Buffalo grass is increasingly becoming a popular lawn option for many homeowners due to its low-maintenance requirements and drought tolerance. Here is an in-depth look at everything you need to know about this hardy grass species:

A Brief Overview of Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass, scientifically known as Bouteloua dactyloides, is a warm-season perennial grass native to the Great Plains region of North America. It is a short, low-growing grass species that spreads through stolons (runners) and forms a dense, carpet-like turf.

Some key features that make buffalo grass desirable:

Low maintenance requirements – Buffalo grass is slower growing and has lower nutrient requirements than other lawn grasses. It needs less mowing, watering, and fertilizing.
Drought tolerance – The deep root system allows buffalo grass to withstand prolonged dry periods and thrive with less irrigation.
Cold tolerance – Buffalo grass can survive very cold winters by going dormant and greening up again in spring.
Low growth habit – It only reaches a height of 2 to 6 inches when mowed, forming a neat, compact turf.
Soft texture – The fine, soft leaf blades create a pleasant lawn for recreational use.
Weed resistance – Dense growth helps buffalo grass outcompete weeds once established.

With its low input needs and natural resilience, buffalo grass makes an eco-friendly, budget-friendly lawn option suitable for many landscapes.

Where Buffalo Grass is Best Suited

Buffalo grass performs best in its native growing zones – areas with hot summers and cold winters. This includes the Great Plains and Midwest regions.

Key factors that determine suitability:

Climate – Buffalo grass thrives in places with long, hot summers with temperatures between 80-95°F, very cold winters, and low humidity. It can survive significant droughts.

Sun – Full sun is required for optimal growth and thickness. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Soil – Buffalo grass adapts to a wide range of soil types but does best in medium to heavy soils. Sandy soils often lack sufficient nutrients and moisture retention.

Geography – Ideal locations are middle to western latitudes of the U.S. such as Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, Montana, the Dakotas.

Buffalo grass will struggle in cooler, wetter regions and may go dormant sooner or fail to thrive. It also has only moderate shade tolerance.

Deciding Between Seeded and Sodded Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass can be established either through seed or sod. Each has pros and cons:

Seeded Buffalo Grass

Pros

Less expensive initially
Allows more customization of lawn area
Establishes deeper roots over time

Cons

Slower to establish – can take 2-3 growing seasons
Requires more frequent watering until established
More prone to weed competition in first year

Seeded is a good option for large areas, or a more patient approach on a budget.

Sodded Buffalo Grass

Pros

Provides instant lawn gratification
Establishes very quickly with less watering
Less weed competition once laid

Cons

More expensive upfront cost
Pre-grown sod may have shallower roots
Requires carefully prepared sod bed

Sod is the fastest way to a full buffalo lawn but comes at a higher installation price.

Optimal Growing Conditions for Buffalo Grass

To keep buffalo grass looking its best and healthiest, there are some ideal growing conditions to provide:

Sunlight – Ensure full sun exposure of at least 6-8 hours daily. Avoid too much shade.
Soil – Well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5 is optimal. Improve drainage in clay soils.
Fertilizer – Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in spring and fall. Slow-release organic fertilizers are ideal.
Watering – Buffalo grass needs 1-2 inches per week. Water deeply but infrequently.
Mowing – Keep between 2-4 inches height. Never cut more than 1/3 of blade height.
Aeration – Aerate compacted areas in early fall to improve drainage.
Weed Control – Selective herbicides, hand weeding, or soil solarization can control weeds.

Providing the right growing conditions makes caring for buffalo grass much simpler.

Establishing Buffalo Grass from Seed

When starting buffalo grass from seed, proper planting techniques and care will set it up for success:

Time planting in spring after the last frost once soil temperatures reach 60°F.
Till soil to 4-6 inches depth. Remove debris. Break up compacted areas.
Level area and rake smooth. A rolled lawn will root better.
Apply starter fertilizer per label instructions. Water in well.
Sow seeds at a rate of 3-5 lbs per 1000 sq ft.
Gently rake seeds into the top 1⁄4 inch of soil so they make good contact.
Water lightly 2-3 times daily to keep seeds moist until sprouted.
After sprouting, water more deeply and less frequently. 1-2 inches per week.
Mow once seedlings reach 3-4 inches tall. Set at 2 inch height.
Be diligent with weeding. Expect weeds in the first year.
Apply another round of fertilizer 6-8 weeks after planting.

With attentive watering and mowing, seeded buffalo grass can establish into a thick, healthy lawn in 2-3 growing seasons.

