If you have a lawn in Tucson, AZ, selecting the right variety of grass is essential for water conservation. Buffalo grass is commonly featured in Southern Arizona lawns because this type of grass requires very little moisture compared to other varieties. In addition, it’s a low-maintenance grass that’s easy to keep healthy. In fact, overdoing it with lawn maintenance is one of the most common buffalo grass mistakes property owners make. Here’s a closer look at the basics of buffalo grass care.
Do Not Overwater
Even in Tucson, buffalo grass doesn’t demand a lot of water. Overwatering will make your lawn more prone to weeds while damaging the grass itself. Water your lawn only enough to maintain growth and prevent dormancy—just enough to retain healthy color on your lawn. You may also need to adjust your watering schedule based on the season. Buffalo grass will need more water during the summer months at the peak of the grow cycle.
Mow Infrequently
If you aren’t a fan of mowing the lawn, buffalo grass is a perfect choice. Mow only once every 3-4 weeks for regular maintenance. Alternatively, you can leave buffalo grass unmown except for one annual cutting in spring to remove old growth.
Choose the Right Fertilizer
Established buffalo grass has low nitrogen needs, as excess nitrogen will only encourage weed competition on your lawn. The right fertilizer will have a nitrogen-to-phosphorus-to-potassium (N-P-K) ratio of 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 and at least 35 percent slow-release nitrogen. In addition, you should only utilize chemical weed control agents that are labeled as safe for buffalo grass.
For everything from landscape installation to lawn maintenance to tree care, you can count on Complete Landscaping. Our team will provide exceptional care for your property. Give us a call at (520) 323-8918 to learn more about our Tucson landscaping services.