This type of grass is a good choice for people who live near the ocean or in other areas where there is a lot of salt in the air. This warm-season grass forms deep roots which allows it to sustain better in sandy or infertile soils. This makes it a versatile grass, but there's other warm-season grasses that like shade without so many drawbacks. Buffalo grass has fine, feathery blades and is more blue-green than the deep green of St. Augustine. Whenever looking up information, make sure that it references the right scientific name and which country the info comes from. Lawn-care experts Scotts offer some practical advice on how best to plant St. Augustine. Although we all want the best-looking lawn, budgets can be tight. Buffalo grass is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases, especially weeds. 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. As weve already discussed, buffalo grass is much faster growing than St Augustine. However, St. Augustine grass requires regular fertilizer and pesticides, as its prone to disease and can be fussy in a nonideal environment. Its like comparing chalk and cheese. It is a warm-season lawn grass that is popular for cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions. Just as St. Augustine, the most strategic way to combat unwanted grasses is to treat your lawn before it becomes an issue - first with a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring, then again in the fall. Even better, its extremely low maintenance and does best with benign neglect. Types of Weed Killers How to Choose the Right One. It even has a disease named after it, St Augustine Decline. Older Post It also requires more fertilizer and water than Buffalo grass does. Take a look at this article for more help with yellow grass in general. How to Protect Grass From Frost & What to Do, top tips on how to properly mow your lawn, best chemical free weed solutions for your lawn. But remember try not to stick to a set schedule, rather checking the height of the grass. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. But if you dont mind mowing your lawn more often and you like the look of a freshly-cut lawn, St Augustine may be a better option for you. But here are the main differences between fescue and St. Augustine: However, both grasses do have an excellent shade tolerance, with fescue being the best out of any lawn grass species, and St. Augustine being the best of the warm season grasses. The Best Installation Process However, these grasses are both pretty top-notch and depending on what youre looking for in a grass these can both offer some great advantages. It grows . It certainly doesnt have the drought tolerance of Bahia, and you can read more about that match up in this article on St. Augustine vs Bahia grass. Providing youre in a cool-season grass region, fine fescue makes an excellent species for lawns although its highly likely it will be mixed with other variants to maximize health. And while they germinate quickly, and youll see new grass blades in as little as two weeks, it doesnt grow so fast as youll be mowing the lawn every couple of days (which you shouldnt be doing anyway). To keep your lawn green, youll only need to provide 1 inch of water per month. The traditional, scratchy Buffalo grass of the past has been drastically improved upon over time. Plugs can help speed up the process. This makes it a versatile grass, but theres other warm-season grasses that like shade without so many drawbacks. To learn more, check out our complete guide to Buffalo Grass. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online. Here you have two, completely different grass species for growing in completely different grass seasons. Bermuda grass, compared to St. Augustine, has much thinner blades, is softer to the touch, and has a higher tolerance for colder weather. No longer is Buffalo grass sharp and scratchy, but it has been altered to no be much less problematic . This type of grass is known for being very tough and durable. Bahia and St. Augustine are great, but what do you think; which one is better? Only then will you be able to make an informed decision about which type of grass is right for you. This species of grass creates a dense mat due to its stolons that allow it to grow low and close to the soil. Buffalo Grass is drought-hardy, meaning it can survive extended dry periods. In addition, there are 11 cultivars available that make excellent turf grass. There are many varieties of Buffalo grass, some more common than others. The main characteristics of a fescue lawn is that they are the very definition of low maintenance. You may not need to fertilize at all, and when you do, its easy enough to apply a layer of compost in the early fall. It can tolerate broad pH ranges, from inland acidic soils to coastal high pH soils. Welcome to Sod and Seed, Inc! During the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, you might notice an unsightly brown tinge to parts of your lawn.Or maybe even all of it!Either way, its not the most encouraging sight My name's