Xerix Grass for our Region (Charlotte: neighborhoods, live, gardens)

[abcornwell]

Here are some articles about Buffalo Grass, which could be a good grass for our region. It doesn't require much water, greens up in spring, goes dormant in coolest weather, and doesn't need to be mowed a lot. It seems best started from plugs, not seed.

Planting a Buffalo Grass Lawn: High Country Gardens

How To Plant New Grass

Buffalo Grass

[travlingrlclt]

how's it different from bermuda which a lot of neighborhoods use. It goes dormant in the cooler weather. But I hate that stuff. Will never have it again.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

I don't think it would like the heavy rains that Charlotte gets, even if it's only occasionally. It's best in low-rainfall areas.

[abcornwell]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

I don't think it would like the heavy rains that Charlotte gets, even if it's only occasionally. It's best in low-rainfall areas.

Makes sense. I've only lived here since October, and it always has seemed really dry to me.

OTOH, average annual rainfall in Charlotte is 43" (2006 figure), and it can get pretty dry in the summer. I was attracted to it because it prefers heavy clay, requires minimal mowing, little to no fertilization, and it spreads quickly by runners. I might try a patch of it just to see what happens.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Can't hurt to try it! I think it also doesn't like shade, which can be a problem in Charlotte. Good luck and let us know how it does.