Lawn & landscaping
Care for buffalograss in Idaho
Buffalograss is a warm-season, low-water turf. It greens later, becomes dormant earlier and follows a different schedule from Idaho's common cool-season lawns.
Recommended timingLate spring through summer
What to do
- Wait for natural late-spring green-up before deciding the lawn has failed; buffalograss remains straw-colored while cool-season turf is already growing.
- Mow roughly 2 1/2–4 inches high, or follow the cultivar guidance, and avoid scalping during active summer growth.
- Water sparingly and deeply only when the lawn shows need; excess irrigation and fertility can favor weeds and reduce its low-input advantage.
- If fertility is needed, follow University of Idaho's warm-season timing in late spring and summer rather than the fall schedule used for bluegrass and fescue.
- Confirm winter dormancy, cultivar and site suitability before overseeding or applying weed-control products.
Use a soil test and exact product label before applying fertilizer or pesticide. Buffalograss needs substantially less input than many conventional lawns.
Official guidance and sources
Product instructions and local requirements take priority for the equipment or material installed at your home.