Gibson. You dont need to go out of your way to care for this grass species as its not susceptible to common lawn pests or diseases. I like to think of myself as the Bond of the backyard, that is if yard work ever became sexy. Newer Post . Its quick to brown when the first frosts arrive, and slow to green when the winter finally ends. (Answered!). It cannot grow in sandy soils. If youre choosing based on which one is cheaper Bahia grass or St. Augustine the average cost between them differs by around $115 per pallet of sod, with Bahia grass being cheaper. The blades of this grass start short when young, however, can reach a height of 30cm when fully grown. It typically needs double the amount of water that youd give a Bermuda lawn. For example, if the weather is particularly cold or dry, the grass may turn brown and stop growing. You need not worry about pests and disease if you grow a Buffalo Grass lawn. Buffalo grass has sterile seed, so the chances of Buffalo grass from seed are extremely minimal. Bahia grass can be found in warmer locations along the southern states of America as well as in Hawaii, too. Spikes in nitrogen levels from synthetic fertilizers will exacerbate thatch problems and decrease its resistance to pests and disease as it destroys the beneficial microbes in the soil that would otherwise help keep your grass healthy. Buffalo grass (known as St. Augustine in the US) is a warm season grass that is native to areas of North and South America, parts of Africa and the Caribbean. Thats not surprising considering the region its native to. Also, if you live in an area with heavy winters. Its certainly not as assertive and invasive as tall fescue. Bahia grass can suffocate weeds due to its thick carpeted texture. Buffalo grass is a good choice for people who live in hot, dry climates. It wasn't until the mid-20th century and the cultivar Kentucky 31 that horticulturists and landscapers began to recognise its inherent advantages as a lawn grass. But as other grasses have become more popular, people have realized that St Augustine comes with a long roster of problems. Similar to Buffalo grass, warm climates should not have any problems with St Augustine grass going dormant during the winter. Similarly, if you have clay or loamy soil, St Augustine would be a better choice. Having both stolons above ground and rhizomes beneath ground help Buffalo grass and St. Augustine repair from damage naturally. Other homeowners might choose zoysia grass for its attractive emerald green appearance or bermuda grass for its disease resistance. It also has a beautiful texture thats soft underfoot but doesnt get matted down by foot traffic or rainstorms like some other types of grass do. The Big Freeze! That means It needs a whole day of sunlight. Once it has taken hold, you can cut that right back and let nature do her thing. Like many other hardy grass varieties, Fescue was originally seen as only a pasture grass. Here are several alternative grass species for warm season climate zones: Some plants overstay their welcome, even after you've shown them the door. Buffalo Grass needs full sun and has very little shade tolerance as it evolved to grow among other grasses. backyardproscontact@gmail.com Thank you! Will Buffalo Grass Overtake A St Augustine Lawn? Approximately 1/2 inch of water at least twice a week is required. It should be able to survive in areas receiving as little as 40% sunlight, or around 3 hours per day. At a glance, Bahia grass is a tough cookie: it is a warm season perennial grass species that thrives in the summer. Best for Shaded Areas with Sprinkler Systems. Centipede Grass. The seeds can self-propagate when dropped onto the soil and although it is a slow process from there, the grass can easily sustain itself into maturity. My name is Jamie, The Backyard Pros is a website where I piece together articles about all my awesome yard ideas. When Grass Becomes a Weed: How to Control and Get Rid of Bermuda Grass. This encourages deep root growth and helps the grass to become more drought-tolerant. The biggest difference between these two types of grass is that St Augustine is much more drought-resistant than buffalo. Aim for no more than one inch of water for the week but not all at once. Buffalo Grass is a true transition zone grass that acts like a warm-season grass. Originally used as a pasture grass when first introduced to America, this species of lawn is now widely used in agriculture, conservation, and erosion control programs as it can sustain itself when grown in compromising conditions. In fact, it thrives best in areas that get less than 25 inches of rainfall per year. It out-grows weeds so you dont really have to worry about that PLUS it has very few pest and disease problems! If youve ever walked barefoot across the grass in the South, theres a chance you walked over centipede grass. Bahia grass is relatively low maintenance with the lowest rate of disease and pest issues compared to other warm season grasses. In the United States, Buffalo grass is called St Augustine. Whilst predominantly