Buffalo grass is one of the best warm-season grasses. It is known to provide a healthy lawn that needs little maintenance. In the extract below, you will learn how to plant and maintain buffalo turf. 

Choosing Turf

Traditionally, buffalo turf was known to have sharp and coarse leaves. However, most grasses today have soft leaves to ensure your kids and pets can play on the lawn. Most people are often conflicted on whether to plant seed or sod. The primary advantage of sod is that it is easy to plant, and it grows fast. However, it may be prone to weeds and pests if it was not harvested from a healthy garden. Although seed takes time to grow, it produces a healthy weed-free lawn. It is also cheaper compared to sod. 

Planting Buffalo Grass

Below are a few tips to observe as you plant the grass; 

• Your landscape should have a slope to prevent incidences of waterlogging during heavy rains. Use land drainage coils to absorb water in areas with poor drainage.
• Conduct a soil test to determine the pH of the soil. Use Aluminium or Iron Sulphate to lower the pH. Lime or wood ash will raise the soil's pH. Buffalo grass will do well at a pH of 6.5-7.
• Consider using organic fertilisers. They do not acidify the soil or harm the environment.
• The lawn should be watered in the morning or evening when the weather is cool.  

Now that your grass is grown, how will you maintain it to ensure a healthy lawn? Below is a short guide. 

Mowing

Buffalo grass is known to grow fast. Therefore, it requires regular mowing. As a rule of the thumb, mow at least a third of the grass's height. Increase the height in areas with a lot of shade.

Weeds and Disease

Buffalo grass has broad leaves.  As such, you should not attempt to apply broadleaf herbicides on your lawn. Wilting and yellow patches on the leaf edges are an indication that the grass needs more water. Your turf could suffer from salt damage if you apply too much fertiliser or if the water used to irrigate the lawn has a lot of salts. When this happens, the grass will brown. Use calcium sulphate to reverse this phenomenon.

With the above tips, you should have an easy time planting and maintaining your buffalo lawn. Seek the advice of a professional landscaper if you have a difficult time choosing, planting or maintaining your lawn.