What Is Carabao Grass?
Carabao grass (Paspalum conjugatum) is the most common lawn grass in the Philippines. Known locally as damong baka in Tagalog, it grows naturally across tropical lowlands throughout Southeast Asia. You will find it in parks, school grounds, vacant lots, roadsides, and residential lawns all over the country.
The name comes from the carabao (water buffalo), a symbol of Philippine agriculture. These animals traditionally graze on this grass in rural areas, which is how the grass earned its Filipino name.
Carabao grass spreads through stolons, horizontal runners that creep along the soil surface and root at the nodes. This growth habit allows it to cover bare ground quickly without the need for seeding. Its wide, flat blades (5 to 8 mm) give lawns a lush, tropical look when maintained properly.
Scientific Classification
- Scientific name: Paspalum conjugatum
- Family: Poaceae (grass family)
- Common names: Carabao grass, buffalo grass, sour grass
- Tagalog name: Damong baka
- Growth type: Perennial, warm-season grass
- Spread method: Stolons (above-ground runners)
Benefits of Carabao Grass for Philippine Lawns
Carabao grass remains the top choice for Filipino homeowners and landscapers for several practical reasons. Here are the key benefits:
1. Heat and Humidity Tolerance
Carabao grass thrives in the Philippine tropical climate where temperatures regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Unlike temperate grasses that struggle in heat, carabao grass grows vigorously during the hottest months of March to May.
2. Shade Tolerance
One of carabao grass's strongest advantages is its ability to grow in partial shade. It performs well under mango trees, coconut palms, and other shade-casting structures where other lawn grasses like bermuda or frog grass would thin out and die.
3. Fast Establishment
Carabao grass establishes faster than most lawn alternatives. Sod typically roots within 1 to 2 weeks, and plugs fill in gaps within 4 to 6 weeks during the rainy season. This fast coverage is ideal for erosion control on slopes and newly landscaped areas.
4. Foot Traffic Durability
Heavy foot traffic from children, pets, and gatherings does not easily damage carabao grass. The stolons regenerate quickly even when torn or trampled. This makes it the go-to choice for backyards, playgrounds, and communal spaces.
5. Practical, Fast-Growing Coverage
Carabao grass spreads quickly through surface runners, establishes rapidly, and repairs ordinary wear well. Urban Goes Green supplies it at ₱199 per square metre with a 10 m² minimum order, allowing homeowners to calculate the grass requirement clearly before ordering.
6. Drought Recovery
While carabao grass may turn brown during extreme dry spells, it recovers remarkably fast once rain returns. This dormancy-recovery cycle means you rarely need to replant after a drought, the existing root system and stolons bounce back on their own.
How to Plant Carabao Grass
Whether you are starting a new lawn or patching bare spots, proper planting ensures your carabao grass establishes quickly and grows thick. Here is a step-by-step process:
Step 1: Prepare the Soil
Clear the area of weeds, rocks, and debris. Till the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches to loosen compaction. Mix in quality loam soil or compost to improve drainage and nutrient content. Level the surface with a rake so water does not pool in low spots.
Step 2: Choose Your Planting Method
- Sod (instant lawn): Best for full coverage. Lay sod pieces tightly together with no gaps. Stagger joints like brickwork for a seamless finish.
- Plugs: More affordable for large areas. Plant plugs 6 to 8 inches apart in a grid pattern. The gaps will fill in within 4 to 8 weeks.
- Stolons: Scatter stolon cuttings across prepared soil and press lightly into the surface. Cover with a thin layer of soil. This method is cheapest but slowest.
Step 3: Water Daily for 2 Weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist (not waterlogged) for the first 14 days. Water in the early morning or late afternoon to minimize evaporation. Newly planted grass that dries out during establishment may fail to root.
Step 4: Avoid Mowing for 3 Weeks
Let the grass establish its root system before the first cut. Mowing too early can pull up plugs or sod that has not yet anchored. After 3 weeks, mow at a height of 2 to 3 inches.
Step 5: Apply Starter Fertilizer
After the first month, apply a balanced fertilizer (14-14-14 or similar) to encourage root growth and blade density. Follow up with quarterly fertilizer applications throughout the year.