limited in terms of popularity in these areas, this grass type offers great drought and heat resistance as well as a durability and low maintenance. The best time to start both is during the late spring and summer when temperatures are warmer. Older cultivars can have sparse growth habits that provide opportunity for weeds. If youre patient and take some measures to encourage the growth of Buffalo grass, eventually it will take over your lawn. Weed resistance: Sodded St. Augustine instantly chokes out any weeds. Not drought tolerant and not suitable for a non-irrigated lawn or for areas with low rainfall or extended dry periods. On top of this, certain things can cause Buffalo grass to go dormant during the winter. This also means that they have different appearances. The soil in which St. Augustine thrives best is obviously preferred to be fertile, however, can actually also grow well in sandy soils as well as clay soils with a high range of pH levels ranging from 5 to 8.5, talk about versatility! This leads many people to wonder which grass types are better at keeping weeds at bay. Palmetto vs st augustine grass. Which is the best St Augustine grass variety? He also loves all things DIY and is always looking for a new project. And if youre not sure what time of machine to use, might I suggest you take a look at this article on the different types of lawnmower that are available today? St Augustine is a grass that thrives well in a number of scenarios. Buffalo grass grows best in sandy soil while St Augustine prefers clay or loamy soil. Zoysia and Buffalo grass are two of the most popular grasses used for both small and large scale lawns. Which Is Better: Buffalo Grass Or St Augustine? St Augustine is a type of warm-season grass that is native to Africa and Asia. + 1 778-244-4107 Likewise, it wont do well in the heavier clay-based soils or alkaline soils. Centipede is more cold tolerant than St. Augustine grasses but has less shade tolerance. Most cost-friendly upfront: St. Augustine. 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. Centipede grass requires at least six hours of full sun, while St. Augustine grass needs at least four hours of full sunlight, but it can handle more. link to Dormant Grass vs Dead Grass How to Tell the Difference & What to Do? When it comes to mowing, St. Augustine is a thick grass, a full-bodied, broad species that demands to be cut high. However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Youll need to measure the area youre planting in order to figure out how much sod or how many plugs you should order. Compared to other warm season grasses such as Bermuda and zoysia, St. Augustine has a higher drought tolerance, and will remain greener for longer in hot conditions. There is no red or yellow colour on the leaves but this warm-season grass may discolour slightly in the colder months. Buffalo grass is well-suited to grow in a variety of soil types and can thrive in a range of climates, including hot and dry regions. St. Augustine grass should be mowed at the highest setting. St Augustine Grass Vs. Centipede Grass. Andy Gibson. Its rough texture is terrible to walk upon. Its known as buffalo turf in Australia and buffalo grass in South Africa. 10624 RR 620, Austin, Texas 78726. Feb 15, 2023, Monday - Saturday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm1-800-381-8163, info@lawndelivery.comsodandseed@gmail.comwww.bayareasodandseed.com. Look for days when the temperature is consistently between 80-100 degrees Fahrenheit. Its low growth makes it better for colder areas, and it stays green year-round. Water the lawn deeply but infrequently. While centipede grass is more attractive, one of its downfalls is its susceptibility to foot traffic. Its hardy in cold climates, so it can survive even brutal winters-but it doesnt die back completely; instead, it goes dormant until warmer weather returns. St. Augustine grass and Bahia grass are two warm-season turf grasses that both grow well in warm and sunny conditions. While St Augustine can also survive in hot weather, it is a better choice for people who live near the ocean or in other areas where there is a lot of salt in the air as this particular type of grass is salt-tolerant. Visit almost any home along the Gulf Coast in the US, and theres a strong chance the yard will be rocking St. Augustine grass. St. Augustine Grass, Centipede Grass / By Joe Bethel. One of the most noted adaptability traits of Buffalo grass is high shade tolerance. Buffalo is fast-growing, but not as vigorous as Kikuyu. Bahia grass grows low and outwardly from stolons and the blades contain unsightly seed-heads that aid it in reseeding itself when they drop, however, this can be reduced with regular mowing. Buffalo grass and carpet grass are two different species. Theyre both so similar in terms of usefulness that deciding is definitely difficult, but youll have to consider the pros and cons of each to decide what you like best. Like Buffalo grass, St Augustine is a perennial grass, which means that it will come back every year. Healthier