Buffalo Grass lawn care schedule

Buffalo grass is the native short-grass-prairie species: the only warm-season grass that survives zone 4 winters, and the only low-input lawn grass adapted to the Great Plains. It's drought-tolerant, low-fertility, and naturally short (6–8 inches unmowed), but it doesn't take traffic well and goes dormant fast in cool weather. Cultivars like UC Verde, Cody, and Bowie have improved density and color. Best in semi-arid zones west of the 100th meridian where cool-season grasses fail without irrigation.

Growth habit

Spreads slowly via stolons

Mowing height

2–4 in (or unmowed)

Season

warm-season

Notes: Only warm-season grass tolerant of zone 4. Not a turf for heavy foot traffic.