Buffalo Grass Pros And Cons

If you’re looking for a tough, low-maintenance lawn, you’ve probably heard about buffalo grass. Understanding the buffalo grass pros and cons is essential before you decide if it’s the right turf for your yard. This warm-season grass is famous for its durability and unique look, but it’s not perfect for every situation. Let’s break down what makes it great and where it might fall short for your needs.

To give you a clear picture, we’ll start with the big benefits. These advantages make buffalo grass a top choice for many gardeners in drier regions. It’s a native grass that’s adapted to thrive with less input from you.

Key Advantages of Buffalo Grass

First, the pros. This grass saves you time, water, and money once it’s established. Here’s why so many people love it.

Exceptional Drought Tolerance: This is its superstar feature. Buffalo grass has deep roots that seek out moisture, allowing it to stay green with far less water than traditional lawns like Kentucky bluegrass. It can survive long dry spells and even go dormant during extreme drought, bouncing back when rains return.
Very Low Maintenance: You’ll spend less time mowing and fertilizing. It grows slowly and stays relatively short. It also requires little to no fertilizer, as too much nitrogen can actually harm it and encourage weeds.
Heat and Cold Hardiness: It loves the heat and can handle full, blazing sun without batting an eye. It’s also surprisingly cold-tolerant, surviving winters in USDA zones 3 to 9.
Establishes a Dense Sod: Its growth habit forms a thick mat that chokes out many common weeds. This dense cover also helps prevent soil erosion on slopes.
Soft Texture and Low Allergy Potential: Unlike some grasses, buffalo grass produces very little pollen. This is a major plus for allergy sufferers. Its fine blades are also soft to walk on barefoot.

Potential Drawbacks of Buffalo Grass

Now, for the cons. No lawn grass is perfect everywhere. These drawbacks are important to consider, especially depending on your location and how you use your yard.

Poor Shade Tolerance: This is its biggest weakness. Buffalo grass needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. It will thin out and struggle in shaded areas under trees or next to buildings.
Dormancy and Winter Color: As a warm-season grass, it turns a golden tan or brown after the first hard frost in fall. It stays this color until spring temperatures consistently warm up. If you desire a green lawn year-round, this isn’t the grass for you.
Limited Traffic Tolerance: While tough in many ways, it doesn’t handle heavy, constant foot traffic as well as some sports grasses. It can thin out in high-use areas like children’s play zones or pathways.
Potential for Thatch Buildup: Over time, it can develop a thatch layer. This needs to be monitored and managed occasionally with dethatching to prevent water and nutrient blockage.
Slower Establishment: It can be slower to germinate and fill in compared to some grasses, especially if seeded. Using sod or plugs gets faster results but is more expensive upfront.
Not Ideal for High-Rainfall/Humid Climates: It thrives in drier climates and can be susceptible to certain fungal diseases in consistently humid, wet conditions.

Is Buffalo Grass Right For Your Lawn?

So, how do you decide? Weighing the buffalo grass pros and cons against your specific situation is key. Ask yourself these questions.

What is your local climate like? Buffalo grass is ideal for the plains, Midwest, and Western states with lower rainfall and lots of sun.

How much sun does your lawn get? If you have a very sunny yard, it’s a fantastic candidate. If your yard is mostly shaded, look at other options like fine fescues.

What are your water usage goals? If conserving water is a priority, this grass is one of the best choices available.

How do you use your lawn? For a lower-traffic, ornamental yard, it’s great. For a backyard soccer field, you might need something more resilient.

Planting and Caring for Buffalo Grass

If you’ve decided to go for it, here’s how to get started. Following these steps will give your lawn the best chance to thrive.

Step 1: Planting

Choose Your Method: You can plant seed, sod, or plugs. Plugs are a popular, cost-effective compromise.
Prepare the Soil: Clear the area of weeds and debris. Loosen the top 4-6 inches of soil and rake it smooth.
Plant at the Right Time: Plant in late spring or early summer when soil temperatures are warm (above 70°F).
Water for Establishment: Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) for the first 2-3 weeks until roots take hold.

Step 2: Ongoing Maintenance

Mowing: Set your mower high, around 3 to 4 inches. This promotes deeper roots and shades the soil. You may only need to mow every 2-3 weeks.
Watering: Water deeply but infrequently once established. Aim for about 1 inch of water every 2-3 weeks in the absence of rain during summer.
Fertilizing: It rarely needs fertilizer. If you do feed, use a low-nitrogen, slow-release formula only once in late spring.
Weed Control: Its density prevents many weeds. Hand-pull any that appear, as some herbicides can damage buffalo grass.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does buffalo grass compare to Bermuda grass?
Both are drought-tolerant, but Bermuda handles heavy traffic better and invades gardens aggressively. Buffalo is softer, less invasive, and needs less mowing but is less shade tolerant.

Can I mix buffalo grass with other grasses?
It’s generally not recommended. Buffalo grass’s growth habit and low fertility needs differ from cool-season grasses. They often compete, leading to a patchy lawn.

Does buffalo grass attract bugs or pests?
It’s relatively pest-resistant. Chinch bugs can sometimes be a problem, and grubs may feed on the roots, but issues are less common than with other turf types.

How do I green up my buffalo grass in spring?
Be patient. It greens up naturally as soil temperatures rise. Light watering and a possible light feeding in late spring can help, but avoid forcing it early.

Is buffalo grass good for pets?
Yes, its soft texture is pet-friendly. Its durability allows it to handle some pet traffic, though high-traffic pee spots may need occasional reseeding.

Choosing a lawn grass is a big decision. By carefully considering the buffalo grass pros and cons, you can make an informed choice that fits your climate, your yard, and your lifestyle. For sunny, dry regions where water conservation matters, its advantages are hard to beat. Just be ready for its winter nap and give it the sun it craves. With the right conditions, you’ll have a beautiful, low-care lawn that saves you time and resources for years to come.