Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass generates numerous questions from homeowners considering this native alternative to traditional turf. The species' unique characteristics, including seasonal dormancy, minimal water requirements, and slow establishment from seed, differ substantially from familiar lawn grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass.
These questions address the most common concerns about buffalo grass selection, installation, and long-term maintenance. Understanding the grass's natural growth patterns and environmental requirements helps set realistic expectations and ensures successful establishment. Additional detailed information about specific varieties and regional performance appears on our main page, while background on cultivation history can be found on our about page.
What is buffalo grass?
Buffalo grass is a native North American warm-season grass that forms a dense, low-growing turf. It's drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, making it popular for lawns in arid regions. The species (Bouteloua dactyloides) originally covered approximately 60 million acres of the Great Plains before agricultural conversion. Modern cultivars developed through university breeding programs offer improved color, density, and performance compared to native ecotypes. The grass spreads through both stolons and seed production, creating a fine-textured turf that typically reaches 4-6 inches in unmowed height with a distinctive blue-green color during active growth.
How much water does buffalo grass need?
Buffalo grass needs very little water once established, typically requiring only 1-2 inches per month during growing season. It can survive on natural rainfall in most climates and goes dormant during drought periods. Annual water requirements total just 12-15 inches compared to 30-45 inches for Kentucky bluegrass. The deep root system, penetrating 5-8 feet into soil, accesses moisture unavailable to shallow-rooted species. During establishment, water lightly twice daily for 3-4 weeks until seedlings reach 2 inches tall. Mature lawns benefit from deep, infrequent watering every 2-3 weeks during summer, applying 1 inch per irrigation to encourage deeper rooting. Many homeowners in regions receiving 15+ inches of annual rainfall never irrigate established buffalo grass.
When should I plant buffalo grass?
Plant buffalo grass in late spring to early summer when soil temperatures reach 65-70°F consistently. This timing allows the grass to establish before winter dormancy. In most regions, this window occurs from late May through July. Southern areas may extend planting into early August, while northern zones should complete installation by mid-July to ensure adequate establishment before fall. Soil temperature matters more than air temperature—use a soil thermometer at 2-inch depth, taking readings at mid-morning for three consecutive days. Planting too early in cool soil results in poor germination and increased weed competition. Fall planting is not recommended, as insufficient growing time before dormancy prevents adequate root development.
Does buffalo grass stay green year round?
Buffalo grass goes dormant and turns brown in fall and winter, then greens up again in spring. It remains brown during cold months but returns to its green color when temperatures warm up. Dormancy begins when temperatures consistently fall below 55°F, typically October-November in northern regions and December-January in southern areas. The grass remains dormant until spring temperatures reach 55-60°F for several consecutive days. Northern climates see 4-6 months of dormancy, while southern regions may experience only 2-3 months. Some improved cultivars like UC Verde maintain color longer into fall and green up earlier in spring compared to native types. Dormancy represents a natural survival mechanism, not lawn death—the grass remains alive and resumes growth when favorable conditions return.
Does buffalo grass spread and fill in bare spots?
Buffalo grass spreads actively through stolons (above-ground runners) during the growing season, filling in bare spots and gaps between plugs or damaged areas. A single plant can spread 2-3 feet in diameter during one season under optimal conditions of adequate moisture and warm temperatures. Spreading rate depends on planting method—sod establishes immediate coverage, plugs planted 12 inches apart typically fill in within one season, and seeded lawns reach full density in 8-12 weeks. The grass spreads most aggressively during peak summer heat when soil temperatures reach 75-85°F. Bare spots caused by traffic or damage usually fill within 3-4 weeks during active growth. Fall-planted plugs show minimal spreading until the following spring, which is why late spring planting produces better first-year results.
What are the main differences between buffalo grass and Bermuda grass?
Buffalo grass requires 40-50% less water than Bermuda grass, needs minimal to no mowing, and tolerates alkaline soils better, but Bermuda handles heavy traffic and recovers from damage faster. Bermuda grass remains green longer, typically going dormant only after hard freezes, while buffalo grass begins dormancy at 55°F. Bermuda requires weekly mowing during peak growth and 4-6 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually, compared to buffalo grass's monthly or no mowing and 0-2 pounds of nitrogen. Bermuda grass tolerates partial shade poorly and becomes invasive in flower beds, while buffalo grass stays within lawn boundaries but demands full sun. Bermuda establishes faster and costs less initially through sprigs, but buffalo grass saves substantially on long-term water and maintenance expenses.
