How To Care For Buffalograss In Your Utah Lawn

Maintaining A Buffalograss Lawn

Buffalograss has become one of the most desirable turfgrass options for homeowners across Utah who want a resilient, eco-friendly lawn that thrives in the region’s dry climate. Though it is originally native to the Great Plains, buffalograss is perfectly adapted to survive in areas with limited rainfall and high summer temperatures, making it an excellent fit for Utah’s semi-arid conditions.

Come learn how to properly care for buffalograss in Utah for a thriving lawn all season.

Characteristics Of Buffalograss

Buffalograss stands out from many other turf varieties because of its adaptability to drought and its ability to maintain a pleasant appearance with minimal care. It is a warm-season perennial grass that spreads by both stolons (above-ground stems) and, in some varieties, short rhizomes. This allows it to create a thick, carpet-like lawn once fully established.

Its blades are fine and narrow, usually gray-green to light green in color, giving the lawn a soft and natural prairie look. Buffalograss grows relatively low to the ground and tends to form dense mats, which helps it crowd out many common weeds once established. Its deep root system allows it to survive Utah’s hot, dry summers without the heavy watering demands of other grass types.

What Does Buffalograss Look Like?

• Height: Buffalograss typically grows 4 to 8 inches tall if left unmowed, forming a soft, low-growing turf.
• Leaf Texture: The blades are fine and narrow, with a slightly curly or wavy texture.
• Color: The grass displays a light to medium green color during the growing season and turns tan or straw-colored in dormancy during cooler months.
• Growth Pattern: It spreads through stolons, forming a dense, interwoven mat that resists erosion and suppresses weeds.
• Seed Head: The seed heads are small and often hidden within the canopy, giving the lawn a uniform and tidy appearance.
• Feel Underfoot: Its fine texture and soft blades make it comfortable to walk on, even barefoot.

Pros & Cons Of Buffalograss For Utah Lawns

Buffalograss has a unique set of advantages that make it an excellent choice for many Utah homeowners, especially those focused on water conservation and sustainability. However, it also has a few limitations that should be considered before planting.

Pros:

• Exceptional Drought Tolerance: Buffalograss requires only a fraction of the irrigation needed by other turfgrasses, often surviving on natural rainfall once established.
• Low Maintenance: Its slow growth rate means less frequent mowing and fertilization.
• Native Resilience: As a native species, buffalograss is naturally resistant to many local pests and diseases.
• Heat Adaptation: It thrives in Utah’s summer heat, maintaining color longer than many cool-adapted grasses.
• Soil Protection: Its dense mat of stolons helps reduce erosion and dust in dry areas.

Cons:

• Limited Shade Tolerance: Buffalograss requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for healthy growth.
• Dormancy In Cool Weather: It goes dormant and turns brown in late fall, remaining so until late spring.
• Slower Establishment: It takes time to form a thick lawn, especially from seed.
• Not Ideal For Heavy Traffic: While durable, it can thin out in areas of constant foot traffic without proper care.

Establishing A Buffalograss Lawn In Utah

Getting buffalograss started correctly is key to long-term success. Because it grows best during warm months, planting should be done in late spring or early summer, when soil temperatures consistently stay above 60°F. Buffalograss may take 2 to 3 months to fully establish, but once mature, it’s one of the lowest-maintenance turfgrasses available in Utah.

1. Soil Preparation: Test your soil pH (ideal range is 6.0–7.5) and loosen compacted areas with aeration or tilling. Remove any existing weeds or old turf.
2. Seed Or Sod: You can establish buffalograss by seed, plugs, or sod. Sod provides immediate coverage, but seed is more cost-effective.
3. Seeding Rate: For seeded lawns, use about 2 to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Lightly rake the soil and roll to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
4. Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist during germination. Once seedlings appear, reduce frequency to encourage deeper roots.
5. Fertilization: Apply a starter fertilizer with balanced nutrients to promote early root and shoot growth. Avoid overfertilizing because buffalograss performs best with minimal nitrogen.

How To Maintain Buffalograss In Utah

Once established, buffalograss requires far less upkeep than most traditional lawns. Still, basic care is important to keep it healthy, dense, and vibrant throughout the growing season.

Mowing Practices

Buffalograss grows slowly, so it only needs to be mowed every 2–3 weeks during peak growth. Maintain a mowing height between 2.5 and 4 inches. Taller mowing helps retain soil moisture and shades out weeds. Always use sharp mower blades and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time.

Watering Needs

Buffalograss requires 0.5 to 1 inch of water per week during the hottest months, which is much less than other turf species. Deep, infrequent watering encourages deeper root systems and helps it withstand Utah’s dry summers. Once established, many homeowners reduce irrigation even further.

Fertilization

Buffalograss needs minimal fertilizer compared to other lawns. Apply a slow-release fertilizer once in late spring and again in mid-summer, using no more than 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and thatch buildup.

Weed & Disease Management

Weeds are most likely to invade during the establishment phase. Once the lawn thickens, its dense canopy helps crowd them out naturally. Use a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring to prevent crabgrass, and spot-treat any visible broadleaf weeds. Buffalograss has few serious disease issues, but maintaining proper mowing and watering habits will help avoid fungal problems.

Overseeding & Aeration

Buffalograss rarely needs annual overseeding due to its spreading stolons. However, if thin areas appear, overseed in late spring. Aerate compacted soil once a year to improve air and water movement in Utah’s often heavy or alkaline soils.

Seasonal Care Tips For Buffalograss In Utah

• Spring: Rake away debris, apply a light fertilizer, and begin watering as green-up starts.
• Summer: Water deeply but infrequently, mow as needed, and watch for weed growth.
• Fall: Gradually reduce watering and mowing as the grass prepares for dormancy.
• Winter: No mowing or watering is necessary; just let the grass rest until spring.

Call Holmes Lawn & Pest For Expert Buffalograss Care In Utah

Buffalograss is an ideal solution for Utah homeowners who want a sustainable, low-water lawn that complements the state’s natural beauty. Its ability to thrive with minimal care makes it perfect for today’s water-wise landscapes. However, proper establishment, mowing, and fertilization are essential to help it reach its full potential.

For professional lawn care services that understand Utah’s unique climate, call Holmes Lawn & Pest to get the most out of your buffalograss lawn!