Buffalo grass(Bouteloua dactyloides ) is an fantabulous option for homeowners looking for a low-pitched - sustainment , drouth - tolerant lawn . Native to North America , thiswarm - time of year grasshas adapt to teetotal conditions , making it a undestroyable alternative for many type of landscape . Its resilience and low water requirements make it a popular choice to conventional turfgrasses .
In this usher , we ’ll cover everything you involve to get laid aboutBuffalo grass tutelage , from planting to sustenance , and how to see to it it boom in your garden .
What Is Buffalo Grass?
Buffalo grassis a perennial , warm - season sess native to the prairie of North America . It belongs to the Poaceae family and is live for its power to survive in hot , wry conditions . It spreads via stolons , creating a dense sodomite that helps it flourish in various dirt types . This grass originate in clod and typically get to 8 inches in height and 12 inches in width .
One of the major benefits ofBuffalo grassis its drought leeway . With prospicient roots that penetrate late into the soil , it can survive with minimal water , making it idealistic for xeriscaping and corrosion control on slopes .
Key Characteristics of Buffalo Grass:
Pros and Cons of Buffalo Grass
Like any turfgrass , Buffalo grasscomes with its advantage and disadvantage . Here ’s a dislocation :
Pros:
Cons:
Ideal Growing Conditions for Buffalo Grass
For right effect , ensure yourBuffalo grassis planted in the right-hand environment . Here ’s what you need to know :
Climate and Sunlight
Buffalo grassthrives in ardent climate and performs best in regions with hot summers . It requires full sun to turn well and will not boom in shaded orbit . Make indisputable the lawn or area where you institute Buffalo Gunter Wilhelm Grass get at least 6 - 8 hours of verbatim sunlight day by day .
Soil Type
This eatage preferswell - draining soilwith a just amount of Henry Clay or loam . It can put up a grasp of soil pH , from somewhat acidic to slightly alkaline ( 6.0 to 7.5 ) . Buffalo eatage can adapt to poorer grease , but right soil prep will insure it thrives .
Water Requirements
One of the large benefits ofBuffalo grassis its power to hold out on very little water . It has adapted to the dry conditions of North America ’s prairie regions . Once set up , it want minimal irrigation , have it a great choice for householder look to reduce water consumption .
Planting Buffalo Grass
Establishing aBuffalo grass lawncan take some meter , but the movement is deserving it for those seeking a low - maintenance lawn . you may plantBuffalo grassfrom source , plugs , or sod . Here ’s how each method works :
Seed Method
PlantingBuffalo grass seedscan be a cost - efficient pick but postulate longanimity . Here are some tips for success :
Plug Method
pop aBuffalo dope lawnfrom plugs can speed up the constitution process liken to seed . quid should be space 5 to 12 inch asunder depending on how quickly you want the lawn to fill up in . Keep the soil moist until the hack take antecedent .
Sod Method
For the fastest result , opt forBuffalo grass sod . This method provides instant reportage and is ideal if you want an naturalized lawn quickly . After laying sward , keep the territory moist until the roots have established .
Soil Preparation
No matter which planting method you prefer , proper soil planning is all important . prove the soil ’s pH and amend it as involve . get rid of any weeds or existing sward , and body of work compost or constituent thing into the soil to better its structure and fertility .
Buffalo Grass Care and Maintenance
Once ground , Buffalo grassis relatively low - maintenance . Here are the fundamental aspects ofBuffalo grass maintenance :
Mowing
MowingBuffalo grassis optional . If you favor a natural look , you may leave behind it unaffected and let it to grow up to 8 inch improbable . For a more manicured appearance , cut down the grass infrequently , keep it at a height of around 5 in .
Cultivars like ‘ Prestige ’ are ideal for a no - mow lawn , as they stay shorter and require less frequent trim .
Watering
Once instal , Buffalo grassis highly drouth - liberal and will need little supplementary watering . However , during prolonged dry spells , an occasional deep lachrymation will help keep it healthy .
Fertilization
FertilizeBuffalo grasstwice a yr : once in late spring and again in midsummer . Use 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet for each app . obviate over - fertilizing , as this can encourage weed emergence and make the lawn more susceptible to disease .
Weed Control
mourning band control can be cunning withBuffalo smoke . Pre - emergent herbicides , such as dithiopyr , are safe to use in the spring . For post - emerging control , it ’s sound to wait until the eatage is sleeping in recent fall or winter before applying glyphosate to tackle persistent dope .
Pests and Diseases
Buffalo grass is comparatively resistant to pests and disease . However , it ’s always good to keep an eye on potential issues . The most common problems include :
Cost of Buffalo Grass
The cost of set up aBuffalo grass lawndepends on the planting method acting :
Summary: Key Takeaways
Buffalo grassis a warm - time of year grass that pop the question a sustainable , scurvy - maintenance alternative to conventional turfgrass . It ’s perfect for homeowners who want to shrink watering and mow while attracting wildlife to their gardens . With proper planting and charge , Buffalo grasscan render a beautiful , resilient lawn that thrives even in drought - prostrate area .
Benefits of Buffalo Grass:
If you ’re ready to make the switch to a more sustainable lawn , Buffalo grassis a keen pick that will reward you with a beautiful , eco - friendly landscape for year to add up .
