Buffalo Grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) is a native, warm-season turf species from the North American Great Plains. Valued for its exceptional durability and low maintenance, this grass has evolved to tolerate extreme drought conditions, making it a water-wise choice for lawns. While it requires significantly less water than traditional turf varieties, understanding proper hydration is important for maximizing its vibrant green color and resilience.
Watering Requirements for Established Buffalo Grass
Established Buffalo Grass thrives on deep, infrequent watering during its active growing season (late spring through early fall). This practice encourages a robust, deep root system, enhancing its natural drought tolerance. The goal is to saturate the soil to a depth of six to eight inches during each session, allowing roots to chase the moisture downward.
For most soil types, deep soaking requires applying approximately one inch of water per irrigation cycle. During average summer temperatures, this volume is typically needed every 10 to 14 days to maintain a healthy, green appearance. Watering less often, but for a longer duration, forces the root system deeper, making the turf less susceptible to surface drying.
To accurately measure one inch of water from a sprinkler system, homeowners can utilize a rain gauge or place several straight-sided containers, like tuna cans, across the lawn area. After running the sprinkler for a set time, the average depth of the collected water indicates the system’s output rate. This simple calibration step prevents both wasteful over-application and insufficient moisture penetration.
Initial Watering for New Installations
New Buffalo Grass installations, whether from sod or seed, require frequent, light applications to keep the top layer of soil consistently moist. This surface moisture facilitates seed germination or encourages new roots to grow out from the sod into the underlying soil.
For the first seven to ten days, the new turf should be watered daily, or even twice daily during hot weather, ensuring the top inch of soil does not dry out. After this initial period, gradually reduce the frequency to transition the grass to its long-term maintenance schedule. Over the next two to three weeks, reduce watering to every other day, then every third day, while simultaneously increasing the duration of each session. This weaning process coaxes the developing root system deeper, preparing it for the deep, infrequent watering of an established lawn.
Adjusting Watering Based on Season and Climate
The baseline watering schedule requires modification based on environmental conditions and the lawn’s location. During winter months, Buffalo Grass enters natural dormancy, turning tan or straw-colored, and watering should cease entirely in most climates. The exception is during extended, dry winter periods, when a single, deep watering may be necessary to prevent the root crown from desiccating.
During peak summer heat, the interval between waterings may need a slight reduction, moving closer to every seven to ten days instead of fourteen. Soil type also influences frequency; sandy soils drain quickly and may require a shorter interval between deep soakings. Conversely, heavy clay soils retain moisture longer and can tolerate an extended period between irrigation cycles. Any natural rainfall exceeding half an inch should also be factored into the schedule, resetting the count until the next required deep watering.
Recognizing Thirst and Overwatering
Buffalo Grass provides clear visual and physical signals when its hydration balance is incorrect. The most reliable sign of thirst, or underwatering, is the classic “footprint test.” When walked upon, an underwatered lawn fails to spring back, leaving visible footprints that persist for several minutes because the grass blades lack turgor pressure.
The grass color will also shift from a healthy green to a dull, gray-blue hue before eventually turning tan or brown if the water deficit continues. Conversely, overwatering is identified by soil that feels spongy or mushy underfoot due to saturation. Too much water is often more harmful than too little, as waterlogged soil suffocates the roots and encourages fungal diseases, which manifest as discolored patches or excessive moss growth.