| Buffalo Grass Buffalo grass is a perennial grass native to the Great Plains and found from Montana all the way to Mexico. It is one of the grasses that supported the great buffalo herds that roamed the Great Plains. Buffalo grass also provided the sod from which early settlers built their houses. It is a fine textured, relatively thin turf with a soft blue green color. Usage: Buffalo grass can be used in a native- type lawn and seeded with wildflowers for that area since it grows in a rather thin turf pattern unless properly enticed to thicken for a full lawn. Meadow plantings of this grass are beautiful in the bluish-gray coloring of the grass. It can used in golf course roughs and fairways, erosion control sites, roadsides, low maintenance sites parks, playgrounds, natural settings and hospitals. It can be planted with small sod or plug sections on a moist bed. It is also used extensively in pastures. Watering: Buffalo grass is tolerant to prolonged droughts and extreme temperatures. It does well on low irrigation and will turn brown and die back in the summer if not watered. Fertilization: Low fertilization requirements with 1 ½ to 2lb/1000SF yearly depending upon the usage. Seeding: Preferably treated seed to get the best germination possible and the poundage depends upon maintenance program and moisture available with a basic method of 5lb/1000SF. -- Patience and time are needed in seeding in Buffalo. It does NOT produce dense stands like cool season grasses (Fescue, etc.). Low establishment rates of seedlings can still result in a complete turf by second year. Weeds must be controlled during establishment phase by mowing, spot spraying and hand pulling. Planting should be in spring after soil temperatures are 60-65 degrees and climbing (day air 75-80). Maintenance: Mowing depends upon the usage, watering and fertilization schedules. If grown for a low maintenance lawn then mowing and care can be kept to a minimum. Golf fairways of course will require more frequent and lower mowing and watering schedules. Buffalo has naturalized resistance to pests and disease. Adaptation: Buffalo grows in a harder, denser, clay type soil and will not tolerate sandy soils. |
