Native Plants
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Monday - October 08, 2007
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Winter expectations for Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides)
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
I planted some buffalo grass (from seed) in April of this year. I’ve got a nice patch now, though it’s starting to brown up some. I’m wondering what to expect from this patch over the winter- will it all go brown? Should I mow the patch at some point during the fall or winter so that new, green growth in the spring can grow up through the existing clumps? Thank you.ANSWER:
It will turn brown with the onset of winter. You will probably want to mow it to a height of 3-4 inches in late winter/early spring to remove the ragged old growth before the new growth gets started. Otherwise, you don't really need to do anything with it over the winter. It will start to green when the rain and warm temperatures come in the spring.More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
When and how to mow native grass in Texas
February 27, 2010 - We live on a ranch near Kerrville. The grass is sparse KR, purple three-awn and some Texas wintergrass. How and when is the best way and time to mow this native grass?
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Plants for banks of a retention pond in Alabama
April 24, 2009 - What can we plant on the inner and out walls of a detention pond to stop erosion? The pond is located in a neighborhood in Mobile, AL and the walls are 9 ft high with a steep slope.
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Mixture of native grasses as opposed to buffalo grass monoculture
November 26, 2003 - My husband and I just built our home on Lake Travis. Our lot is very rocky and is on the side of a hill. We would like to plant something on the incline at the front of our home that doesn't need a l...
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Native Indiangrass as a hedge
December 13, 2009 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants,
I would like to create a grass hedge as a foundation planting for a portion of our garden. One side of the planting is a concrete sidewalk to our garden shed, the other side wil...
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Identity of grass-like plant with white or cream flowers in The Woodlands, TX?
May 16, 2015 - What is the name of the tall grass-like plant with small white or cream flowers that is planted in most esplanades in The Woodlands, TX.?
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