Buffalo Grass vs St Augustine: A Comprehensive Comparison of Which One is Right for Your Lawn?
Maintaining a lush, beautiful lawn is a priority for many homeowners. But with so many grass varieties, knowing which is right for your specific needs can be difficult.
Two popular choices often compared are buffalo grass and St. Augustine grass. While warm-season grasses thrive in hot, humid climates, significant differences can impact your lawn’s appearance and maintenance requirements.
Here, we’ll look at the key differences between Buffalo grass and St. Augustine grass, including their appearance, maintenance requirements, and ideal growing conditions. By the end, you’ll better understand which grass type is right for your lawn and how to care for it properly.
Let’s compare buffalo grass vs St Augustine in detail
Overview of Buffalo Grass vs St Augustine.
When it comes to choosing the right type of grass for your lawn, there are several types to choose from. Two popular options that homeowners often contemplate are Buffalo grass and St. Augustine grass.
Both varieties have their own unique characteristics and advantages. Here is a quick overview of St. Augustine grass and buffalo grass characteristics.
St. Augustine Grass: What is It?
There is no doubt that St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is a favourite grass in regions with tropical or subtropical climates, including Florida and Texas. It thrives in environments characterized by high temperatures, humidity, salt, and even partial shade. The grass spreads through stolons, forming a dense carpet that effectively competes against weeds.
Challenges and Maintenance Requirements
Even though St. Augustine grass has gained popularity, it does have some challenges. It is considered a “needy” grass, demanding high nitrogen levels and regular irrigation to maintain its health and vibrancy.
Unlike some other grass types, St. Augustine grass is not drought-tolerant and requires frequent watering. There is a difference in water needs between Bermuda grass and this grass, with Bermuda grass tending to be thicker and more drought-resistant.
Susceptibility to Diseases and Pests
St. Augustine grass is highly susceptible to various diseases and pests, many of which lack effective controls. There are several diseases that may cause Roots Rot of All Roots (TARR), Decline of St. Augustine (SAD), histoplasmosis, brown spot disease, gray leaf spot disease, and Lethal Viral Necrosis.
Thatch Development and Regular Dethatching
Compared to other grass species, St. Augustine grass produces more thatch in a shorter time due to its growth pattern that relies heavily upon stolons.
Consequently, regular dethatching is necessary to maintain the health of the lawn. It is common for St. Augustine grass to require dethatching every year, even though some lawns can go years without it.
Clarifying Terminology
In Australia and South Africa, St. Augustine grass is known as Buffalo Grass, which should not be confused with the North American native and low-maintenance Buffalo Grass (Buchloe dactyloides).
When researching or purchasing grass for a specific purpose, it is essential to differentiate between the two grass species. Overall, St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for regions with tropical or subtropical climates due to its ability to withstand heat, humidity, salt, and partial shade.
Nonetheless, nutrient and irrigation requirements make it a high-maintenance grass. Regular dethatching is necessary. Awareness of the grass’s characteristics and proper maintenance practices are essential for successful cultivation.
What Is Buffalo Grass?
Buffalo grass Description: Buffalo grass (buffalo grass botanical name is Buchloe dactyloides, and buffalo grass common name is buffalograss) is a native North American grass commonly utilized for lawns, particularly in the West, Midwest, and Southwest regions.
Due to their unique characteristics, transition zone grasses thrive in challenging transition zone conditions. This grass is remarkably resilient and can withstand high temperatures, extreme cold, and periods of drought. Water conservation and water restrictions are a priority for homeowners, so buffalo grass is a smart choice.
Low-Maintenance and Water-Efficient
One of the appealing characteristics of buffalo grass is its low-maintenance nature. Buffalo grass is highly sought after due to its low-maintenance qualities. Interestingly, excessive care can actually harm the grass. It flourishes with minimal watering and fertilizing needs, making it the perfect choice for regions receiving less than 25 inches of rainfall each year.
Unlike Bermuda and St. Augustine, buffalo grass requires less mowing, saving time and effort spent on lawn care. Its fine texture and green-to-blue-green color add to its visual appeal and offer a pleasant tactile experience.
Establishment Challenges and Benefits
While buffalo grass offers numerous advantages, it requires a patient approach during the establishment phase. A well-established plant requires time to become established, so you need to water it diligently during this period of time.
Germination alone can take at least two weeks. However, once established, buffalo grass displays exceptional resilience and withstands various environmental conditions.
Dormancy and Seasonal Patterns
Like other warm-season grasses, Buffalo grass enters a dormant phase when temperatures drop between mid-fall and mid-spring, similar to the dormant phase of other warm-season grasses. During this period, watering the grass will not yield any benefit.
