Searching for the no-mow” lawn grasses? – Turfgrass Science at Purdue University

Searching for the no-mow” lawn grasses?

Most turfgrasses have leaves that only live for 30-60 days and thus constant growth is require to maintain ground cover, especially with any pets, children, or other traffic. The Holy Grail of “no-mow” turf is unlikely because the turf stand will thin allowing lots of weeds to encroach. That being said, any grass can be converted to “no-mow” by simply stopping the mower. Most grasses in Indiana left unmown will grow up to 10-20” high including the seedhead and can be very attractive swaying in the summer breezes, given the proper setting and size of property. However, some might find this unattractive and since mowing is a critical weed control tool in turf, additional herbicide may be needed to control thistle and other weeds. Most sources will sell a blend of fine fescues for this purpose and these are often what you’ll see in the out-of-the way areas on golf courses. Buffalo grass is a native species that is often referred to as “no-mow” because it only requires mowing two or three times per season. It can provide a low-maintenance lawn requiring less water, fertilizer and mowing once it is established.  However, it is a warm-season grass that is native to the dry western prairies of the western US and does not perform well here in humid Indiana where we receive 30+ inches of rain each year. Crabgrass and other weeds will overtake the buffalograss if herbicides are not used and/or if the lawn is trafficked and it grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Buffalo grass is also very slow to establish, a lighter blue-green than most grasses, greens up later in spring, and browns quickly after the first frost in fall.  Unfortunately, buffalo grass or any of our other current grasses are not the Holy Grail of “no-mow”.


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