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Turf-type Buffalograss General Care Guidelines After Establishment
 
New information for weed control for our buffalograss cultivars! click here
Mowing

If left un-mowed, the buffalograss will reach a height of 3 to 8 inches, depending on the variety and your climate.  There is no set mowing height for these buffalograss varieties.  Just mow to the look you desire.  You may choose to maintain your lawn at 1 inch, allow it to go un-mowed or any height in between.

 

In early Spring, mow to a height of 1 inch to remove the dormant grass.  This will allow the sun to hit and warm the soil, which will cause the buffalograss to green up earlier.

In preparation for winter in Zones 6 and below, mow to a height of 2 to 2-1/2 inches in late summer or early fall.

 

Fertilization / Weed Control

After mowing in early spring, apply a fertilizer with pre-emergent weed control following the label directions.  Scotts makes Halts Crabgrass Preventer® or Turfbuilder with Halts®.   Most garden centers will have these products or similar herbicides. Repeat this application at 1/2 rate in 8 weeks.

In poor soil conditions or Southern climates a third fertilizer application, without pre-emergent, may be done in mid-summer and a fourth application can be applied in early fall.

Throughout the summer, Broadleaf weeds such as  dandelions, clover or pigweeds can be controlled after they emerge using broadleaf weed herbicides without 2-4D or a granular weed and feed. Products like Scotts Turfbuilder Plus2® , which contain 2-4D, can be applied when the temperature is below 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL BEFORE APPLYING!

Caution: Never use a product which contains 2-4D when the temperatures are above 85 degrees.

This will harm your buffalograss.

The following herbicides can safely be used on Buffalograss at anytime of the year to control most weeds.  They must be RTS [Ready to Spray] formulations.  The container attaches to your garden hose for quick and easy application.  The large amount of water applied with the RTS makes injury to the buffalograss unlikely, even during high temperatures.  If applying during the summer, apply in the evening. A second application may be needed in 10-20 days for some weeds.  Available at most garden centers.

Ortho® Weed B Gon Max® Plus Crabgrass Control Ready-Spray®

Broadleaf weeds may also be controlled at any temperature with "Spotlight", "Momentum" or "Confront".  Annual grassy weeds that are present like crabgrass or foxtail may be controlled with "DRIVE".  Consult a professional lawn care company for application of these chemicals.

 Hard to kill perennials and unwanted perennial grasses like bluegrass and fescue can be eliminated in the late fall or early spring by spraying round-up on your lawn while the buffalograss is dormant and when the unwanted weeds or grasses are still green and growing.  Buffalograss is dormant when no green shows in the foliage; a small amount of green at the base of the plant is okay.  Mowing can also be used to control weeds, but is not as effective as herbicides.  New herbicides are being developed for buffalograss.  Consult your extension agent or Todd Valley Farms or return to this web site for the latest material available.
Watering
 

Todd Valley Farms Buffalograss has a very deep root system and uses only about 1/4 inch of water per week.  Most areas of the world will not need to water their Buffalograss except in times of extreme drought.  If this occurs, deep water (1 to 2 inches) once every 4 to 6 weeks in clay soil.  In sandy soils you will need to water about 3/4 inch every 10 to 14 days.  This will keep your lawn looking lush.  If you choose not to water or do not have the resources to water, this will not harm the grass, but you may notice a slight browning of the blade tips.

 

These are general guidelines.  You will need to adjust your watering to match your soil type and current weather conditions.  Do not waste water by over watering.

Please also visit our
Buffalograss Seasonal Tips Page

 

     

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Todd Valley Farms  • PO Box 202 •  Mead • NE • 68041     800-869-8544    info@toddvalleyfarms.com

 

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