Both buffalo grass and St. Augustine grass are popular lawn varieties that can be planted in warmer climates like those found in Florida, Texas, and California.
In fact, they’re both so popular that people often wonder which one they should choose as their lawn of choice.
While it’s true that they’re both very good grasses and look great when maintained, there are some differences you should know about before making your decision on which one to plant in your yard.
Here’s what you need to know about the great grass debate between buffalo grass vs St. Augustine grass.
Facts About Buffalo Grass
Known for its lush appearance and drought tolerance, buffalo grass thrives in hot, dry conditions and grows best in warmer climates.
The blades of buffalo grass are coarse but also very soft to touch, which makes it more favorable to many homeowners looking for low-maintenance grass that still looks good all year long.
Commonly used on putting greens, buffalo grass is a favorite option of golf courses that want to maintain that perfect green without having to water constantly or worry about other factors such as weeds or pests invading their lawns.
In addition to looking great and being low maintenance, buffalo grass has other characteristics that make it appealing to homeowners who love its distinct look (and unique texture).
Facts About St. Augustine
It can grow to be as tall as 6 feet but is typically cut down at 3-4 inches. It has a fine texture and needs less mowing than other types of grasses-which means it’s more expensive over time (unless you get it done by a professional).
Its low growth makes it better for colder areas, and it stays green year-round. Many homeowners love its versatility, saying that when well maintained, it does not attract weeds or pests as other grasses can.
Pros and Cons of Each Type of Grass
Both buffalo grass and st. Augustine has pros and cons, so let’s look at them-
Pros and Cons of st. Augustine grasses:
St. Augustine is a popular choice for homeowners because it’s hardy, easy to grow, and offers a lush green lawn that’s resistant to drought, pests, and disease. It also has a beautiful texture that’s soft underfoot but doesn’t get matted down by foot traffic or rainstorms like some other types of grass do.
The downside? It can take several years for st. Augustine to become established in your yard, which means you might have a patchy lawn during that time.
Also, if you live in an area with heavy winters, st. Augustine may not be a good choice for you; it tends to die back in cold weather, leaving bare patches where snow collects. In these areas, buffalo grass may be a better option.
Pros and Cons of Buffalo grass:
Buffalo grass is a warm-season perennial, which means it grows during spring, summer, and fall but dies back in winter. It’s hardy in cold climates, so it can survive even brutal winters-but it doesn’t die back completely; instead, it goes dormant until warmer weather returns.
This makes buffalo grass a good choice for people who live in areas with harsh winters because they won’t have to worry about their lawn dying back or being covered with snow all winter long.
Buffalo Grass vs St Augustine Grass: What are the differences?
When it comes to lawns, people have very strong opinions on what makes a great lawn, and what it takes to make a lawn thrive. Two of these opinions are which type of grass is best (Buffalo or St Augustine), and if there’s any difference between them at all.
Well in today’s post we’re going to talk about both kinds of grass and I’ll go over some major differences that may help you make your decision if you have not already done so.
- Differences in Appearance – The first thing you’ll notice about these two types of grass is their appearance. While they both have a very similar look, some differences may give you an idea of which one will work best for your lawn.
Buffalo grass tends to be a little more coarse than St Augustine, and it can also grow up to twice as fast as St Augustine does. This means that you’ll have to mow your lawn less often if you choose buffalo over st Augustine.
The blades of buffalo are also very flat, which makes them great for sports fields or areas where you may want your grass to look extra lush.
Buffalo is not only faster growing than St. Augustine, but it’s also less likely to get diseases like a brown patch or dollar spot.
- Differences in Maintenance – While buffalo grass does have a few advantages over st Augustine, there are also some downsides to consider when deciding which type of grass you want for your lawn.
The biggest difference between these two types of grass is that St Augustine is much more drought-resistant than buffalo. This means that if you live in an area where it’s hot and dry, or you don’t water your lawn often, then st Augustine may be a better choice for you.
- Differences in Growth Rate – As we’ve already discussed, buffalo grass is much faster growing than St Augustine. This means that if you want your lawn to grow quickly, then buffalo grass may be a better choice for you. If you have a lot of space to fill and need your lawn to grow fast, then buffalo is definitely a great option for you.
Final Thought
Having either buffalo grass or st. Augustine in your lawn is a great choice for homeowners looking to minimize their water usage and save money in these tough economic times, but in the end, it all comes down to personal preference and what’s best for your individual lawn.
