Bahia & Buffalo Grass — Complete Guide
Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) and Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) are two of the toughest, lowest-maintenance warm-season grasses available. Both are excellent choices for drought-prone areas, sandy soils, and situations where minimal maintenance is desired.
Bahia Grass
Bahia is widely used in the southeastern US for roadsides, pastures, and low-maintenance lawns. It tolerates poor, sandy soils and drought better than almost any other lawn grass. It produces tall seed heads that many consider unattractive, but it is virtually indestructible.
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass is native to the North American Great Plains. It requires very little water, grows slowly, and thrives in sunny, dry conditions. It is one of the most drought-tolerant turfgrasses available and is an excellent choice for sustainable, low-input lawns in the central US.
Is Bahia & Buffalo Grass Right for Your Lawn?
| Characteristic | Bahia | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Shade Tolerance | Low | Medium |
| Drought Tolerance | High | High |
| Traffic Tolerance | High | Medium |
| Maintenance Level | Low | Low |
| Growth Rate | Medium | Slow |
| Season Type | Warm-season | Warm-season |
Where Does Bahia & Buffalo Grass Grow Best?
Bahia: Southeastern US, Gulf Coast (USDA zones 8-10). Tolerates sandy, infertile soils.
Buffalo: Central and western US (USDA zones 5-8). Native to the Great Plains, extremely cold-hardy for a warm-season grass.
How Much Bahia & Buffalo Seed or Sod Do I Need?
Bahia Seed: 10 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (new lawn), 5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (overseed).
Buffalo Seed: 3 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (new lawn), 1.5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (overseed).
Sod: 1 pallet covers approximately 450 sq ft for both types.