Sapphire is a modern and high-quality soft leaf type of buffalo grass. It is available to Australian homeowners as a buffalo lawn option. Sapphire is well-known as the most shade tolerant buffalo grass. It performs excellently in all aspects that signify the quality of buffalo turf. Below is an overview of sapphire buffalo grass.
Sapphire buffalo turf performs quite well when grown in full sunny conditions. It is notable for having a healthy deep root system that helps a lot when it comes to withstanding drought. The turf is also good in shade tolerance and maintaining a good winter color. Another characteristic that make sapphire buffalo popular is its finer leaf blade and blue leaf color. It also has low seeding and thatch levels.
Many Australian homeowners may choose sapphire buffalo lawn for heavy shade conditions. This is because this type of grass contains the highest shade rating when compared to other buffalo grasses. However, it is worth bearing in mind that this type of grass requires direct sunlight each day so that it can survive. Grass of any kind cannot survive without sunlight.
Softness is another notable quality of sapphire buffalo lawn. After undergoing some tests, it came out as among the softest buffalo grass types out there. Perhaps it's only shortcoming is that it has a lower rate of drought recovery, as well as a lower tolerance to wear and tear. Since it is a low-thatch lawn, it can be slower to recover from wear during the first two years after planting. On the bright side, it is quicker to recover from wear and drought when compared to a two-year-old high-thatch lawn. This means that low-thatch lawns like sapphire have long term benefits. When it comes to overall quality rating, sapphire is an excellent choice for a homeowner looking for soft leaf buffalo lawn for his or her home.
Sapphire buffalo lawn is more resistant to weeds, fungi and pests when compared to most other grass varieties. However, as is the case with any natural product, the above-mentioned problems can occur occasionally. When it comes to pests, a homeowner should watch out for the African black beetle and the lawn grub such as army worms or web worms. Suitable pesticides should be applied in accordance with directions. In case of a weed infestation, the weeds can be uprooted by hand before a seed head develops. Alternatively, the homeowner can inquire about a suitable herbicide.
In order to remain healthy and strong, sapphire buffalo grass requires some fertilizer. It is advisable for a homeowner to apply a slow release fertilizer a month after laying. Application before this time has elapsed will not make any difference to the grass establishment. Applying a slow release fertilizer at least twice per year is recommended. In case a quick green up is needed, a nitrogen rich fertilizer can be used. A good example is an organic-based slow release fertilizer. Generally, slow-release fertilizers are better for sapphire lawn, and are much more effective. During the summer however, using manure-based products or over fertilizing should be avoided.
