I must not have been very clear. Buffalo grass is a native grass in my area. It is mixed in with other grasses in pastures and prairie throughout the natural landscape. As our lot currently stands, the weeds (mostly tumbleweeds) have taken over any good prairie grass that is there. We are not planting the 3 acres to lawn, we are planting buffalo grass, which is something we can keep maintained, is native and does not need watered. We are planting over 150 trees and shrubs and plan on introducing a variety of planting beds throughout the property with native wildflowers and ornamental grasses. I feel like we are improving our landscape in a very responsible way and am simply asking for help doing this correctly. Our lot is across from a golf course and although it is in the country (our lot backs a pasture for grazing cattle and circle of corn) it does have to have the look of a manicured area. I frankly feel that people in this area are very good at removing invasive, although "native" weeds that cause a nuisance not only in the way the look but in the amount of water they suck from the ground, and therefore taking over the native grasses. People here plant buffalo grass, keep it mowed and don't water it, which is what we would like to do. Thank you all for your help.

I posted a question back in '04 about our buffalo grass, weed problems and what to do. I'm happy to report that our buffalo grass is doing fantastic. The first two years were frustrating with weed problems, especially crab grass. We are able to burn, and that's what we've done since the first year (2003). We still have a few weeds, but pulling them seems to be the best remedy during the growing season. They come back much weaker due to the smothering effect of the thick buffalo grass. We are also in our fourth year for our native meadow, having sown nearly 75 species of native forbs and grasses over a 2 1/2 acre patch 100 feet from our house. The first year was nothing but weeds, but I kept it mowed to a height of 8-12" throughout the spring and summer. There was mostly pig weed and foxtail, some of it going to seed. I couldn't see any indication of anything native coming up, and it was disheartening. We tried a burn the following spring of 2004, but there wasn't enough vegitation to support a good burn, the results were spotty. During 2004 we were beginning to see a few native plants from what we sowed - upright coneflower, black eyed susan, purple coneflower, mexican hat, and canadian wild rye with others making appearances. Weeds were still a major problem, and I purchased a circular steel blade for my lawn trimmer to cut the weeds at the base. This was a great help, but the weeds were still a major problem. In the spring of 2005 we were able to get a good burn over 95% of the meadow, and this really helped in the weed fight. Weeds were still present, but we could see more and more natives showing up, and fewer weeds. This spring we were able to get another nice burn, and the meadow looks great! The areas that burned good are completely weed free. There are even bare areas which would normally be covered with weeds that are completely weed free. We couldn't be happier with our project. There are still some weeds present, but they are losing ground and keeping them in check is much easier. I am a true believer in burning wherever possible. I'll post some pictures later if I can figure out how to do it! Jim

do you know what kind of buff grass this is ? male or female female is uc verde,

Thanks bp... Yep... on all counts. I've read the study and spoken with one of the USU turfgrass researchers. He recommends Legacy over the 609 because the 609 has more difficulty with winterkill. Also agree with the short green season and I've struggled with my choice. Bottom line is I believe water is going to get "VERY" expensive in the next 10 years. I expect tiered pricing to be the norm and wouldn't be surprised if $150/month residential water becomes commonplace. Consequently I am absolutely restricting my lawn choice to the "most" water efficient cultivar possible... and that seams to pretty much be the Buffalo grass. I plan to leave it uncut and establish a full xeriscape front yard with all native, drought tolerant shrubs and plants. My goal is as close to "zero" watering and zero maintenance, as possible. I'll be retiring in 12 years and want the general yardwork to be low cost and low work... with only "fun" gardening to be pruned and trained. I'm compromising my xeriscaping, in the backyard, by installing 5 dedicated low-pressure watering circuits to water a select choice of flowering trees, shrubs, and flowers... sort of a backyard oasis... on a budget. Using the shade from my new covered deck to reduce water losses for the surrounding plants. Only a few "full sun" plants in the back. The largest area will be Buffalo grass, stone, and ground covers... with a nice deck and pation surrounded by fragrant, colorful plants... for my pleasure and to support the local bird life. I appreciate your input and totally agree. There will be more questions soon... since this is the first time I have done such in-depth landscaping. Its pretty cool... :-D Time to get back to work... Guppy