If your Kentucky bluegrass turns crispy every August, a research plot in Lake Elmo has an answer worth paying attention to. Under the water tower just north of Interstate 94, University of Minnesota researcher Gary Deters is running a two-year study funded by the Metropolitan Council on drought-resistant grasses. The takeaway for Twin Cities homeowners is simple. The right grass mixture can stay green on roughly half the water.
What the Lake Elmo Study Found
Deters planted 120 small plots with 30 different seed mixtures in August 2025. The plots have not been watered since last fall, and the difference between them is easy to see. Tall fescue and tall-fescue-heavy blends stay green and healthy. Kentucky bluegrass, the most common lawn grass in Minnesota, goes brown fast once the rain stops.
The reason comes down to roots. Tall fescue roots five to six inches into the soil and reaches moisture that shallow-rooted bluegrass never touches. That deeper root system is why Deters says a 50 percent water savings is realistic for homeowners who make the switch.
Why the East Metro Should Care
The Lake Elmo site was chosen on purpose. Met Council water resources engineer Greg Johnson recommended it because of the water challenges facing the east metro, including PFAS contamination and pressure on local wells. In communities like Lake Elmo, Woodbury, Cottage Grove and Stillwater, every gallon of outdoor water use gets more scrutiny than it did a decade ago.
For homeowners, that carries real everyday benefits. Lower summer water bills, less time babysitting a sprinkler system, and curb appeal that survives a dry August. [INTERNAL LINK: related Twin Cities local news post or lawn and landscaping guide]
What to Plant and When
Deters recommends turf-type tall fescue and fine fescues for most east metro yards, especially lots with shade, poor soil or no irrigation. Mow at three to four inches to encourage deeper roots, and skip the every-other-day watering habit that wastes more than it helps.
Timing matters too. Late August into early September, right around State Fair time, is the ideal window to seed so a new lawn establishes before winter. Push it much later and shorter days and early frost start working against you.
A little brown in August is not a failure. As Deters puts it, brown has been the new green in the golf world for years, and home lawns are heading the same direction.
Follow @darintheminnesotan for daily Twin Cities news and updates.
