Do not delay irrigation after planting is complete for more than 2 hours. Irrigate daily for 7-10 days wetting the soil to 6 inches. The greatest challenge during buffalograss establishment from plugs is weed control. Sodded areas normally, because of immediate total coverage, do not show significant weed problems. The fertility and irrigation required for successful buffalograss establishment also promotes the more aggressive weed species.
Limited information is available on herbicide safety of newly planted buffalograss.
Do not apply any herbicides until the planting has been mowed twice at the previously recommended mowing frequency. Be sure to follow label application recommendations explicitly to maximize weed control. Except for Dacthal, these products are only available to commercial turf applicators. These products will provide excellent preemergence control of annual grasses such as crabgrass, foxtail, etc., and many broadleaf weeds as well. Dimension will also control crabgrass postemergence up to the tillering stage.