Buffalo grass, also known as Bouteloua dactyloides, is a warm-season perennial bunchgrass native to North America. It is the most common turfgrass in the Great Plains, and is also grown in other parts of the country, including the Southwest, Midwest, and Southeast. Buffalo grass is known for its drought tolerance, low maintenance, and resistance to pests and diseases. Because of these reasons, buffalo grass is widely found in Pahrump.
Benefits of Buffalo Grass
There are many benefits to planting buffalo grass in your yard, including:
- Drought tolerant: This grass is a drought-tolerant grass that can survive on as little as 1 inch of water per week. This makes it a good choice for areas with hot, dry summers.
- Low maintenance: The grass is a low-maintenance grass that does not require a lot of watering, fertilizing, or mowing. It is also resistant to pests and diseases.
- Fine texture: The grass has a fine texture that makes it look neat and tidy. It is also resistant to weeds.
- Variety of cultivars: There are a variety of buffalo grass cultivars available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some cultivars are more drought-tolerant than others, while others have a different color or texture.
How to Choose a Buffalo Grass Cultivar
When choosing a buffalo grass cultivar, there are a few things to consider, including:
- Hardiness zone: These grass cultivars are hardy in different zones, so choose one that is hardy in your area.
- Sun exposure: The grass needs full sun to thrive, so choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day.
- Drought tolerance: If you live in an area with hot, dry summers, choose a cultivar that is drought-tolerant.
- Color: These grass cultivars come in a variety of colors, so choose one that will complement your home and landscaping.
Planting
Buffalo grass is easy to plant and can be planted in the spring or fall. When planting, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Fill the hole with water and let it drain before planting the grass. Backfill the hole with soil and water the grass well.
Caring
Buffalo grass is relatively low-maintenance, but it does require some care. Water the grass deeply once a week during the summer. Fertilize the grass in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Mow the grass once a week in the summer and once every two weeks in the spring and fall.
Pests and Diseases
Buffalo grass is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to chinch bugs and brown patches. If you see any pests or diseases on your grass, treat them immediately with an appropriate pesticide.
Here are some additional tips for caring for buffalo grass:
- Aerate the lawn in the fall to help with drainage.
- Overseed the lawn in the fall to help thicken it up.
- Dethatch the lawn in the spring to remove dead grass and debris.
- Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring to prevent weeds from germinating.
Conclusion
Buffalo grass is a beautiful and versatile grass that is a great addition to any landscape. It is easy to care for and can tolerate heat and drought, which is perfect for Pahrump. If you are looking for grass that will add color and interest to your yard, consider planting buffalo grass.
With proper care, this grass can live for many years and provide you with years of enjoyment.
Give Snowden Designs a call today at 775-537-8070 and let’s discuss adding grass to your yard. If you need help maintaining your yard, we can help you out there, too!