The Various Benefits Of Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass traces its origins to the U.S on the Western Plains prairies. It got its name from the fact that it grew under the feet of millions of American buffaloes. This thickly matted grass was used by early prairie settlers as sod for house constructions. Since then, it has been fine-tuned with new varieties to create beautiful lawn grasses. Below is a look at the various buffalo grass benefits.

Irrespective of the variety, buffalo lawn will always maintain most of its original qualities that allows it to survive on the prairies. A perennial and warm season grass, it is popular due to its heat and drought resistance qualities. Homeowners love it due to the low water usage required for it as well as its low growth habit. Some of the newer varieties do not grow taller than between 6 and 8 inches. Older buffalo grass varieties will possess the characteristic seed head that it is known for. While this could be a drawback for some homeowners, the newer varieties have less visible seeds, making it more attractive.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of buffalo grass is seen in water conservation. This grass is well-known as a drought resistant species. In the summer, it will survive drought without water by going dormant and then reviving itself once there is enough moisture. All in all, if a homeowner wishes to have a green lawn throughout the summer, he or she will have to water it regularly.

Another benefit of buffalo grass is low fertility requirement. This is somewhat related to it qualities of water conservation. When mature, this type of grass requires only one or two pounds of nitrogen for every 1000 square feet each year. This is when compared to Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue that requires between four and six pounds of nitrogen per year.

A notable aspect of buffalo grass is that it only has above-ground runners (stolons) and no below-ground runners (rhizomes). This is the main reason why it is generally less invasive to gardens. In addition, it allows homeowners and mowing contractors to easily maintain a tidy edge. During the summer, all they have to do is edge with an edge trimmer or a brush cutter after every second mow. Other grass types like the Couch have deep underground rhizomes that constantly creep into gardens. Buffalo grass thus makes mowing it much easier.

Generally, Buffalo lawns are better than other varieties when it comes to out-doing weed. The same case applies to water requirements. Buffalo grass requires considerably lower amounts of water for irrigation. In fact, excessive watering can promote invasion of weed, just as is the case with over-fertilization. Watering is not necessary for buffalo grass growing on heavier clay soils if there is adequate rainfall. Another notable benefit of this variety is that it is low growing. Depending on variety, it will grow to a maximum height of between 3 and 8 inches.

Form the above facts, it can be seen that buffalo grass is quite beneficial to a homeowner. When compared to other turf varieties, buffalo lawn is definitely easier to maintain and take care of.


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River Mifsud is a subject matter expert on of growing grass. Read more at http://returf.com.au/buffalo-grass/ for more information about buffalo grass.