A Guide to Buffalo Grass

There are many types of grass that are popular for American homeowners, but there are few that are as common as Buffalo grass. If you’ve been shopping for grass seeds, you’ve undoubtedly seen various types of Buffalo grass seeds available. This warm-season perennial is native to North America, and for this reason it thrives in the US much more than many other types of grass seeds. Read on to learn about the best way to successfully grow Buffalo grass in your lawn.

How to know if Buffalo grass is right for you

Buffalo grass will thrive in many parts of the country, but there are certain factors that will prevent it from being successful in your lawn. Very shady lawns, soil with a high saline content, areas in high elevation, very high foot traffic and soils that do not hold water well will all create problems when attempting to grow Buffalo grass. Make sure to take a look at your lawn to see if any of these factors are present. If so, you’ll want to research an alternate type of grass seed that will perform better under these conditions.

Various types of Buffalo grass

  • Prairie Grass: This variety of grass was the first type of Buffalo grass to be used in turf settings. It is a beautiful blue-green color and is only available in sod or plugs. If you’re hoping to start your new lawn from seeds, you’ll want to select a different variety. Prairie grass is best fit for yards that see full sun exposure and feature clay-based soils.
  • Legacy Grass: The legacy variety of Buffalo grass is most common in northern U.S. and southern areas of Canada. It grows in thick and is dark blue-green in hue. It performs well in both dry and cool climates, and can grow as high as six inches tall. It performs well in clay-based soil and yards with medium to high sun exposure.
  • Prestige Grass: If you live in the south, the prestige variety of Buffalo grass is the best choice for your lawn. It is similar to legacy varieties, but is darker in color. The blades are soft, fine and easy to maintain. The main flaw of prestige grass is its inability to perform well during colder months, but in many southern states this will not be an issue at all.

Once you’ve selected the type of seed that is the best fit for your yard and region, you can begin to start planting your Buffalo grass. Here are some tips that you should study carefully before attempting to grow grass in your lawn:

Planting Buffalo grass in your lawn

Planting Buffalo grass is the same as planting any variety of grass seed or sod in your yard. Since some varieties of this grass are only available in sod form, you may have to spring for this more expensive option. While sod is certainly pricier, it is significantly easier to plant in your lawn than traditional seeds.

Sod installation is as simple as preparing the soil and laying down your new grass, which will come rolled much like carpet. If you’ve decided to plant seeds, you’ll be in for a little bit more when it comes time to plant. There are many resources available that can be of assistance in planting seeds, take time to read some of these articles before you begin planting your seeds. Aftercare is just as important when planting seeds at the initial stages, so don’t think that you can plant these seeds and forget them.

If you’re unable to wrap your head around the proper way to plant your new Buffalo grass, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many lawn care companies and landscaping professionals that can properly install your new Buffalo grass without any risk of failure. This way you can be sure that the time and money spent on installing new grass will not be wasted.

TruGreen will gladly visit your property as often as needed between scheduled visits to make any necessary adjustments and to ensure your satisfaction.

Getting Started with TruGreen

  1. Call or fill out the form above to reach a lawn care specialist.
  2. Know the square footage of your yard, as well as any specific areas of concern.
  3. With the help of your specialist, create a customized lawn care plan that meets your lawn’s needs.
  4. Schedule your Healthy Lawn Analysis2 to start your service.