How to Maintain a Buffalo Grass Lawn

Overview

Buffalo grass is an excellent alternative to traditional thirsty turf grasses. This warm-season prairie native is tough and drought-tolerant, surviving extended dry periods by becoming dormant. This grass was the primary food for bison on the North American plains and prairies, and fossil evidence shows it has existed there for over seven million years. Buffalo grass spreads by stolons and by seed produced from separate male and female plants. Once established, it can make an attractive, low-maintenance lawn, but some care is required during establishment to eliminate weed competitors and satisfy certain cultural requirements.

Step 1

Control weeds, especially during the establishment period, pulling them by hand, or by using pre-emergence herbicides in spring that are specifically approved for use on buffalo grass. Invasive cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, can be controlled by winter applications of glyphosate-based herbicides while the buffalo grass is still dormant.

Step 2

Irrigate your buffalo grass lawn just enough to prevent it from turning brown. Over-watering may give weeds a competitive edge and cause disease. Buffalo grass will become dormant if not watered, but can survive long periods of drought this way and will turn green once regular watering resumes.

Step 3

Fertilize buffalo grass lightly in early summer, using 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Apply the same amount once again in late summer, if desired.

Step 4

Mow buffalo grass every 3 to 4 weeks, to a height of 3 or 4 inches, in low-maintenance areas of the landscape. Mow up to once a week, at a height of 2 to 3 inches, for a quality turf lawn.