Buffalo Grass

Resource Tags:

Turf & Weeds 

About the Resource:

Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) is a warm-season grass native to the central and western United States. It’s known for its drought tolerance, low maintenance requirements, and ability to thrive in various soil types.

  1. Appearance
    • Growth Habit: Buffalograss is a low-growing, turf-forming grass that generally reaches 4 to 8 inches in height.
    • Color: It has a blue-green to gray-green color, with fine-textured, soft leaves.
    • Seed Heads: The grass produces seed heads in late summer to early fall, which are typically small and inconspicuous.
  2. Climate and Adaptability
    • Temperature: It thrives in warm climates and is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.
    • Drought Tolerance: Buffalograss is highly drought-tolerant and requires less water compared to many other grass types.
    • Soil: It adapts to a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. It prefers well-drained soils and can handle poor soil fertility.
  3. Maintenance
    • Mowing: Buffalograss requires less frequent mowing compared to other turfgrasses. It typically needs mowing only once every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season.
    • Fertilization: It has low nutrient requirements. Minimal fertilization is needed, often just once or twice a year with a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer.
    • Watering: It needs less frequent watering once established. Deep, infrequent watering is recommended to encourage deep root growth.

Establishment

  1. Site Preparation
    • Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Buffalograss prefers a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
    • Weed Control: Clear the area of weeds and debris before planting. Consider using a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed competition.
  2. Seeding
    • Timing: The best time to seed buffalograss is in late spring to early summer, after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently warm.
    • Seeding Rate: Use about 2 to 3 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet. Lightly rake or roll the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
    • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which typically takes 10 to 14 days.
  3. Sodding
    • Installation: Buffalograss can also be established using sod, which provides instant coverage. Lay the sod pieces in a staggered pattern and ensure the edges are tightly joined.
    • Watering: Water the sod thoroughly after installation and keep it consistently moist until the roots are established.

Management

  1. Mowing
    • Height: Maintain a mowing height of 2 to 4 inches. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time.
    • Frequency: Mow as needed, typically once every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season.
  2. Fertilization
    • Type: Use a balanced fertilizer or one with a low nitrogen content. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth and increased thatch.
    • Application: Apply fertilizer in early spring and/or late summer, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  3. Watering
    • Frequency: Water deeply but infrequently. Adjust watering based on rainfall and temperature. Established buffalograss can tolerate periods of drought.
  4. Weed and Pest Control
    • Weeds: Monitor for weeds and apply herbicides as needed. Pre-emergent herbicides can help prevent weed germination.
    • Pests: Buffalograss is relatively pest-resistant, but watch for issues such as grubs or chinch bugs. Treat problems promptly if they occur.

Benefits

  1. Low Water Usage: Its drought tolerance makes it an excellent choice for water-wise landscaping.
  2. Low Maintenance: Requires less mowing, fertilization, and watering compared to many other turfgrasses.
  3. Environmental Benefits: Its low maintenance needs reduce the need for chemical inputs and water usage, benefiting the environment.

Challenges and Considerations

  • Slow Establishment: Buffalograss can take longer to establish compared to other grasses, so be patient during the establishment phase.
  • Limited Cold Tolerance: It may not be suitable for regions with very cold winters. It’s best suited for areas with moderate to warm climates.
  • Invasive Potential: In some areas, buffalograss can spread aggressively if not properly managed.