Buffalo Grass: Best Time to Plant & Care Tips for Lawn in Sydney

Buffalo grass, with its soft texture and remarkable drought resistance, is a popular choice for homeowners and landscapers, particularly in warm climates. 

Known for its low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions, buffalo grass has become a go-to solution for those seeking an attractive yet practical lawn option. 

However, to ensure that buffalo grass flourishes, it’s essential to understand the optimal time for planting, the ideal season for growth, and the type of fertilizer it needs to truly thrive. 

In this article, we’ll explore the best season for buffalo grass, the perfect planting time, and the best fertilizers to promote healthy growth, helping you achieve a lush and sustainable lawn all year round.

What Season is Buffalo Grass?

Buffalo grass is classified as a warm-season grass, which means it thrives in warm climates, especially during the hotter months of the year. Understanding the seasonal preferences of buffalo grass is essential for cultivating a lawn that is both healthy and sustainable.

Warm-Season Grass

Buffalo grass thrives in temperatures between 70°F and 95°F (21°C to 35°C) and is highly heat and drought-tolerant. It grows vigorously in warm months, reaching peak growth in late spring and summer, then enters dormancy in fall and winter, turning brown but remaining alive.

Season Considerations for Planting Buffalo Grass

While buffalo grass is a warm-season grass, it’s important to understand how the different seasons influence its growth cycle. The best season to plant buffalo grass is spring or early summer when soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C). Planting during this period ensures the grass has ample time to establish roots before the heat of summer sets in.

Best Time to Plant Buffalo Grass

Timing is one of the most important factors in successfully planting buffalo grass. The grass’s growth cycle is closely tied to temperature, and planting at the right time can make all the difference in how well the grass establishes itself.

Spring Planting

The ideal time to plant buffalo grass is in the spring or early summer when soil temperatures reach at least 65°F (18°C). Soil temperature plays a crucial role in seed germination, and planting before the heat of summer allows the grass to establish its root system before the temperature spikes.

In regions with a mild climate, planting can begin as early as late spring, typically from mid-April to early May. The soil should be warm enough to support germination, but it should not be too hot, as extremely high temperatures can stress the young grass and hinder its growth.

Summer Planting

In regions where summers are long and hot, planting buffalo grass in early to mid-summer is also an option. However, planting later in the summer means the grass will need to be carefully watered and monitored to ensure it doesn’t dry out during the hottest months. 

If you’re planting in late summer, make sure you provide extra care, such as regular watering, to help the grass establish itself before cooler temperatures set in.

Fall and Winter Considerations

While it’s possible to plant buffalo grass in late summer or fall, it is not ideal. Planting too late in the season may result in weak grass that cannot establish its roots properly before the cooler months arrive. Fall planting also increases the risk of the grass entering dormancy before it has had a chance to develop fully.

Winter is not a viable option for planting buffalo grass since the cold temperatures will slow down or prevent seed germination. Therefore, if you’re considering buffalo grass for your lawn, it’s best to plant it during the warmer months, either in spring or early summer.

Which Fertilizer is Best for Buffalo Grass?

Fertilizing buffalo grass correctly is vital for healthy growth. While this grass variety is relatively low-maintenance and drought-resistant, providing the right nutrients ensures it maintains its vibrant color and grows strong.

Nitrogen-Rich Fertilizers

Buffalo grass typically benefits from a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, which promotes healthy leaf and root development. 

During the growing season (spring through summer), nitrogen helps the grass establish a thick and healthy canopy. The ideal nitrogen fertilizer for buffalo grass is one that has a balanced nutrient ratio, such as 3-1-2 (N-P-K), where the nitrogen content is the highest.

When choosing a fertilizer for buffalo grass, it’s important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive top growth, which may result in a weakened root system. Typically, fertilization should be done two to three times a year, with applications in spring and mid-summer, and possibly again in the fall, depending on local soil conditions.

Slow-Release Fertilizers

Slow-release fertilizers are particularly beneficial for buffalo grass, as they provide a steady supply of nutrients over a longer period. This reduces the risk of nutrient leaching and allows for more consistent growth. Slow-release fertilizers are designed to break down gradually, giving the grass time to absorb the nutrients without the spikes in growth that can result from quick-release fertilizers.

