Switching from Fescue to Bermuda in a Drought-Prone, Unirrigated Yard

Trade-Offs: Aesthetics, Water, Cost

• Bermuda — brown in winter, survives drought longer, recovers with rain (maybe next season), needs sun.
• Fescue — browns earlier in drought, but returns with rain unless pests hit.
• Irrigation — expensive to install, operate, and water costs rise. Well capacity?

Decision Framework

If winter brown is acceptable and you want drought survival without irrigation, Bermuda wins. If you prefer winter green and can manage occasional drought browning, keep fescue. Both recover — timing differs.