Residential Landscaping: How to Promote Better Buffalo Grass Growth

If you are planning on using natural turf to improve your residential landscape, consider the benefits of growing buffalo grass. This grass is highly resilient and will not require replacement, even after drought. Also, it tolerates shade and high sun exposure, making it a good fit for every part of your property. Additionally, the turf is resistant to damage due to pests and has a soft texture suitable for children and pets. However, the quality of growth can vary in different homes. Here are some tips to improve your buffalo turf.

Prepare the Soil

Proper soil preparation is crucial before planting buffalo grass. If the substrate is poor, the turf might become patchy or die prematurely. Therefore, you should assess the condition of the landscaping area and determine the best approach to improving it for healthier growth. If you are dealing with wild or neglected land, you might need to eliminate weeds and control pests. Compacted soil should be excavated to loosen up the ground and promote root penetration. Also, consider the soil type and amend it where necessary. For example, sandy or clayey soils will have drainage problems but can be balanced or replaced with fresh topsoil.

Fertilise with Care

Buffalo grass does not demand overly rich soil. Therefore, you should fertilise the ground with care to avoid problems. If you are using quality and enriched topsoil, you will not need more fertiliser during the initial growth period. However, plain soils might benefit from fertiliser at the rate recommended by the product manufacturer. Keep in mind that adding fertiliser on poorly prepared grounds could increase weed growth. Therefore, ensure that the landscape is free of harmful weeds. When the turf is established, you should use a slow-release fertiliser. This option is ideal for buffalo grass because a single application will last an entire season.

Know Weed Control

Proper weed control is essential for good buffalo turf growth. If your grass is in excellent health, you are less likely to experience aggressive weed growth. Therefore, maintain the recommended upkeep practices on your landscape, such as watering the grass regularly and mowing frequently. Also, watch out for thatching during periods of dormancy. You can rake the dead material from your lawn or cut the grass short to reduce the thatch. If you notice the growth of weeds in your buffalo turf, choose a suitable herbicide for removal. Consult a professional for guidance and test all products on a small patch to avoid compromising the buffalo grass.