Choosing the right turfgrass for your lawn can feel overwhelming, but focusing on two popular warm-season options makes it easier. A direct comparison of buffalo grass vs bermuda grass reveals two grasses with very different personalities, each suited for specific landscapes and lifestyles. Your climate, soil, and how you plan to use your yard will determine which one is your perfect match.
Let’s look at what makes each grass unique, so you can make a confident choice for your home.
Buffalo Grass vs Bermuda Grass
This head-to-head comparison breaks down the key differences. Below, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty details of each grass’s needs and habits.
Origin and Basic Characteristics
Buffalo grass (Buchloë dactyloides) is a North American native prairie grass. It’s known for its soft, blue-green to gray-green color and a fine texture. It grows naturally in the Great Plains and is celebrated for its incredible drought tolerance.
Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a tough, aggressive grass that originated in Africa and Asia. It has a medium to fine texture and a deep green color. It’s famous for its rapid growth, durability, and ability to form a dense, carpet-like lawn that can handle heavy foot traffic.
Climate and Growing Zones
Both grasses are warm-season, meaning they green up in late spring, thrive in summer heat, and go dormant (turn brown) after the first hard frost.
* Buffalo Grass: Prefers areas with lower humidity and rainfall. It excels in USDA zones 4-8, but performs best in the drier climates of the Great Plains and southwestern states.
* Bermuda Grass: Loves intense heat and sun. It thrives in USDA zones 7-10, particularly in the southern United States, from the Southeast across to California. It handles humidity better than buffalo grass.
Sunlight Requirements
This is a major deciding factor.
* Buffalo Grass: Needs full sun, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It will thin out and struggle significantly in shaded areas.
* Bermuda Grass: Is an absolute sun worshipper. It demands a minimum of 7-8 hours of direct, unfiltered sun to grow thick and healthy. It is one of the worst grasses for shady yards.
Water Needs and Drought Tolerance
Here, buffalo grass has a distinct advantage in water conservation.
* Buffalo Grass: Extremely drought-tolerant once established. It can survive on as little as 1 inch of water per month, going dormant in extreme drought and greening up again with rainfall. It’s an excellent choice for xeriscaping.
* Bermuda Grass: Has good drought tolerance, but needs more water than buffalo grass to stay green and attractive. For a lush lawn, it typically requires about 1 inch of water per week during peak summer heat. It will also go dormant in drought.
Growth Habit and Maintenance
Their growth patterns dictate how much work you’ll do.
* Buffalo Grass: Grows slowly and stays relatively short (4-6 inches). It spreads primarily by above-ground runners called stolons. It requires less frequent mowing—sometimes only every 2-3 weeks.
* Bermuda Grass: Grows very aggressively, both with stolons and below-ground rhizomes. It requires frequent mowing (often weekly) during peak season to keep it from becoming thatchy and unruly. It’s a high-maintenance grass in terms of mowing and edging.
Traffic and Wear Tolerance
How do they hold up to kids, pets, and parties?
* Buffalo Grass: Has moderate wear tolerance. It’s okay for a family yard with occasional activity, but it won’t recover as quickly from heavy wear or compaction. It’s not ideal for sports fields or high-traffic play areas.
* Bermuda Grass: Has excellent wear tolerance and recovers from damage rapidly due to its aggressive growth. This is why it’s the top choice for golf courses, sports fields, and busy backyards.
Soil Preferences
* Buffalo Grass: Adapts to a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained clay or loam soils. It is notably tolerant of alkaline soils, which are common in its native range.
* Bermuda Grass: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil but can adapt to poor, sandy, or salty soils. It performs best when soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.
Fertilizer Needs
* Buffalo Grass: Has very low fertility requirements. One light application of a balanced fertilizer in late spring is often sufficient. Too much fertilizer can actually cause weed problems and excessive growth.
* Bermuda Grass: Is a heavy feeder. It requires regular fertilization during the growing season (typically 3-4 applications) to maintain its dense, dark green color and vigorous growth.
Weed and Disease Resistance
A dense lawn is the best weed prevention.
* Buffalo Grass: Its dense stolon mat helps suppress weeds once established. It has few major disease problems, especially in dry climates.
* Bermuda Grass: When healthy and thick, it chokes out weeds effectively. However, it can be susceptible to diseases like dollar spot and spring dead spot, particularly in humid conditions or if overwatered.