Opt for slow-release nitrogen fertilizers, which ensure that the grass receives the nutrients it needs throughout the growing season without overwhelming the roots.

Organic Fertilizers

For those looking to opt for a more natural approach, organic fertilizers are an excellent option. Organic fertilizers like compost, well-rotted manure, and organic granular fertilizers help improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients in a more environmentally friendly way.

Organic fertilizers are especially beneficial for lawns with poor or compacted soil, as they help to improve soil health over time. They also release nutrients more slowly, which is less likely to cause nutrient imbalances or excessive growth.

Application Tips

When applying fertilizer to buffalo grass, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding timing and application rates. Over-fertilizing can lead to nutrient runoff, pollution, and a stressed lawn. Typically, you should apply fertilizer after the grass has been mowed and when the soil is moist to prevent burning the roots.

General Buffalo Grass Care

In addition to planting at the right time and fertilizing appropriately, buffalo grass requires specific care to ensure it remains healthy. Regular mowing, proper watering, and weed control are essential for maintaining a lush, vibrant buffalo grass lawn.

Mowing

Mow buffalo grass to a height of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) to keep it looking neat and encourage healthy growth. Mowing at the correct height helps the grass develop a dense root system and enhances its drought tolerance.

Watering

Buffalo grass is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established. However, during dry periods or when first planted, it’s important to water the grass regularly to promote healthy root development. Water deeply but infrequently, aiming for about one inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, depending on local weather conditions.

Should Avoid if You Don’t Have Much Time to Water

If you don’t have much time for watering, it’s best to avoid grasses that require frequent water or thrive in cooler climates. For example, cool-season grasses like ryegrass or fescue need more water and don’t tolerate heat as well as buffalo grass. Choosing low-maintenance, drought-tolerant options like buffalo grass can reduce the time and effort spent on lawn care.

Professional Turf Care 

Maintaining a buffalo grass lawn professionally requires expert knowledge and attention to detail. With the right care, such as proper fertilization, irrigation, and seasonal maintenance, buffalo grass can thrive. Professionals like Professional A View Turf provide tailored solutions to ensure your lawn remains healthy and lush, offering expert guidance on soil conditions, fertilizers, and overall care for a thriving lawn year-round.

1. Soil Preparation: Before planting buffalo grass, soil testing and amendments are crucial. Professional services will assess soil pH, drainage, and nutrient levels, ensuring optimal conditions for seed germination. Proper soil preparation helps establish a strong foundation for the grass to grow.

2. Fertilization Strategy: A professional approach to fertilization includes using the right balance of slow-release nitrogen fertilizers, based on local soil needs. Professionals also monitor fertilization schedules to avoid overfeeding, ensuring sustainable growth without nutrient burn.

3. Weed and Pest Control: Professionals can identify and control any weed or pest issues that may threaten buffalo grass. Buffalo grass is resistant to many common pests, but effective weed control is still necessary to maintain a healthy lawn.

4. Irrigation Management: Watering practices play a huge role in buffalo grass health. Professionals install irrigation systems that cater to the grass’s needs while being mindful of water conservation. Over-watering is avoided, while deep watering encourages the growth of a strong root system.

5. Mowing and Maintenance: Regular mowing to the correct height ensures buffalo grass remains healthy and neat. Professionals also monitor growth patterns, adjusting care routines according to the season to ensure the grass remains strong, vibrant, and free from disease.

Conclusion

Buffalo grass is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a hardy, drought-resistant grass that thrives in warm climates. Its ability to grow with minimal water and withstand high temperatures makes it an ideal option for areas prone to dry spells or water restrictions.

Understanding the ideal season for planting, the best time to plant, and the right type of fertilizer is crucial to establishing a healthy lawn. Proper care during the growing season ensures that your buffalo grass will flourish, providing a beautiful and sustainable landscape. 

By planting buffalo grass in the spring or early summer, applying a nitrogen-rich or slow-release fertilizer, and following best care practices, you’ll enjoy a lush, low-maintenance lawn that can withstand the rigors of hot weather and minimal water, all while saving time and effort on maintenance.