However, come warmer temperatures, buffalo grass regains its vigor and resumes its growth. Ultimately, Buffalo grass stands as a native North American grass species known for its adaptability to the transition zone and challenging growing conditions.
It offers the advantage of being low-maintenance, water-efficient, and visually appealing. Overall, buffalo grass is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-maintain lawn that looks great year-round.
Whether seeking a traditional lawn or embracing a more eco-friendly landscape, buffalo grass offers versatility and aesthetic appeal. It is important to consider a number of factors before choosing grass for your lawn. Two popular options are St. Augustine grass and Buffalo grass.
Before making a decision, it is important to carefully weigh their advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each grass type to help you make an informed decision.
Pros and Cons of Buffalo Grass
Pros
- Low maintenance: Buffalo grass only requires a little fertilizer, watering, or mowing, so it’s easy to maintain.
- Tolerates alkaline soil: This grass variety can thrive in soils that are alkaline, which is beneficial in areas with alkaline soils.
- Drought resistant: Buffalo grass is drought-resistant and can stay green with just 1.5 inches of rain a month. During prolonged droughts, it can enter dormancy to survive.
Cons
- Weed susceptibility: Weeds can be a problem, particularly during the growing stage when the lawn is still relatively thin.
- Higher cost: Due to the challenges associated with harvesting buffalo grass seeds, buffalo grass often costs more than other turf grass options.
- Slow to establish: Buffalo grass takes a long time to germinate and establish. It can take a few years for the grass to thicken up and develop into denser turf.
Pros and Cons of St. Augustine Grass
Pros
- Thick carpet-like growth: Because St. Augustine grass forms a dense, lush lawn, it helps to prevent weeds from growing and makes your lawn look attractive.
- Suitable for coastal areas: This grass variety tolerates salt and is well-suited for coastal regions.
- Thrives in high heat and humidity: The St. Augustine grass thrives in hot and humid landscapes, especially high temperatures and humidity.
- Tolerates Full Sun and Part Shade: The plant can be grown in full and partial sunlight.
Cons
- Coarse texture and moderate foot traffic: St. Augustine grass might not be the best option for backyard games and walking barefoot due to its moderate foot traffic tolerance.
- Unattractive stolons: Spots of bare grass can be created when grass thins out, affecting the lawn’s aesthetic appeal.
- High water and nitrogen requirements: When it comes to water conservation and drought tolerance, St. Augustine grass requires significant amounts of water and nitrogen to survive.
- Thatch development: Compared to other warm-season grasses, this grass variety develops more quickly, requiring annual dethatching.
- Susceptibility to pests and diseases: There are several types of pests and diseases that can infect St. Augustine grass, so additional treatment and management may be necessary for maintaining its health.
The Key Differences Between Buffalo Grass and St. Augustine: Which is Better for Your Lawn?
Having maintained my own lawn for several years, I’ve learned about the key differences between Buffalo grass and St. Augustine grass, both popular choices for lawns.
Buffalo grass is a hardy, drought-tolerant option that requires minimal water and maintenance. It’s perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance lawn. On the other hand, St. Augustine grass offers a lush, green carpet-like appearance but demands more water and care to thrive.
While Buffalo grass suits arid climates like mine, St. Augustine may be more suitable for regions with consistent rainfall. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to your climate, maintenance preferences, and the look you desire for your lawn.
Appearance and Texture
The appearance and texture of Buffalo Grass and St. Augustine are important considerations when choosing your lawn grass. It is important to consider the appearance and feel of the grass underfoot before making a decision. Let’s explore the characteristics of each grass in terms of appearance and texture.
Buffalo Grass: despite its name, Buffalo Grass has a surprisingly fine texture that makes it a delight to walk barefoot. Its blades are gentle and soft, ensuring a pleasant experience for you and your family.
Furthermore, the grass boasts an attractive green to blue-green color that enhances the overall aesthetic of your lawn. When left to grow long, the blades of Buffalo Grass gracefully bow, resulting in a beautiful wavy look.
St. Augustine: St. Augustine has a rough surface texture which can feel unpleasant and harsh on the feet. Although it provides durability in high-traffic spaces, it may not be as comfortable for activities such as walking barefoot or playing on the lawn. Furthermore, it might be useful in some situations.
Mowing and Maintenance
Buffalo Grass: Buffalo Grass is a low-maintenance grass that requires minimal mowing. It is recommended to keep it a bit taller, in the range of 3 to 4 inches, or even at its maximum height of 6 inches if you prefer.
