If the soil is salty, select grasses for infrequently mowed, fertilized and irrigated areas on the basis of salt tolerance. Wheatgrasses (tall, western and crested), red fescue and tall fescue all do well if left unmowed. They will become clumpy and look less "turf-like" under reduced maintenance, but will persist and provide a good soil cover. Without irrigation, these grasses become dormant during extended drought. Bromegrass can be used alone or with the above species if soil salt levels are only moderately high. Where salt levels are relatively low, blue grama and buffalograss (both native to Colorado) are excellent choices for naturalized or low-maintenance lawns. Never plant Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass where reduced maintenance practices are used. They will not persist without regular mowing, fertilization and irrigation. For more information see the fact sheet, Growing Turf on Salt-Affected Sites.

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