When it comes time for you to decide what grass you want to plant in your yard, Buffalo grass may be the option for you. This grass is perhaps most popular in its native Great Plains region of the United States, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plant it elsewhere. In this guide to Buffalo grass, we’ll discuss key facts about this species related to its seeds, planting, mowing, and more.
What Sets Buffalo Grass Apart?
With a fine, soft texture and bluish-green color, Buffalo grass is a unique species.
The leaves are narrow and have a slightly folded appearance. Typically, the blades of this grass are 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide and 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick. It forms a dense, tight sod with a creeping, low-to-the-ground growth pattern.
The flowers of buffalo grass are fairly inconspicuous, but the seedheads are highly distinctive. They consist of several small, fluffy seed clusters that some say resemble a miniature version of a buffalo’s head.
Another way to identify Buffalo grass is by its root system, which is shallow and fibrous.
The Benefits of a Buffalo Grass Lawn
Buffalo grass lawns offer many benefits and advantages over other types. These include:
- Its soft texture gives it a beautiful blue-green color and a smooth, even appearance
- There is little need for fertilization or irrigation, making buffalo grass a low-maintenance option for lawns
- Its heat and drought tolerance makes buffalo grass well-suited for use in arid regions
- Buffalo grass’s relatively high pest and disease resistance make it an excellent option for those who want a lawn requiring fewer chemicals
- It needs less frequent mowing
How to Plant Buffalo Grass Seed?
Planting
Optimally, you should plant buffalo grass seed in the spring or early summer, when soil temperatures are at least 55-60 F.
The recommended seeding rate is 2-3 pounds per 1,000 square feet. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inches and lightly covered with soil or mulch.
You should note that buffalo grass is a slow-growing species. Because of this, it may take several weeks for the seeds to germinate and the grass to become established. Once it’s established, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until it achieves maturity.
Wholesale seed suppliers, nursery or garden centers, and online stores sell this grass seed. Be sure to choose a pure strain that is free of weeds.
When purchasing seeds, it’s also essential to check the variety’s germination rate.
Easy Guide to Planting Buffalo Grass Seeds
To properly plant your seeds, follow these steps:
- Choose the best time to plant. Spring or early summer, when soil temperatures are at least 55-60 F, is the best time to plant buffalo grass seeds.
- Prepare the soil. Remove any existing weeds or debris from the planting area. Then till the soil to a depth of about 4 inches.
- Spread the seeds at 2-3 pounds per 1,000 square feet using a broadcast spreader or hand.
- Lightly cover the seeds with soil or mulch, using a rake to create a smooth, even surface.
- Water the seeds thoroughly to help them germinate. Also, keep the soil consistently moist until the grass is established.
- Be patient. Remember that buffalo grass is a slow-growing species. It may take several weeks for the seeds to germinate.
- Monitor the growth. Keep an eye out for pests or diseases, and address them quickly.
Want to know more about ridding your yard and home of pests? Check out our articles on how to get rid of ants and how to get rid of groundhogs.
How Short Should You Cut Buffalo Grass Lawns?
It’s important to avoid mowing the new grass until it has reached a height of at least 2-3 inches. Mowing too soon can damage the roots and harm the grass.
Buffalo Weeds and how to control them?
Remember that a healthy, well-maintained lawn is the best defense against weeds. In fact, maintaining your lawn’s attractive appearance and health go hand-in-hand.
To keep weeds at bay, always care for your lawn with the proper care and attention.
It’s important to apply firm strategies to achieve adequate control of weeds in your lawn.
- Use of mulch: Applying a layer of mulch to a healthy lawn can suppress weed growth by blocking out sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating.
- Fertilization: Providing the lawn with just the right amount of fertilizer can help to promote thick, healthy growth of the buffalo grass, which can then outcompete weeds for resources.
- Hand-pulling: For small areas or individual weeds, it’s often easiest to pull the weeds by hand, provided you take the roots with you. This way, you prevent the spread of weeds and seeds.
- Chemical control: To effectively control weeds, choose a herbicide labeled explicitly for lawn use. Also, follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely when applying it.
- Prevention: Keep your lawn healthy by providing the right amount of water, sunlight, and fertilization.
How to Get Rid of Buffalo Grass on the Lawn?
Regardless of the advantages found in a good buffalo grass lawn, there are times when it will spread to places you don’t want it to be. If this happens, you’ll need to get rid of it.
You can use horticultural, mechanical, and chemical methods to eliminate it.
- Start by mowing the lawn as low as possible without scalping the soil. It will weaken the buffalo grass and make it easier to remove.
- Use a sod cutter or a spade to remove it in small sections. Remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.
- Use a glyphosate-based herbicide on the remaining buffalo grass roots. Don’t forget to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the herbicide and avoid contact with your desirable plants.
- Reseed the bare areas with a more appropriate grass seed mix. Be sure to provide the new seed with proper irrigation and fertilization.
- Keep an eye on the lawn for any regrowth and remove it promptly. Repeat the process if necessary.
- Maintaining a thick, healthy lawn will help to prevent buffalo grass from returning. Providing your yard with enough water, sunlight, and fertilization keeps it healthy and strong.
It’s important to remember that removing buffalo grass on a lawn can be time-consuming. However, with persistence, you can achieve a yard that is full of desirable grasses.
Choosing the Best Lawn Mower for Buffalo Grass
When mowing buffalo grass, the optimal lawn mower should cut the grass at a consistent height and leave a clean, crisp edge. The following options are well-suited for mowing buffalo grass:
Take a look at our Best Lawn Mower Reviews!
Reel Mower
A reel mower has a series of blades that rotate to cut the grass. It’s known for its precision cutting and is ideal for small lawns or maintaining a fine-textured lawn like buffalo grass because it can cut low without shredding your turf.
Push Mower
A push mower is a manual mower that doesn’t require any power source. Although it involves more elbow grease, it remains a good option for small lawns or maintaining a fine-textured lawn like buffalo grass.
Electric Mower
An electric mower is a good choice for maintaining buffalo grass lawns with the minimum amount of effort. The best models are quiet, easy to use, and require less maintenance than gas-powered mowers.
Robotic Mower
This type of mower is designed to operate automatically. It can mow the grass at a consistent height and leave a clean, crisp edge. It’s the most effort-free option of all. Still, your choice will ultimately depend on the lawn size, personal preferences, and budget.