soil with lots of microorganisms will also break down thatch before it becomes a problem, and St Augustines high fertilizer needs pretty much destroy any beneficial microbes that would help you. They are two extremely different grasses. Making the choice between Buffalo grass and St Augustine can be tough. However, there are some key differences between these two grasses: Buffalo grass generally has a relatively brighter green color with wide blades. No, Buffalo grass does not need to be replaced. Andy Gibson. Most of us love long hot summers, where we can get our vitamin D fix, and enjoy barbecue and pool season to the max.I wish I could say the same for our lawns.Blazing sun, coupled with little Dormant Grass vs Dead Grass How to Tell the Difference & What to Do? Both types of grass, however, require plenty of waterroughly 1 inch of water weekly in the summer and 1 inch of water biweekly in the dormant season. Hi! If youre looking for a type of grass that doesnt require a lot of work, Buffalo grass is the better choice. The Best Sod Grass for Fresno Color: Dark green. Signs of Lawn Heat Stress & How to Treat It? Feb 17, 2023, Weeds and Grass Safe Lawn Care Guide The main difference between Bahia grass and St. Augustine grass is the color and shape of leaves. Heres what you need to know about the great grass debate between buffalo grass vs St. Augustine grass. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Fertilizer is a critical component in the growth of healthy lawn grass. Shady yards benefit the most from St. Augustine grass. Youll often find they are regularly blended to stand a better chance of survival. 8 Plants That Look Just Like Queen Annes Lace, 6 Fascinating Plants that Look Like Elderberry. St. Augustine is a perennial warm season grass found natively in South and North America as well as in the Caribbean, too. #514-1231 Pacific Blvd It is considered one of the most shade-tolerant grasses of St Augustine's grasses. Ideal is silt-clay. St Augustine prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, so long as it gets about 4 hours of sun per day. link to Signs of Lawn Heat Stress & How to Treat It? The coarseness of the grass also has the ability to crowd out weeds, undesirable plants, and trouble spots. St. Augustine is more commonly found in the south than Bahia grass but they both share some similarities in that theyre low maintenance, not fussy about their living arrangements and also relatively non-invasive so, really, they are both great choices for your garden! It's . If it stays green on very little water and thrives on very little fertilizer, then its likely Buffalo Grass. How Buffalo grass has changed over the years. It cannot handle cold weather at all. Types of Gardening Tools The Essential Guide to What You Need in Your Shed! And if you want some more information on how to do that, check out this article on lawn recovery after winter. If you hear that Buffalo Grass needs more water than Bermuda, then theyre actually referring to St Augustine. The quick answer is, yes! The downside? It can grow to be as tall as 6 feet but is typically cut down at 3-4 inches. Each variety of grass requires different mowing heights to perform and looks its best. harmony st augustine grass This grass has a dormant season when soil temperatures dip below 55 degrees, turning it yellowish and patchy in appearance. Zoysia vs. St. Augustine Grass Mowing Heights and Growth Habits. I write about everything about indoor and outdoor gardening and the dread-it-but-still-need-to-do-it chores around the yard, like cleaning out the gutter guards. If you struggle with picking a grass species perfect for your needs and wants, and youre considering either Bahia grass or St. Augustine, read on to discover the main differences between the two as well as their pros and cons! It is important to water St. Augustine grass deeply and infrequently, allowing the water to penetrate the soil to a depth of 6 inches. If you try to pamper this grass or treat it like St Augustine or Bermuda, itll struggle. However, it will take some time for this to happen. We all know that weeds can be a real pain to deal with. This means youll need a pretty frequent fertilizer schedule, with either applications of synthetic fertilizers every 8 to 10 weeks, or compost topdressing twice a year with compost tea boosts each month (but if youre going the organic route, itd be a lot easier to start with a lower maintenance and more resilient grass). Try this article on the best chemical free weed solutions for your lawn for an alternative. Sod, plugs, and stolons are the main ways in which this grass can be grown. These pesky plants can quickly take over our lawns if were not careful. This is because Buffalo only has above-ground stolons, while Kikuyu also uses under-ground rhizomes. If you get higher amounts of rain, though, youre better off looking at other grasses as Buffalo Grass will struggle. And is more cold tolerant than St. Augustine grass requires different mowing heights to and... 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