Grass Guide: Buffalo Grass
Capable of withstanding drought, wind, high heat and more, buffalo grass lives up to its name.
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
Next Up
Everything You Need to Know About Perennial Ryegrass
Grow a lush lawn with perennial ryegrass, including a fast-growing, durable grass for Northern climates plus a green winter grass for Southern ones.
The Best Spring Lawn Fertilizers for Every Type of Yard
Spring is the best time to feed your lawn, but the right fertilizer depends on your grass. Here's what to know before you buy.
Understanding Liquid Aeration for Your Lawn
Forget everything you know about traditional methods of aerating your lawn, because liquid aeration is a green grass game-changer.
6 Best Lawn and Leaf Bags of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
Ditch the wheelbarrow and start using a bag for yard waste instead. These lawn and leaf bags make quick work of removing fallen leaves, grass clippings, twigs and other garden waste.
The Best Organic Fertilizers for Long-Term Lawn Health
Looking for a more natural way to feed your grass? These organic lawn fertilizers support healthy soil and a greener, stronger lawn.
A Master Gardener's Guide to Must-Have Pruning Tools
Whether you're deadheading flowers or tackling overgrown shrubs, there's a pruning tool made for the job.
How to Get Rid of Fall Armyworms
Find the best ways to get rid of fall armyworms and protect your plants and grass.
Jasmine Roth's Travel Guide to Park City, UT
Stay, eat and play like a local. Jasmine Roth shares an insider's look at her new hometown.
The Ultimate Gift Guide for 'Gilmore Girls' Fans
Surprise the Gilmore Girls lover in your life with a gift that shows you understand their love of this show.
How to Create Faux Grass Cloth Walls
Create the timeless look of a grass cloth wall treatment using this simple paint-and-brush technique to simulate the real thing — at a fraction of the cost.