BUFFALOGRASS / FOR LAWNS & LANDSCAPING
Buffalograss
is a permanent, native, low-growing, warm-season grass. It is an important range grass, pasturing native animals prior
to and since the last ice age. Now a renewed interest in this living prairie “antique” is being shown as people begin
to use this grass for ecologically sound, low maintenance lawns and landscaping.
Buffalograss is excellent for people who want a
large attractive lawn during the summer with a minimum of work involved. Other advantages of Buffalograss for lawns is
that it withstands heavy usage and has good drought tolerance. Because the grass is low growing, it requires little
mowing giving it a very uniform appearance. It has a low fertility requirement and it often will maintain good density
without supplemental fertilization.
However, potential lawn growers should note that
Buffalograss is a warm-season grass. It turns brown with fall’s first freezing weather. It will not green-up until warm
weather returns, being brown and unattractive when the neighbor’s Kentucky Bluegrass is brilliant green. At times
during summer months, Buffalograss will go brown and become dormant during extended dry periods if no supplemental water
is provided. The grass has poor shade tolerance and is seldom found thriving above 6,000 to 6,500 feet in elevation.
Because of aggressive runners, Buffalograss can require edging along walks, driveway and flower beds.
Proper seedbed preparation for planting a home
lawn is essential. Buffalograss will grow on heavy and compacted soils, but it is easier to start and keep on good loam
soils. Heavy soils may be improved by applying a good quality organic, matter such as peat moss, aged manure or
compost. Applying a phosphorus fertilizer stimulates seedling root growth, even on soils testing high in phosphorus.
For poorer soils, use a commercial lawn starter at the recommended rate.
Work the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. This
may require plowing, discing or tilling. The seedbed should be uniform, friable and well-packed. Use tillage methods
to control weeds that may develop before seeding.
Placing the grass seed properly is very
important. The best methods to use a grass drill that plants the seed about 1/2 inch deep and provides a firm contact
between the seed and moist soil. The seed may also be broadcast. When broadcasting seed, harrow or rake the area in
two directions immediately after seeding to work the seeds into the soil. Broadcast seed must be covered with soil for
the seeding to be successful. With any method, the soil must be firmed against the seed. Seedlings begin to appear 14
to 21 days after planting when moisture is available for germination.
The amount of seed needed to ensure a stand at the
end of the first year will depend on the method of seeding, the quality of seedbed preparation, the availability of
water for establishment and certain climatic uncertainties. Use approximately 1.0 to 2.0 pound per 1,000 square feet of
surface. All planting should be delayed until the danger of frost has past. With supplemental watering lawns may be
planted as late as July 15th. The time of planting depends upon the latitude of the location, which may extend to
August 1st in lower latitudes.
When areas such as parks, golf courses, airfields,
cemeteries, athletic fields or highway development projects are planted exclusively in Buffalograss, the seeding rate of
20 to 40 pounds per acre is recommended. Prepare the seedbed as for any grass planting and seed 1/2 inch deep. Only
after the seedlings are established should herbicides be used to control invading weeds. Close mowing several times
during the season is preferable. Do not reduce the total height by more than 1/3 at any one mowing.
If nitrogen fertilizer is applied, the time frame
of June 1 to June 30 will give optimum results. It is at this time that stolon development has started. The additional
nitrogen stimulates new tissue growth throughout June, July and August.
Once a Buffalograss lawn is established it
develops into an energy efficient turf with minimal requirements for added fertilizer or water with little or no
mowing. Buffalograss is excellent for people who want a lawn but really do not want to work at it!
Care and Management Summary
Requirements: Grows best in full sun.
Should have at least 6 – 8 hours per day of direct sunlight. Good soil drainage is essential. Not suited to sandy
soils.
Planting: June – August with irrigation.
April – May if irrigation is not available. 1 – 2 pounds seed per 1,000 sq. ft. Plant 1/2 inch deep.
Mowing: 2 – 3 inches for home lawns. Low
maintenance areas may be mowed taller. Frequency is affected by amount of watering and fertilizing. Catching clippings
is optional.
Fertilizing: Mid-May to June is best.
Second application, if used, July – August. 1 to 1 1/2 pounds actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. per year. Less on low
maintenance and natural areas.
Weed Control: Avoid frequent watering,
short mowing and over-fertilizing. Minimal early season watering. Avoid 2 4-D and related products in the spring when
temperature is about 90º F and on first year turf. Control broadleaf weeds in the fall.
Sharp Brothers Seed Co.
396 SW Davis St. - LaDue
Clinton, Missouri 64735
Phone: 1-800-451-3779
or Phone: 1-660-885-7551
Contact: General inquiries use our contact form.
Also visit Sharp Bros. Healy's website at
www.sharpseed.com
Copyright © 2004 Sharp Brothers Seed Co.
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