Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) in Grass New Jersey

Description

Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) is a warm-season grass native to the North American prairies. It’s known for its exceptional drought tolerance, low maintenance requirements, and ability to form a dense, fine-textured turf.

Description:

• Foliage: Buffalograss has fine-textured, blue-green foliage that forms a dense, low-growing turf. The leaves are narrow and curl inward, giving the lawn a soft, velvety appearance.
• Growth Habit: It spreads through both stolons and rhizomes, forming a thick, carpet-like turf that can withstand heavy foot traffic.
• Drought Tolerance: Buffalograss is highly drought-tolerant and can survive extended periods of dry weather without supplemental irrigation once established.
• Low Maintenance: It requires less mowing, fertilization, and water compared to many other turfgrass species, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
• Winter Dormancy: Buffalograss goes dormant and turns straw-colored in the winter months but greens up again in the spring once temperatures warm up.

Planting Instructions:

1. Timing:

• Buffalograss is best planted in the late spring or early summer, once soil temperatures have warmed to around 60°F (15°C) or higher for optimal germination and establishment.
• Planting later in the season allows the grass to take advantage of warm temperatures and ample sunlight for vigorous growth.

2. Soil Preparation:

• Prepare the soil by removing debris, weeds, and rocks from the planting area.
• Loosen the top 2 to 4 inches of soil using a garden fork or tiller to improve soil aeration and root penetration.
• Buffalograss prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.

3. Seeding or Sodding:

• Buffalograss can be established from seed or sod, depending on the desired timeline and budget.
• If seeding, sow the seeds at a rate of 1 to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet for new lawns or overseeding existing turf.
• For sodding, lay the sod in a staggered pattern, ensuring tight seams between pieces to prevent drying out and promote rooting.

4. Watering:

• Keep the newly seeded or sodded area consistently moist during the establishment period, which typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
• Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to shallow roots and disease issues.

5. Maintenance:

• Once established, Buffalograss requires infrequent watering, as it is highly drought-tolerant.
• Mow Buffalograss infrequently at a height of 2 to 3 inches, or leave it unmowed for a more natural look. Avoid scalping the lawn, as this can weaken the grass and promote weed growth.
• Fertilize Buffalograss sparingly, if at all, as excessive nitrogen can lead to thatch buildup and decreased drought tolerance.
• Control weeds by hand-pulling or using herbicides labeled safe for Buffalograss, as it tends to be dense and competitive against weeds once established.