Like most plants, California Buffalograss will go through changes during the winter months.  Vertical growth will cease or slow down eliminating any need to mow or water.  Horizontal stolon growth will also slow or stop, so its ability to fill in open areas at this time will be limited.  Winter color will vary by geographic location.

For coastal California, California Buffalograss will begin to take on subtle change to a tan color mixed in with green. This will occur in December, after the onset of shorter day light hours and colder temperatures as plants go into a semi-dormant phase or winter rest. The colder it is, the more tan to straw color the surface foliage will become.

For inland areas where winter temperatures consistently drop into the 20’s, there may be complete color change and dormant phase until the temperatures begin to rise again.  These winter changes generally last about 60 to 90 days.

The duration of this color change may be reduced by combining a late fall fertilization with mowing California Buffalograss to to about 1 inch height when you begin to see the change in color.  This will allow the sun to keep the soil warmer reducing these changes.  In the late winter, repeat the fertilization to encourage the grass to begin growing again.  If you want to have your lawn totally green during the winter months, an organic based turf colorant can be applied.