If you have lived at an environment conscious estate in Cape Town chances are high that you have come across a by-law that states you may only install indigenous grasses such as buffalo and Cynodon grasses.
Following is a comparison of the properties of Cynodon grass and Buffalo grass to help you make an informed decision when choosing between the two if you reside in Estates that prohibit any grass other than these two.
Cynodon Grass
Cynodon is a warm-season grass that is native to Africa, but is now widely used throughout the world for its adaptability to a range of growing conditions.
There are several different cultivars of Cynodon grass, including Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), which is a popular warm-season grass for lawns and sports fields in warm regions.
Cynodon grass is known for its ability to withstand high temperatures, drought, and foot traffic. It typically thrives in hot, sunny climates with well-draining soils, and goes dormant during cooler winter months.
In general, the best time to plant Cynodon grass is during the warm months of spring or early summer when the soil temperatures are warm enough to encourage germination and growth.
Because of its hardiness and low-maintenance requirements, Cynodon grass is a popular choice for use in sports fields, golf courses, and residential and commercial landscaping projects in warm regions throughout the world.
Buffalo Grass
Technically, Buffalo grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is not indigenous to South Africa. It is native to South America, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including South Africa. Notwithstanding, many residential estates classify it as an indigenous grass.
In South Africa, Buffalo grass is often used as a turf grass because it is well-suited to the local climate and growing conditions.
However, it is important to note that while Buffalo grass is tolerant of drought and shade, it can be invasive and difficult to control if it is not managed properly.
To conclude, ideally install Cynodon in high traffic areas and Buffalo grass in areas that have shade. If budget is a concern then you may have to go with Cynodon grass for it is way cheaper than buffalo grass.