Converting Your Bermuda Lawn to Buffalo Grass
If you’re a homeowner in Oklahoma looking to revamp your lawn, you might want to consider switching from Bermuda grass to Buffalo grass. While Bermuda grass is a popular choice for its durability and rapid growth, Buffalo grass offers a range of benefits that make it particularly well-suited to Oklahoma’s climate. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps necessary for a successful conversion, along with the pros and cons of making the switch.
Understanding Buffalo Grass
Steps for Conversion
1. Assessment
Before beginning the conversion process, take a close look at your Bermuda grass lawn. Assess its health, thickness, and any areas of concern that may need special attention during the conversion.
2. Kill Off Bermuda Grass
To prepare the lawn for Buffalo grass, you’ll need to eradicate the existing Bermuda grass. This can be done using herbicides or by solarization, a process that involves covering the lawn with clear plastic to harness the sun’s heat and kill off the grass.
3. Prepare the Soil
Once the Bermuda grass has been eliminated, it’s time to prepare the soil for the new Buffalo grass. Use a tiller to remove debris and aerate the soil, creating a favorable environment for the grass to take root.
4. Seed or Sod Installation
Decide whether you’ll be seeding or sodding your lawn with Buffalo grass. Seeding is a more cost-effective option but requires more patience, as it takes longer for the grass to establish. Sodding provides instant results but comes with a higher initial cost.
5. Watering
Proper watering is crucial during the establishment phase of Buffalo grass. Water the newly seeded or sodded lawn regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
6. Fertilizing
Buffalo grass has modest nutrient requirements compared to other grasses, but it still benefits from occasional fertilization. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote healthy growth without excessive lushness.
7. Sunlight Requirements
Buffalo grass thrives in full sun, making it an ideal choice for Oklahoma’s sunny climate. Ensure that your lawn receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.
8. Mowing
Maintain Buffalo grass at a height of around 2-3 inches, slightly taller than Bermuda grass. Mow regularly to encourage dense growth and discourage weeds.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reduced water usage: Buffalo grass requires less water than Bermuda grass, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
- Lower maintenance: Once established, Buffalo grass requires minimal mowing and fertilizing, saving you time and effort.
- Thrives in Oklahoma’s climate: Buffalo grass is well-adapted to the hot, dry conditions commonly found in Oklahoma.
Cons:
- Longer establishment period: Buffalo grass may take longer to establish compared to Bermuda grass, requiring patience during the initial stages.
- Limited shade tolerance: Buffalo grass prefers full sun and may struggle in shaded areas of the lawn.
- Initial cost: The upfront cost of Buffalo grass seed or sod may be higher than Bermuda grass, though the long-term benefits often outweigh this expense.
Benefits of Buffalo Grass
Conclusion
Additional Tips and Resources
For more information on cultivating Buffalo grass in Oklahoma, check out the following resources:
- Oklahoma State University Extension: Buffalo Grass Lawns
- Native American Seed: Growing Buffalo Grass
- Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry
Looking to get started on your lawn conversion journey? Consider purchasing Buffalo grass from Midwest Propagation Nursery. With our high-quality grasses and expert guidance, you can trust that your lawn will flourish for years to come. And if Buffalo grass isn’t quite what you’re looking for, don’t worry – we offer a wide range of other grass varieties to suit your needs and preferences.
