Grass Guide: Buffalo Grass

Capable of withstanding drought, wind, high heat and more, buffalo grass lives up to its name.
Buffalo Grass

Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass is a warm season grass that is low-maintenance and drought-resistant.

Photo by: Image Courtesy of Bayer CropScience

Image Courtesy of Bayer CropScience

Buffalo grass is a warm season grass that is low-maintenance and drought-resistant.

A soft low-maintenance turf grass, buffalo grass does well in many conditions. Common in the West, Southwest and the Great Plains, this tough grass stands up to drought, high winds, high heat and cool winter conditions. It also propagates readily, although it performs poorly in high elevation and in sandy soil conditions. Remarkably easy to maintain, Buffalo grass may require mowing only a few times a year.  

Climate  

A warm climate grass, buffalo still stands up well to cold weather conditions.  

Sun/Shade

Does best with long exposure to daily sunlight.   

Water 

Drought-resistant. Does best with occasional deep soaking.

Pros:

  • Tolerant of high traffic
  • Drought- and heat-tolerant
  • Extremely low-maintenance
  • Stays green into late-season.

Cons:

  • Brown in winter
  • Late to green in the spring
  • Can appear unkempt even when well maintained
  • Expensive
  • Does poorly in sandy soil

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