Choosing the Right Grass for Your Yard
Now that you know the facts, here’s a simple guide to choose.
Choose BUFFALO GRASS if:
* You live in a drier, low-rainfall climate.
* You want a low-maintenance lawn with minimal mowing and fertilizing.
* You are creating a water-wise or native landscape.
* Your lawn gets full sun all day.
* Your yard has moderate, not heavy, foot traffic.
Choose BERMUDA GRASS if:
* You live in a hot, sunny climate (humid or dry).
* Your lawn area gets intense, direct sunlight all day long.
* You need a grass that can handle kids, pets, and lots of activity.
* You don’t mind frequent mowing and more active lawn care.
* You want a dense, carpet-like, dark green lawn.
Establishing Your Lawn
You have two main options for starting your lawn: sod or seed.
For Buffalo Grass:
1. Sod: Provides instant lawn and is the most reliable method for many improved cultivars like ‘Legacy’ or ‘Prestige’.
2. Seed: Seeding is possible but can be slower to establish. Use only improved, turf-type seed varieties for best results. Planting is best done in late spring to early summer.
For Bermuda Grass:
1. Sod: Also gives an instant result and is common.
2. Seed, Sprigs, or Plugs: Bermuda grass is very commonly established from seed for common types, or from sprigs/plugs for hybrid varieties (which are sterile). The aggressive growth helps it fill in quickly when planted in late spring or early summer.
Ongoing Care and Seasonal Tips
A quick seasonal checklist for each grass.
Buffalo Grass Care Calendar:
* Spring: Mow once growth begins, set blade high (2.5-3 inches). Apply light fertilizer if needed.
* Summer: Mow as needed (may be infrequent). Water only during extended drought to prevent dormancy, if desired.
* Fall: Mow one last time before winter. It’s a good time to dethatch if a sparse layer has built up.
* Winter: Fully dormant and brown. No maintenance needed.
Bermuda Grass Care Calendar:
* Spring: Dethatch if necessary. Apply pre-emergent herbicide. Begin mowing frequently as growth takes off, lowering height gradually.
* Summer: Mow frequently (often weekly) at a low height (1-1.5 inches for hybrids). Water deeply 1-2 times per week. Fertilize regularly.
* Fall: Apply final fertilizer while growth slows. Raise mowing height slightly for winter.
* Winter: Dormant and brown. Keep leaves and debris cleared off the lawn.
Common Problems and Solutions
Every grass has its quirks.
Buffalo Grass Challenges:
* Shade: The only solution is to trim trees to increase sun or choose a different grass for shady areas.
* Weed Invasion in Young Lawns: Keep new lawns well-watered to help them establish a dense mat that blocks weeds.
* Thatch: Can occassionally build up; dethatch every few years in fall if needed.
Bermuda Grass Challenges:
* Thatch: Its vigorous growth leads to thatch buildup. Annual dethatching in spring is often necessary.
* Invasiveness: It can quickly invade flower beds and sidewalks. Maintain clear edges and use physical barriers.
* Winter Kill: In its northern range, severe cold can damage it. Choosing cold-tolerant cultivars helps.
FAQ: Buffalo Grass and Bermuda Grass Questions
Q: Which grass is more soft for bare feet?
A: Buffalo grass is generally considered softer and more pleasant for bare feet than the coarser, denser feel of bermuda grass.
Q: Can I mix buffalo grass and bermuda grass together?
A: It’s not recommended. Bermuda grass is so aggressive it would likely out-compete and choke out the slower-growing buffalo grass over time.
Q: Which grass stays green longer in the fall?
A: Bermuda grass often stays green slightly later into the fall than buffalo grass in the same climate, as it retains heat well. But both will go dormant after frost.
Q: Is one better for pets than the other?
A: Bermuda grass’s high traffic tolerance and quick recovery make it generally better for yards with active dogs. Its durability can withstand digging and running better.
Q: How do I get rid of bermuda grass if it takes over?
A: Eradicating bermuda grass is difficult due to its rhizomes. It requires multiple applications of a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate, or thorough solarization with plastic sheeting.
Choosing between these two excellent grasses comes down to your environment and expectations. For a low-input, water-sipping lawn in full sun, buffalo grass is a superb native choice. For a tough, lush, high-traffic lawn that can take the heat, bermuda grass is the reigning champion. Assess your site carefully, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful, resilient lawn for years to come.