Buffalo Grass: A Drought-Tolerant, Low-Maintenance Lawn Solution

by Keira July 15, 2024

written by Keira July 15, 2024

Buffalo Grass: A Low-Maintenance Lawn Option for Drought-Prone Areas

What Is Buffalo Grass?

Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) is a warm-season grass native to North America. It is known for its drought tolerance, low-maintenance requirements, and attractive appearance. Buffalo grass forms dense clumps, reaching 8 inches in height and 12 inches in width. Its long roots make it an excellent choice for erosion control on hillsides.

Pros and Cons of Buffalo Grass

Pros:

Extremely hardy
Very drought-tolerant
Native to North America
Attracts wildlife if allowed to flower
Suitable choice for a natural look that doesn’t need mowing
Tolerates heat well
Soft, easy on bare feet, great for pool areas

Cons:

Warm-season grass will not look good during the cold months
Forms dense clumps, not a uniform lawn
Not shade-tolerant
Holds up only moderately well to foot traffic
Not a smooth surface like other types of lawn grass

Planting Buffalo Grass

Starting a buffalo grass lawn from scratch requires careful preparation. The soil should be tested and amended as needed. You can start buffalo grass from seed, plugs, or sod.

Seed: Buffalo grass seed will not germinate until the soil temperature reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to sow the seed in the spring or summer. Keep the soil moist but not drenched.
Plugs: Plugs are a more expensive option, but they will establish a lawn more quickly. Space the plugs 5-12 inches apart and keep the soil moist until they become established.
Sod: Sod is the quickest and easiest way to install a buffalo grass lawn. Simply roll out the sod and keep the soil moist until the root system has taken hold.

Care and Maintenance for Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass is a low-maintenance lawn once it is established. It requires infrequent mowing, and can even be left untouched for a natural look. Fertilize buffalo grass twice a year with 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Control weeds by using a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring.

Cost of Buffalo Grass

The cost of buffalo grass depends on the method of installation. Seed is the most affordable option, followed by plugs and sod.

Seed: A pound of buffalo grass seed costs about $50 and covers about 330 square feet.
Plugs: The average cost of a plug of a quality cultivar of buffalo grass is $1.
Sod: Sod is sold by the pallet. For a quality cultivar, sod will typically sell for about $250 per pallet, which will cover approximately 450 square feet.

Is Buffalo Grass Right for My Lawn?

Buffalo grass is a good choice for lawns in drought-prone areas, or for those who want a low-maintenance lawn. It is not suitable for shady areas or for lawns that receive heavy foot traffic.

Benefits of Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass offers several benefits over other types of lawn grass:

Drought tolerance: Buffalo grass can survive on very little rainfall, making it a good choice for areas with limited water resources.
Low maintenance: Buffalo grass requires infrequent mowing and watering, making it a good choice for busy homeowners.
Erosion control: Buffalo grass’s long roots make it an excellent choice for erosion control on hillsides.
Wildlife habitat: Buffalo grass attracts wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, if it is allowed to flower.

Disadvantages of Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass also has some disadvantages:

Warm-season grass: Buffalo grass will not look good during the cold months.
Not shade-tolerant: Buffalo grass does not grow well in shady areas.
Not uniform lawn: Buffalo grass forms dense clumps, which can make it look less uniform than other types of lawn grass.

Overall, buffalo grass is a low-maintenance lawn option that is well-suited to drought-prone areas. It is important to consider the pros and cons of buffalo grass before deciding if it is the right choice for your lawn.

Keira

Keira is a seasoned gardener with a rich background in education and a passion for transforming even the smallest, most challenging spaces into lush, productive gardens. With over two decades of experience in both teaching and gardening, she brings a unique blend of skills and insights to Life Science Art, where she shares her expertise through engaging and informative articles. Keira's journey into gardening began in her early years, inspired by her grandmother's ability to coax vibrant blooms and hearty vegetables from the rocky soil of their family farm. This early exposure to the wonders of gardening planted a seed of curiosity and love for plants that has only grown over the years. Before fully immersing herself in the world of gardening, Keira spent many years as a special education teacher. This role honed her patience, creativity, and problem-solving skills—qualities that have proven invaluable in her gardening endeavors. Her teaching experience also gave her a deep understanding of the diverse needs and capabilities of individuals, which she now applies to helping others learn to garden effectively, regardless of their starting point. Keira specializes in small-space gardening, low-income gardening, and cultivating plants in poor soil conditions. She understands that not everyone has access to vast, fertile lands or unlimited resources, and she is dedicated to making gardening accessible and rewarding for everyone. Living in urban areas or having limited outdoor space shouldn't be a barrier to enjoying the benefits of gardening. Keira has mastered the art of maximizing every inch of available space, whether it's a tiny balcony, a cramped backyard, or a window sill. Her innovative techniques and creative solutions help her readers grow a variety of plants in the most confined spaces. Keira is also a strong advocate for low-income gardening. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to grow their own food and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening, regardless of their financial situation. Through her articles, she shares practical tips on budget-friendly gardening methods, repurposing household items, and making the most of available resources. Her advice empowers individuals and families to start and maintain gardens without breaking the bank. Not everyone is blessed with rich, loamy soil. Keira's expertise extends to growing plants in less-than-ideal soil conditions. She provides guidance on improving soil quality, selecting hardy plant varieties, and employing sustainable practices to ensure a bountiful harvest, even in challenging environments. Her hands-on experience and proven techniques help gardeners turn even the poorest soil into a thriving garden. Keira's contributions to Life Science Art are invaluable. Her articles cover a wide range of topics, from step-by-step guides on planting and maintaining specific types of gardens to tips on dealing with common gardening challenges. She also delves into the science behind plant growth, soil health, and sustainable gardening practices, making complex concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Beyond her technical expertise, Keira's writing is infused with warmth and encouragement. She understands that gardening is not just about growing plants; it's about fostering a connection with nature, finding peace and fulfillment, and building a community. Her personal anecdotes and down-to-earth advice resonate with readers, inspiring them to embark on their own gardening journeys with confidence and joy. Keira invites you to join her on Life Science Art, where she shares her wealth of knowledge and passion for gardening. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, her articles offer valuable insights, practical tips, and the inspiration you need to create your own green oasis. Discover the joys of gardening with Keira as your guide and unlock the potential of your outdoor space, no matter how small or challenging it may be.