Caring for Newly Installed Buffalo Grass Sod

Buffalo grass sod requires careful handling and optimal growing conditions as it takes root:

Time installation in spring or early fall. Avoid summer heat.
Prepare soil by tilling, grading for drainage, and removing debris.
Water soil deeply 1-2 days before laying sod. Moisten 6-8 inches down.
Stagger sod strips tightly together without gaps. Stagger the seams.
Roll sod after installing to maximize contact with soil.
Water sod immediately after installing until the top 1-2 inches are moist.
Water daily, supplying 1-1.5 inches of water for the first 2 weeks.
After 2 weeks, begin tapering water down to encourage deeper roots.
Avoid heavy traffic on new sod for 3-4 weeks until established.
Mow once sod is rooted and tops reach 3-4 inch height.

With attentive watering upon installation, sod will root quickly and begin spreading into a lush buffalo lawn.

Low Maintenance Care of Established Buffalo Grass

Once buffalo grass is established, whether seeded or sodded, care becomes so simple:

Mowing – Mow every 5-7 days during peak growth periods. Keep between 2-4 inches tall. Never cut more than 1/3 of blade height.
Fertilizing – Apply nitrogen fertilizer twice per year, early summer and fall. Organic slow-release is ideal.
Watering – Buffalo grass is drought tolerant, but supply 1-1.5 inches of water during dry periods. Water deeply.
Weed Control – Remove weeds by hand or spot treat with selective herbicides. Overseed bare spots.
Aeration – Aerate compacted clay soils in fall to improve drainage and root growth.
Dethatching – Dethatch rake if thatch exceeds 1/2 inch thick to prevent matting.

With its naturally minimal needs, established buffalo grass requires little work. Just some occasional mowing, watering, and weed control.

Pros of Choosing Buffalo Grass for your Lawn

There are many excellent reasons to consider buffalo grass for your yard:

Low Maintenance – Requires less mowing, water, and fertilizer than conventional turf grasses.
Drought Tolerance – Very resistant to drought and heat once established due to root depth.
Cold Hardy – Tolerates cold winters and bounces back green in spring.
Low Growing – Short, compact growth habit. Mow less frequently.
Traffic Tolerant – Sturdy and wear-resistant. Ideal for play areas.
Eco-Friendly – Needs few chemicals. Beneficial to wildlife. Helpful for pollinators.
Affordable – Lower costs for water, mowing, fertilizer and maintenance.

For homeowners desiring an easy-care, budget-friendly and environmentally friendly lawn, buffalo grass offers the perfect solution.

Potential Drawbacks of Buffalo Grass to Consider

Despite many advantages, there are a few potential drawbacks:

Slower Growing – Buffalo grass establishes more slowly from seed than other grasses. Full coverage and thickness can take 2-3 years.
Brown Dormancy – Buffalo grass turns brown and goes dormant sooner in fall than other lawn grasses.
Less Shade Tolerant – Requires full sun. Will struggle with more than moderate shade.
Not as Lush – Texture is soft but growth habit is sparse. Lacks the plushness of cool season grasses.
Poor Salt Tolerance – Salt from snow or ice treatments may burn and damage buffalo grass.
Weed Pressure – The first year grass is prone to weed infestation. Ongoing weed control is a must.

While buffalo grass has minimal care once established, the process of getting it established while controlling weeds can require patience.

Ideal Uses for Buffalo Grass Lawns

When incorporated properly in your landscape, buffalo grass has many ideal uses:

Front and Back Lawns – The tidy, resilient turf provides an attractive lawn for yards in suitable climates.
Park spaces – The toughness makes it very suitable for public spaces like parks and sports fields that demand durability.
Golf Courses – Requires less water, mowing and maintenance than traditional golf turf grasses.
Curb Appeal – The soft green mat enhances ornamental beds, trees and pathway edging.
Erosion Control – The stolon root system is excellent for soil stabilization and preventing erosion on slopes.
Play Spaces – Soft texture and traffic tolerance create a comfortable lawn playground for children and pets.
Xeriscaping – Drought resistance helps minimize irrigation demands, making it ideal for water-wise landscapes.

Whether you desire an eco-friendly lawn or one suitable for parks and rec areas, buffalo grass can likely fill the need admirably.

