If you've been thinking about switching to a more eco-friendly lawn, a recent post on r/NativePlantGardening might seal the deal.
One Redditor in central Iowa shared fall photos of their buffalo grass lawn, offering a glimpse of how it transforms with the seasons. The post sparked a lively conversation in the comments, with people admiring the lawn's unique look and asking practical questions about its care and benefits.
Buffalo grass, native to the central and western U.S., has deep roots — literally and historically.
This drought-tolerant grass once supported the 60 million bison that roamed the Great Plains. Today, its short height and uniform growth make it a great fit for homeowners who want an alternative that looks similar to traditional turf, even in areas with strict homeowners association rules. Its tolerance to heat and cold ensures it stays lush when other lawns fade in the midsummer heat.
The original poster shared their initial concerns about how the lawn might appear when dormant. "I wondered if it might look dead when dormant, but it doesn't - it just fits the fall season," they wrote.
Alongside the photos, they noted that buffalo grass turns a soft golden hue in cooler months, blending naturally into the autumn landscape, and should green back up in late spring.
Practical benefits extend well beyond aesthetics. Buffalo grass thrives with minimal water — using just a third of what Kentucky bluegrass needs — and requires no pesticides or fertilizers, which conserves water and reduces chemical pollution. Its deep root system, reaching up to eight feet, helps prevent soil erosion, while its low-growing blades need mowing only once a month in summer, cutting down on maintenance and air pollution from gas-powered mowers.
The OP also highlighted its ecological perks, noting that native bees and other insects flocked to the grass's blooms.
Commenters chimed in with admiration, saying that the lawn "looks great in every season" and remarking that it "looks so much better than when bermudagrass goes dormant in winter." One even asked, "Is it as soft as it looks?" (The answer is yes.)
🗣️ If you were to switch from a grass lawn to a more natural option, which of these factors would be your primary motivation?
🔘 Making it look better 🌱
🔘 Saving money on water and maintenance 💰
🔘 Helping pollinators 🐝
🔘 No way I ever get rid of my lawn 🚫
🗳️ Click your choice to see results and speak your mind
Switching to buffalo grass — or other sustainable options such as clover or xeriscaping — can save homeowners time, money, and resources while supporting pollinators and preventing soil erosion. For tips on making the transition, check out The Cool Down's guides to rewilding your yard and upgrading to a natural lawn.
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