Buffalo grass, a warm-season grass native to North America, is preferred by homeowners in regions with scant rainfall for its low maintenance and drought tolerance. These grasses have lower fertility and water requirements, and irregular mowing is fine. It can be mowed or left without mowing to allow the grass to flower. Though buffalo grass is a warm-season grass, it is cold-hardy. If you have a lawn and want to grow buffalo grass, here is some information about it.
Features of Buffalo Grass
Mowing- The grass can be mowed several times in a year, but it can be left as it is if you prefer a natural look. Make sure to maintain a minimum height of 2”-3” when mowing, so that grass can compete with weeds.
Color- It turns brown and dormant from mid-fall to mid-spring, just like other warm-season turf grasses.
Water Requirement- It has a low water requirement. It merely requires a monthly rainfall of 1.5” to stay green. Buffalo grass can’t bear heavy moisture and can tolerate drought for some time. However, prolonged drought can turn the grass brown.
Other Requirements- It needs full sun to thrive, low fertilization, optional mowing, and low irrigation. Unlike traditional grasses, it needs fewer resources to sustain itself.
Advantages of Buffalo Grass
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It is extremely hardy.
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It can tolerate drought.
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It is native to North America.
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If buffalo grass is left unmowed, wildlife is attracted to it.
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The grass looks natural when mowing is not done.
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It can withstand the heat.
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The soft feel of the grass gives a silky touch when bare feet touch it. It is best suited for pool areas.
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It has limited insect issues.
Disadvantages of Buffalo Grass
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Buffalo grass may not look good in cold months because it’s warm warm-season grass.
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The grass forms a dense clump and does not grow into a uniform lawn.
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It cannot bear the shade.
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Buffalo grass is not good at tolerating heavy foot traffic. It can bear moderate traffic. Hence, if you have kids and pets who roam in the lawn, buffalo grass is not a good idea for your yard.
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Unlike other turf grass or lawn grass, it doesn’t have a smooth surface.
Is Growing Buffalo Grass in the Lawn a Good Idea?
It is a good idea if you live in an area with less rainfall because buffalo grass needs minimal water to grow. Under low rainfall, the soil remains moist but not drenched, providing another ideal condition for grass to establish itself. However, if the conditions are not conducive, explore other grass for the lawn.
The other factor that can affect the decision to grow buffalo grass is its cost. The cost of a pound of buffalo grass seed is $50 to cover 330 square feet. The average cost of a plug is $1, and that of a high-quality buffalo grass cultivar is $1. The cost of sod is $250 per pallet (sod is sold by “pallet”) to cover an area of 450 square feet.
Where Can Buffalo Grass Be Used?
The primary reason buffalo grass is grown in lawns is its low-maintenance and non-fussy nature. It is used at the following places:
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Used in the home lawn.
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It is also used in playgrounds and parks.
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Used in institutional turf.
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In the golf course fairways and roughs.
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Used in areas to control soil erosion.
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On the highways and roadsides.
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It is used in cemeteries..
How to Plant Buffalo Grass?
There are two ways to plant these grasses. One is a seed, and the other is from sods or plugs. Here are tips for planting grass using seeds and the plug method.
Tips for Planting Grass Using Seeds
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If you are ready to wait a long time for seeds to germinate, sow them at any soil temperature. However, for fast germination, sow the seed only when the soil temperature reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
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The ideal time to sow buffalo grass seed is from April to September.
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Sow the seed where there’s sufficient light because they need light to germinate. They also need moist soil to germinate.
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Buy seeds marked “treated”. This is because treated seeds germinate faster in an ideal soil temperature.
Tips for Planting Grass Using the Plug Method
When planting through sod or using the plug method, plant them 5 inches apart for faster growth. However, if you can wait a long time, plant them at a 12-inch spacing, which will also save money because you will need fewer plugs and sod.
The grass needs moist soil until it gets established. It’s a simple and easy method because you just have to roll out the sod.
Conclusion
Whether buffalo grass is a good option for a lawn depends on many factors, such as foot traffic, the area's climate, rainfall, and more. If all the growing criteria of buffalo grass match, you can opt for this grass. Otherwise, find an alternative. A balanced analysis of advantages and disadvantages will help you reach the right decision.
