE Master Gardeners of San Diego County Hotline at (858) 822-6910 or by email at help@mastergardenersandiego.org.
Sources: info@kurapia.com
Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California/UC IPM Guide to Healthy Lawns.