Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) in Grass North Dakota

Description

Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) is a warm-season grass native to North America, known for its low maintenance requirements, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in hot, dry climates. It’s commonly used for lawns, golf course roughs, and erosion control in regions with hot summers and low rainfall.

Description:

Appearance:

• Buffalograss has fine-textured, gray-green blades that form a dense, low-growing turf.
• It has a unique appearance characterized by its distinctive blue-green color and low-mounding growth habit.

Growth Habit:

• Buffalograss forms a dense sod through above-ground stolons (runners) and below-ground rhizomes, creating a thick, resilient turf.
• It spreads slowly but forms a durable surface that can withstand foot traffic and environmental stresses.

Climate:

• Thrives in warm, arid climates and performs best in regions with hot summers and low to moderate rainfall.
• Buffalograss is well-suited to the central and southern United States, where it can withstand high temperatures and periodic droughts.

Sun Requirements:

• Prefers full sun and thrives in areas with intense sunlight and high temperatures.
• Performs best in areas with ample sunlight to support vigorous growth and maintain its dense, low-mounding habit.

Drought Tolerance:

• Buffalograss is highly drought-tolerant once established and can survive extended periods of dry weather with minimal irrigation.
• Requires infrequent watering during periods of drought to maintain turf quality, making it suitable for water-wise landscapes.

Planting Instructions:

1. Site Preparation:

• Choose a planting site with well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Buffalograss prefers sandy or loamy soil but can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay soils with good drainage.
• Prepare the planting area by clearing the site of any existing vegetation, weeds, rocks, and debris.
• Loosen the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches using a garden fork, tiller, or similar tool to improve soil structure and promote root growth.

2. Seeding or Sodding:

• Buffalograss can be established from seed or sod. Seeding is more economical but requires more time for the grass to establish.
• For seeding, sow Buffalograss seed evenly across the prepared area using a broadcast spreader or by hand. The recommended seeding rate is typically 1 to 3 pounds of pure live seed per 1,000 square feet for new lawns.
• For sodding, lay Buffalograss sod in a staggered pattern, ensuring good contact with the soil. Roll the sod to eliminate air pockets and promote root-to-soil contact.

3. Watering:

• Keep the newly planted Buffalograss seed or sod consistently moist until the grass establishes, usually within 2 to 3 weeks.
• Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Once established, Buffalograss requires less frequent watering but should be irrigated during dry periods to prevent stress.

4. Fertilization:

• Buffalograss has low to moderate fertility requirements and typically does not require regular fertilization.
• Apply a starter fertilizer at the time of planting to promote root development and establishment. After the grass has established, additional fertilization may be needed based on soil test recommendations or visual assessments of turf health.

5. Mowing:

• Begin mowing Buffalograss when it reaches a height of 3 to 4 inches. Set the mower blade to a height of 2 to 3 inches and mow regularly to maintain the desired height.
• Buffalograss can be mowed slightly shorter for a manicured appearance but should not be scalped, as this can stress the grass and increase susceptibility to pests, diseases, and drought.

6. Maintenance:

• Buffalograss requires minimal maintenance once established. This includes occasional mowing, infrequent watering during dry periods, and monitoring for pests, diseases, and weeds.
• Avoid overwatering and excessive fertilization, as Buffalograss performs best in low-input, environmentally friendly landscapes.