Buffalograss Care: Water Goals, Establishment & State Plans

Lower-input turf still needs establishment care.

Buffalograss is a warm-season, stolon-spreading grass associated with the North American Great Plains. Decide whether seasonal brown color is acceptable before judging it against an irrigated, continuously green lawn.

New lawn

Seed, plugs and sod need an establishment watering plan. Drought resistance in an established lawn does not remove that requirement.

Site fit

Colorado State identifies heavy, constant traffic and shade as important limits. A narrow, heavily used yard can be a poor match even when the species fits the regional climate.

Water and weeds

An established lawn may survive with little irrigation while becoming dormant. Extra water and fertilizer can encourage competing plants; diagnose those plants before buying a treatment.

Source: Colorado State Extension · Buffalograss lawns. Colorado recommendations provide context, not planting dates or rates for every state. Confirm cultivar, elevation and local establishment conditions.