Native Grass: Low Water, Easy Care Lawns

Description of how to plant native grasses for prairie, meadow and turf areas to save water and for low-care.

Buchloe dactyloides 'Legacy®'Buffalo Grass
Item # 27050 		Buchloe dactyloides Legacy®
Legacy® Buffalo Grass

1 to 3 $41.00
4 to 12 $39.00
13 to 24 $37.00
25 or more $35.00
'Low Work and Water' Dwarf Fescue Lawn Seed Mix
Item # 52000 		Low Work and Water Dwarf Fescue Lawn Seed Mix

each $36.95

Item # 99813 		Soil Mender 'Turf-Mate' Native Grass Food

Each $21.95
  • Topic: Grasses and Lawns
  • Author: David Salman
  • Keywords: grasses, turf, planting, waterwise, Perennials
  • Date: June 2005

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Saving Water

One of the primary objectives of a well planned xeriscape (waterwise) landscape is to limit the amount of high-water turf grass. In so many residential and commercial landscapes in the western and Great Plains regions of the U.S., Kentucky bluegrass is used as an ornamental ground cover having no other purpose than to ‘green-up’ an area. Given that Kentucky bluegrass requires over 48 inches or more of water during a typical growing season, substituting xeric native grasses like Buffalo and Blue Grama results in substantial water savings.

When irrigating native grasses, water infrequently but deeply; put down 1/2” or more of water per irrigation. Blue Grama is very deep-rooted and doesn’t seem to respond to shallow soil moisture, especially in hot weather.

Native grasses can be kept cut and groomed just like traditional lawns, or used to create a low-maintenance short-grass prairie as we so often do in water-poor Santa Fe. A large assortment of colorful, xeric wildflowers can be planted to grow in harmony with the Blue Grama grass.

Easy Care Lawns

Maintaining a native grass lawn is a simple matter. During the summer months, irrigation water need only be applied during hot, dry spells. Typically in Santa Fe, a deep soaking every two weeks keeps the grass lush and green. Mowing will be infrequent.

When grown as prairie, a fall cutting will let you see your spring-blooming wildflower tulips and crocus. When grown as lawn, a monthly mowing will keep things tidy. Fertilize Blue Grama and native grass meadows once in the fall to encourage strong root growth and fortify the wildflowers and bulbs. ‘Legacy’ Buffalo grass likes more nitrogen and should be fertilized in the fall and again in late spring.

Best Ways to Plant Native Grasses

Plugs are the most economical way to go when planting Buffalo grass. Buffalo grass seed is very difficult to germinate evenly, and the sod is very expensive.

To establish Blue Grama grass, sow seed. It typically germinates quickly and evenly. Blue Grama plugs are best used to mix in with buffalo grass plugs when ‘plugging’ an area.