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.