It is recommended to allow Buffalo Grass to grow taller to reduce the frequency of mowing as well as to enjoy the beauty of its wavy appearance as it grows taller. Buffalo Grass is an excellent choice for those who prefer a no-mow or low-mow lawn.
St. Augustine: St. Augustine grass provides greater mowing options. You can mow it low for a neater appearance, around 2 to 3 inches, or leave it longer to decrease the mowing frequency. The only thing to remember with St. Augustine is that it usually requires more maintenance than Buffalo Grass.
Both Buffalo Grass and St. Augustine benefit from regular mowing, as it encourages grass to spread and helps maintain a healthy lawn. Depending on the grass type and your preferences, you may want to mow at different heights and frequencies. If you’re wondering, “When does grass stop growing?” it’s essential to consider the specific grass species and local climate, as this can vary widely.
Buffalo Grass or St. Augustine Establishment & Growth
To decide whether to opt for Buffalo Grass or St. Augustine for your lawn, it’s crucial to comprehend their growth and establishment rates. These factors play a pivotal role in determining the speed of grass rooting, expansion, and the development of a thriving lawn. Let’s delve into the growth and establishment traits of both types of grass.
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo Grass differs from other types of grass in terms of its slow establishment. It can take as long as 14 to 30 days to germinate from seed and up to 3 years to establish itself as a lawn fully. Patience and proper care are needed during this long establishment period.
Use plugs, which spread within 8 to 12 weeks after planting, for a faster process. There is no doubt that plugs offer a faster start, but they still require adequate watering and weed control during the initial stage.
Despite the initial investment of time, Buffalo Grass is known for its exceptional resilience and low maintenance once it’s established. It becomes almost impossible to damage and needs minimal upkeep, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a hassle-free lawn.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is not like Buffalo Grass in the sense that it doesn’t have a viable seed option for setting up a lawn. Starting St. Augustine from seed is more expensive because the seed doesn’t germinate well. As a result, the primary methods for establishing St. Augustine are through plugs or sod.
Once established, St. Augustine can quickly cover an area of 32 square feet with just 18 plugs. During the initial stage of lawn development, this accelerated establishment process can save the homeowner significant time and effort and help save money.
It should be remembered that Buffalo Grass and St. Augustine should be planted during the late spring and summer when temperatures are warmer. Using this method, grasses have the opportunity to take advantage of favourable conditions and establish strong roots.
Considerations for Choosing
It’s important to understand the establishment and growth rates of Buffalo Grass and St. Augustine before choosing one. Buffalo Grass is virtually indestructible and low-maintenance if you’re willing to invest time and patience.
On the other hand, the St. Augustine lawn can be established much more quickly through plugs or sod, enabling you to enjoy your lush lawn sooner rather than later.
To make a wise decision that reflects your particular needs and preferences, it is important to assess your priorities, the resources at your disposal, and the timeline you have in mind for achieving a fully developed lawn.
Soil for Buffalo Grass or St. Augustine
The type of soil in your lawn plays a vital role in the success and health of your grass. Buffalo Grass and St. Augustine have different soil preferences and requirements. Here are the soil characteristics suitable for each type of grass. One of the most important aspects of gardening is ensuring that your grass and plants are healthy, Sterilizing the soil is one of the most important steps.
Buffalo Grass
The thriving of Buffalo Grass is best in clay-based soils such as silt-clay and loam-clay, where it can grow and develop in perfect conditions. The preferred soil types of Buffalo Grass are just right for its growth and development.
It can also withstand loam-based soils, which are a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, increasing its adaptability in different regions. Buffalo Grass thrives in alkaline soils with a higher pH level, but it can also survive in slightly acidic soils to some extent. In contrast, it doesn’t do well in sandy soils with low water and nutrient retention.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine and Buffalo Grass have distinct soil preferences. St. Augustine thrives in well-draining sandy soils that allow water to easily flow through. Such soils provide the necessary drainage, preventing waterlogging and potential root rot.
Moreover, St. Augustine prefers acidic soils with a lower pH level ranging from 5.0 to 6.5. Acidic soils create an optimal environment for the grass to absorb nutrients effectively and maintain its vibrant green color.
However, St. Augustine does not perform well in alkaline soils or heavier clay-based soils. Clay soils have poor drainage, leading to root growth hindrance and compaction.
It is important to remember that soil preparation and amendment can help establish a healthy and vibrant lawn by creating more favourable conditions.
Watering for Buffalo Grass or St. Augustine
It is essential to water your lawn properly to maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn. Buffalo Grass and St. Augustine have different water requirements and tolerances. Let’s compare grass watering needs.
