Buffalo grass is one of the most popular choices for home gardens and even commercial spaces such as golf courses, baseball fields, and public playgrounds or parks. Its resiliency and low-maintenance characteristics make it a go-to option for these areas.
This lawn grass has an attractive green color, even during winter. Plus, it can grow in places with high sunlight and low water. In the wild, it’s useful as a range and pasture plant. You can view here for a closer look into the attractive features of buffalo grass. (1)
Although you don’t need to do much to grow buffalo grass, it’s still best to learn how to care for them. Here are five tips to help you out:
1. Watch out for weeds
Contrary to what some might think, buffalo grass is different from couch grass, which is an invasive type of weed. The former is actually more likely to be invaded by other types of grass. Garden weeds are a problem because they compete with your plants for nutrients in the soil. As such, you should be vigilant against weed growth to keep your lawn looking healthy and vibrant. (2)
Check your garden or yard for any signs of these weeds:
· Onion weeds – Onion weeds are characterized by their thin leaves, which emerge from a white bulb in the center. They also have white petals that blossom on top of a long stalk.
· Creeping oxalis – This weed is notorious for its rapid growth, particularly because it can regrow from its bulbils and stem fragments apart from its seeds. Its roots also take hold quickly, so it’s best to act fast when you spot them in your garden.
· Winter grass – Although short-lived, winter grass is still annoying because it can reappear annually if you don’t eradicate its seeds properly. Moreover, it can be challenging to pinpoint its seeds until it sprouts its heads, which means you’ll have to stay vigilant.
· Summer grass – Also called crabgrass, summer grass is low-growing and can easily be hand-picked before it has a chance to spread. (3)
2. Know the best fertilizer ratio
Some weeds, like the white clover, can easily infest lawns that lack nitrogen. To keep them out and to make your buffalo grass healthy, you should fertilize your soil. However, be cautious about the amount that you put and the frequency because over-managing your garden bed can cause more harm to your buffalo grass. (3)
You only need about one or two pounds of nitrogen for 1,000 square feet of buffalo grass turf annually. When purchasing fertilizer, check the nitrogen-to-phosphorus-to-potassium (N-P-K) ratio. Ideally, the figure should be 3-1-2 or 4-1-2. Moreover, go for one that has a minimum of 35 percent slow-release nitrogen. (4)
The rate to apply your fertilizer should be one pound of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet during the summer months. For instance, you can schedule this once in June and next in late July or early August. (4)
3. Be mindful when watering
As mentioned, buffalo grass has high drought tolerance, so it won’t die right away if you forget to water it for one or two days. Moreover, overwatering can lead to weed growth and heighten the risk for plant disease and pests.
During the cold months, water your turf enough to let it thrive and avoid dormancy. In the summer months, you will want to give them a bit more water. Soak the garden bed but do so infrequently to foster deep root development. (2)
4. Trim the grass regularly
Mowing your buffalo grass regularly is highly recommended for growth. For high-quality turf, you can trim the grass once a week at about two to three inches. Nonetheless, your lawn can survive up to six months without mowing. However, it might lead to weed and pest infestations.
5. Get rid of thatch properly
Buffalo grass enters into a state of dormancy during late spring to early summer, which can result in thatch or dried grass. This can be an indicator that you need to water your lawn more. Make sure to rake the thatch to get ready for the growing season in the spring. (5)
Takeaway
Buffalo grass is an ideal choice for lawns and playgrounds because of its low-maintenance and wear-resistant features. Nonetheless, you want to take care of your turf properly so your lawn will stay healthy and thrive.
Check for weeds and remove them immediately so your buffalo grass won’t have any competition for nutrients. Fertilize your soil properly as well. Furthermore, make sure to water and mow the grass regularly to promote growth. Lastly, get rid of thatch and use it to monitor your lawn’s health.
References
1. “Buffalo Grass Lawns: Information About The Care Of Buffalo Grass”, Source:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/specific/buffalo-grass/care-of-buffalo-grass.htm
2. “What is buffalo grass and should it be in your lawn?” Source:
https://www.happysprout.com/gardening/buffalo-grass-lawn/
3. “Weeds in Buffalo Grass”, Source:
https://buyturfonline.com.au/weeds-in-buffalo-grass/
4. “Establishment and Care of Buffalograss Lawns”, Source:
https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6730
5. “Buffalo Grass: 4 Tips for Caring for a Buffalo Grass Lawn”, Source:
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/buffalo-grass-care-guide#what-is-buffalo-grass