Can I overseed buffalo grass with ryegrass for winter color?
Overseeding buffalo grass with annual ryegrass provides winter green color, but this practice contradicts the low-maintenance philosophy that makes buffalo grass attractive. Ryegrass requires regular watering, frequent mowing, and fertilization—eliminating the water savings buffalo grass provides. The ryegrass must be allowed to die out completely in late spring before buffalo grass breaks dormancy, or competition will weaken the buffalo grass. If winter color is essential, apply 10-12 pounds of annual ryegrass seed per 1,000 square feet in early October when buffalo grass begins dormancy. Mow the buffalo grass to 1 inch before overseeding to improve seed-to-soil contact. Water the ryegrass regularly through winter, then cease irrigation in April to allow it to decline before buffalo grass greens up. Most buffalo grass enthusiasts accept dormancy rather than maintain winter overseeding programs.
How much does buffalo grass cost compared to traditional sod?
Buffalo grass seed costs $2-4 per pound, covering approximately 1,000 square feet for $20-40 in materials, while buffalo grass sod runs $0.35-0.75 per square foot ($350-750 per 1,000 square feet) installed. Traditional Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue sod costs $0.30-0.60 per square foot, making buffalo grass sod comparable or slightly higher initially. However, buffalo grass saves $200-400 annually per 5,000 square feet on water costs and $300-500 on reduced mowing and fertilization. Over a 10-year period, buffalo grass saves $5,000-9,000 compared to traditional turf when accounting for water, fertilizer, and maintenance labor. Plugs offer a middle option at $45-165 per 1,000 square feet in materials. Some municipalities offer rebates of $0.50-2.00 per square foot for converting to native grasses, substantially offsetting installation costs.
What pests and diseases affect buffalo grass?
Buffalo grass experiences fewer pest and disease problems than traditional turf species due to its native adaptation and lower fertility requirements. Buffalograss mealybug (Tridiscus sporoboli) occasionally appears as white, cottony masses on stolons and leaf bases, causing yellowing and thinning. Treatment involves applying insecticidal soap or systemic insecticides when populations exceed 20-30 insects per square foot. Chinch bugs sometimes migrate from adjacent Bermuda or zoysia lawns during hot, dry periods, causing irregular brown patches. These respond to pyrethroid insecticides applied to affected areas. Buffalo grass resists most fungal diseases, though dollar spot occasionally appears as small, straw-colored circles during humid conditions with heavy dew. Improving air circulation and avoiding evening watering minimizes fungal issues. The grass's low nitrogen requirements actually prevent many disease problems common in heavily fertilized turf.
Buffalo Grass Seasonal Maintenance Calendar
| Month | Primary Activity | Watering | Mowing | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March-April | Green-up begins | None unless very dry | None | Remove debris, wait for active growth |
| May-June | Active growth starts | 1 inch every 2-3 weeks | Monthly to 3 inches | Planting window opens, apply pre-emergent |
| July-August | Peak growth | 1 inch every 2 weeks | Monthly to 3 inches | Optimal planting period, monitor for pests |
| September | Growth slows | Reduce to monthly | As needed | Last mowing before dormancy |
| October-November | Dormancy begins | None | None | Grass turns straw-colored, overseeding window |
| December-February | Full dormancy | None | None | Avoid traffic on frozen turf |
Additional Resources
- Colorado State University Extension buffalograss guide — The Colorado State University Extension buffalograss guide provides detailed regional information about cultivar selection and establishment for high-altitude and semi-arid climates.
- USGA research on buffalograss performance — USGA research on buffalograss performance in golf course rough areas demonstrates the species' viability for low-maintenance turf applications in water-restricted environments.
- National Park Service native grass documentation — The National Park Service native grass documentation describes buffalo grass's historical range and ecological role in prairie ecosystems before agricultural conversion.