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo Grass is renowned for its ability to withstand drought, making it an ideal choice for regions with arid climates. It thrives in areas with less than 25 inches of rainfall each year and can withstand prolonged periods of drought.
Buffalo Grass requires only 1 inch of water per month to maintain a green and healthy lawn, making it the perfect choice for regions with limited water resources.
A Buffalo Grass lawn may struggle to thrive under high rainfall conditions, so that other grass types may be more appropriate for you.
St. Augustine
Compared to Buffalo Grass, St. Augustine has higher water requirements and lacks drought tolerance. It needs frequent and generous watering to keep its vibrant green hue and stay healthy.
Every week, St. Augustine needs more than an inch of water. Sandy soils, which St. Augustine prefers, require shallow and frequent watering as water drains quickly. Its shallow root system contributes to its increased water needs. It’s essential to understand that St.
Augustine can’t survive in non-irrigated lawns or areas with frequent droughts and water scarcity. It heavily relies on regular and adequate watering to flourish.
When deciding on the appropriate watering requirements for your lawn, it’s crucial to consider variables such as the type of soil, the climate, and the precipitation patterns specific to your area. By adapting watering routines according to the weather and seasonal fluctuations, you can conserve water and ensure your lawn remains healthy.
Fertilizing for Buffalo Grass or St. Augustine
Proper fertilization plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and vitality of your lawn. Here we’ll talk about fertilizing Buffalo Grass and St. Augustine Grass.
Buffalo Grass
There is no need to fertilize this grass species. It requires 1-2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every year. Sometimes, Buffalo Grass does not require any fertilizer, even though it is a long-term grass.
It is also important to mention that you can apply compost in early fall to provide the nutrients your plant requires. A layer of compost acts as a natural and organic fertilizer for Buffalo Grass, promoting its growth and overall health.
St. Augustine
More fertilization is required for St. Augustine to flourish than for Buffalo Grass. Regular feedings are essential to maintaining the health and vibrancy of this grass variety.
Typical fertilizer applications include synthetics every 8 to 10 weeks, compost topdressing twice a year, and monthly compost tea boosts. It’s worth noting that the organic method may require more time and effort. However, it is important to remember that synthetic fertilizers can negatively affect the environment.
Spikes in nitrogen levels caused by synthetic fertilizers can lead to thatch buildup and weaken the grass’s defense against diseases and pests. Furthermore, synthetic fertilizers may harm the beneficial soil microbes that play a critical role in maintaining a healthy lawn.
It is important to take into account your preferences when selecting fertilizer. When you understand the specific fertilizer requirements of your grass type, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your grass type receives the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and vital for a long time.
Conclusion
choosing between buffalo grass and St. Augustine grass depends on various factors such as climate, soil type, level of maintenance, and personal preferences. Buffalo grass is ideal for areas with hot and dry climates, while St.
Augustine grass is perfect for areas with humid and warm conditions. Buffalo grass requires minimal maintenance and is drought-resistant, making it a practical choice for those who do not want to spend too much time and money on lawn care. On the other hand, St.
Augustine grass requires more maintenance and is more prone to diseases and pests, but it provides a lush, green lawn that is perfect for outdoor activities and aesthetics. Ultimately, the choice between these two grass types depends on your needs, budget, and overall lawn goals.
FAQs
Is Buffalo Grass the Same as St. Augustine?
No, buffalo grass and St. Augustine grass are not the same. They are two different species of grass with distinct characteristics. Buffalo grass is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant grass. It is known for its soft texture and ability to grow in a wide range of soil types.
St. Augustine grass, on the other hand, is a warm-season grass. It is known for its lush, thick growth and tolerance to shade. So, if you are looking for a specific type of grass for your lawn, it is important to know the differences between these two grass species.
What Grass is Better Than St. Augustine?
Several types of grass are considered better than St. Augustine, depending on the specific climate and soil conditions. Some of the popular options include Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass. It is recommended to consult with a local expert to determine the best grass type for your specific area.
What Are the Disadvantages of St. Augustine Grass?
Some disadvantages of St. Augustine grass include its susceptibility to pests and diseases, its poor cold tolerance, and its need for frequent watering and fertilization. Additionally, it can be difficult to establish and may require regular maintenance to keep it looking healthy.
Jack Ralph
hey, I’m Jack Ralph, a dedicated grass and lawn expert with years of experience creating beautiful outdoor spaces. I can help you achieve the lawn of your dreams, from seeding to mowing, turning your yard into a natural masterpiece.
Look no further—I’m the key to transforming your lawn dreams into reality! and here to help you achieve a lawn that’s not just a patch of grass, but a canvas of natural artistry.