Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) in Grass New Mexico

Description

Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) is a warm-season, perennial grass native to North America. It’s well-known for its exceptional drought tolerance, low maintenance requirements, and ability to form a dense, fine-textured turf. Buffalograss is commonly used in lawns, erosion control, and reclamation projects, especially in regions with hot summers and limited rainfall.

Description:

• Foliage: Buffalograss has fine-textured, blue-green foliage that forms dense tufts or clumps. The leaves are narrow and curl inward, giving the lawn a soft, velvety appearance.
• Growth Habit: Buffalograss has a bunchgrass growth habit, forming dense clumps rather than spreading by rhizomes or stolons. This makes it well-suited for low-maintenance landscapes and areas where erosion control is needed.
• Drought Tolerance: : Buffalograss is highly drought-tolerant once established and can survive extended periods of dry weather without supplemental irrigation. It has deep roots that allow it to access moisture deep within the soil.
• Low Maintenance: : Buffalograss requires less mowing, fertilization, and water compared to many other turfgrass species, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes and eco-friendly lawns.
• Winter Dormancy :Buffalograss goes dormant and turns straw-colored in the winter months but greens up again in the spring once temperatures warm up, providing year-round interest in the landscape.

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 during the warmer months allows the grass to establish roots and develop before the onset of winter dormancy.

2. Site Selection:

• Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting Buffalograss. While it can tolerate a wide range of soil types, it prefers soils with good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
• Avoid planting Buffalograss in shaded areas, as it requires full sun to thrive and may become thin and sparse in low-light conditions.

3. 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.
• Incorporate organic matter such as compost into the soil to enhance fertility and soil structure, especially in poor or compacted soils.

4. 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

5. Watering and Maintenance:

• Keep the newly planted Buffalograss area consistently moist during the establishment period, which typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
• Once established, Buffalograss requires minimal maintenance and can thrive with natural rainfall in most regions.
• Mow Buffalograss infrequently at a height of 2 to 3 inches to maintain its natural appearance and prevent it from becoming overly thatchy.
• Mow Buffalograss infrequently at a height of 2 to 3 inches to maintain its natural appearance and prevent it from becoming overly thatchy.