Montana’s climate zones are zone 3 and zone 4. So, any plants, including grass, that you wish to have in your yard must be hardy enough for Montana’s variable, colder climate. We have found Kentucky bluegrass to be superior in Montana’s climate. Our bluegrass thrives both in high mountain and valley areas, whether they have snow covered or snow bare Winter weather. Here in Montana, Kentucky bluegrass is extremely resistant to disease and can handle high traffic and high use areas. Kentucky bluegrass can be used in areas with irrigation or may be left to go dormant during dry times. As soon as water is returned through nature or irrigation the grass will quickly thicken and green up.
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerance refers to a plants ability to sustain itself during drought or dry periods. The deeper a plant ( or grass) roots, the higher level of drought tolerance. Kentucky bluegrass is often blamed to not be drought tolerant. However, the maintenance of the grass has a lot to do with this situation. Kentucky bluegrass can be made to be more drought tolerant. The deeper soil that sod is placed on the greater distance the roots will have to grow down into. By watering every third or fourth day ( or even longer when natural rain is expected or the air is cooler), grass will develop a deeper root system, thus making itself more drought tolerant. Another way to promote deeper rooting is by allowing the grass to grow a little taller. Grass roots will mimic the top of the plant. If allowed to grow taller, roots will grow deeper. In hotter months this will also provide more shade for the ground and decrease evaporation. The human element of watering too much, not using enough top soil, and improper mowing causes much more inefficiency than grass type. In this way your maintenance can save water and make your bluegrass yard drought tolerant.