Tips for Improving Density and Growth

Achieving a thick, dense buffalo grass lawn may take patience, but these tips can help:

Overseed in spring and fall to encourage spread of new grass shoots
Apply organic fertilizer in early summer to fuel growth
Adjust watering to supply consistent moisture, avoiding extremes of too much or too little
Dethatch excessively thatchy lawns to enhance shoot and root growth
Address compacted soils through core aeration to improve drainage
Top dress with 1⁄4 inch of quality compost to add nutrients
Raise mowing height during hot weather to protect the crowns from heat stress
Re-sod patchy areas or install new sod to restore bare spots
Allow adequate establishment time – it often takes 2-3 years to fill in fully

With attentive care and time, buffalo grass can fill into a lush, resilient lawn.

Common Pests and Diseases

Buffalo grass is relatively pest and disease free, but may encounter occasional problems:

Grubs – Curl grubs chew grass roots. Apply beneficial nematodes or milky spore.
Ants – Look for signs of anthills or ants marching single file. Control with baits or drenches.
Weeds – Crabgrass, dandelions, clover, broadleaf weeds. Spot treat or hand pull weeds.
Fungal Disease – Dollar spot shows round dead spots. Improve air flow and avoid overwatering.
Brown Patch – Circular brown areas that can expand rapidly in humidity. Improve drainage.
Take All Patch – Damages roots and crowns. A mix of improved drainage, aeration, and reseeding helps control spread.

While buffalo grass has good natural pest and disease resistance, occasional issues may arise needing attention.

Winterizing and Spring Green-Up

Buffalo grass goes dormant much earlier than other grasses. To transition smoothly:

Fall Winterizing

Gradually reduce water starting 6-8 weeks before first frost. Allow grass to harden off.
Apply last fertilizer application no later than 6 weeks before dormancy.
Cut grass short before dormancy. Remove fallen leaves.
A final late fall/early winter mowing can tidy up appearance.

Spring Green-Up

Resume irrigation as soil temperatures reach 50°F to wake grass.
Lightly rake dead material if needed once green growth resumes.
First mowing should be when buffalo grass is one-third higher than desired height.
Apply spring fertilizer when green up is full to fuel the growing season.

With proper dormancy transition, your buffalo grass will stay healthy from season to season.

FAQs About Buffalo Grass Lawns

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about establishing and caring for buffalo grass lawns.

Does buffalo grass spread?

Yes, buffalo grass spreads through above ground stolons (runners) which root down into new plants. This allows it to form a thick turf over time. Proper conditions will maximize spread.

Is buffalo grass native to the US?

Yes, buffalo grass is native to the central plains regions of North America. It is very well adapted to the climate extremes of hot summers and very cold winters.

What type of soil does buffalo grass prefer?

Buffalo grass will grow in most soil types but does best in medium to heavy soils with sufficient fertility and moisture holding capacity. Very sandy soils often lack nutrients for optimal growth.

How much sun does buffalo grass need?

Buffalo grass requires full sun to thrive. It needs a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sun exposure daily. Performance will be reduced in significant shade.

How do you start buffalo grass from seed?

For planting buffalo grass seed, till soil 4-6 inches deep, rake smooth, sow seed at 3-5 lbs per 1000 sq ft, gently rake seed to 1⁄4 inch depth, water lightly 3 times daily until sprouted, then water more deeply and less often.

Does buffalo grass need a lot of water?

Once established, buffalo grass has excellent drought tolerance and needs far less water than most turf grasses. Supply 1-2 inches per week for healthy growth during dry periods, avoiding overwatering.

What height should you cut buffalo grass?

Keep buffalo grass mowed between 2-4 inches in height once established. Never remove more than 1/3 of the total blade height when mowing. This avoids overstressing the plants.

How do you get rid of weeds in buffalo grass?

Options for controlling weeds in buffalo grass include hand pulling, spot treating with selective herbicides, applying corn gluten as an organic pre-emergent, overseeding to fill in bare spots, and improving drainage.

How do you winterize buffalo grass?

To winterize buffalo grass, allow it to harden off as temperatures cool by gradually reducing water starting 6-8 weeks before dormancy. Apply last fertilizer 6 weeks prior, cut grass short before dormancy, and remove fallen leaves.

Conclusion

For homeowners seeking an eco-friendly, low maintenance lawn solution, buffalo grass offers the perfect choice. While patience is required for full establishment, buffalo grass provides a durable, drought resistant turf with minimal upkeep needs. Its fine texture and tidy growth habit enhance any landscape. With proper site selection and attentive early care, this hardy native grass can reward you with a lifetime of easy turf that thrives year after year. Partnering with the right grass variety makes all the difference in creating a beautiful lawn the easy way.

What to Know About Buffalo Grass: A Low-Maintenance Lawn Option