Carabao Grass Maintenance Guide
A well-maintained carabao grass lawn looks lush, green, and inviting. Here is your complete care schedule:
Mowing
Mow every 2 to 3 weeks during the rainy season when growth is fastest. During the dry season, mowing every 3 to 4 weeks is sufficient. Set your mower blade to 2 to 3 inches, cutting too short weakens the grass and invites weeds.
Watering
Water deeply twice a week rather than light daily sprinkles. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downward, making the lawn more drought-resistant. Each session should soak the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced NPK fertilizer (14-14-14) quarterly. For a greener look, use a nitrogen-rich formula (21-0-0 urea) during the rainy season. Always water after fertilizing to prevent leaf burn and help nutrients reach the roots.
Weed Control
Hand-pull weeds regularly before they spread. For large infestations, use a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf weeds without harming grass. Maintaining thick, healthy grass is the best long-term weed prevention strategy.
Aeration
Aerate compacted areas once or twice a year by poking holes with a garden fork or core aerator. This improves water and nutrient penetration to the root zone, especially in high-traffic areas.
Carabao Grass: Do's and Don'ts
Follow these guidelines to keep your carabao grass lawn healthy and attractive year-round.
- ✓ Mow regularly every 2–3 weeks
- ✓ Water deeply twice per week
- ✓ Fertilize quarterly with balanced NPK
- ✓ Pull weeds early before they spread
- ✓ Aerate compacted soil once a year
- ✓ Water in the morning or late afternoon
- ✓ Prepare soil with loam before planting
- ✓ Let new grass root for 3 weeks before mowing
- ✗ Cut grass too short (below 2 inches)
- ✗ Water lightly every day (promotes shallow roots)
- ✗ Over-fertilize (causes leaf burn)
- ✗ Ignore weeds until they take over
- ✗ Walk on newly planted grass
- ✗ Mow when the grass is wet
- ✗ Use non-selective herbicide on your lawn
- ✗ Skip soil preparation before planting
Carabao Grass vs Other Grasses
How does carabao grass stack up against the most popular lawn alternatives in the Philippines? Here is a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Carabao Grass | Frog Grass | Bermuda Grass | Blue Grass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paspalum conjugatum | Zoysia matrella | Cynodon dactylon | Digitaria didactyla |
| Blade Width | Wide (5–8 mm) | Fine (2–4 mm) | Fine (1–3 mm) | Medium (3–5 mm) |
| Texture | Coarse | Soft, carpet-like | Fine, dense | Medium, smooth |
| Urban Goes Green price | ₱199 per m² | ₱199 per m² | Check availability | ₱199 per m² |
| Shade Tolerance | Excellent | Moderate | Low | Good |
| Drought Tolerance | Good | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
| Foot Traffic | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
| Mowing Frequency | Every 2–3 weeks | Every 2–3 weeks | Every 1–2 weeks | Every 2–3 weeks |
| Weed Resistance | Low | High | Medium | Medium |
| Best For | Large yards, shade areas | Front lawns, display areas | Sports fields, full sun | Gardens, moderate traffic |
Carabao Grass Ordering Guide
Measure the lawn's length and width, then multiply them to get the area in square metres. Add 5% to 10% for trimming and irregular edges.
Grass Cost
- Freshly harvested sod: ₱199 per m²
- Minimum order: 10 m² (₱1,990 for grass)
- 100 m² lawn: ₱19,900 for grass before allowance, installation, and delivery
- Ordering schedule: Order by 6 PM for delivery tomorrow, subject to availability and delivery location
Additional Costs
- Loam soil (per sack): P75 to P150
- Soil preparation labor: P500 to P1,500 depending on area size
- Installation labor: P15 to P25 per sqm
- Starter fertilizer: P200 to P500
- Delivery: Quoted separately according to location and load
Cost-Saving Tips
- Buy in bulk for better per-sqm pricing
- Use plugs instead of sod for large areas, cheaper but takes 4–8 weeks longer
- Prepare soil yourself instead of hiring labor
- Plant during the rainy season (June–November) to reduce watering costs
- Order directly from Urban Goes Green for competitive supplier pricing
Order Carabao Grass with Delivery
Freshly harvested carabao grass is ₱199 per m² with a 10 m² minimum. Order by 6 PM today for delivery tomorrow, subject to stock and delivery location.
Order Carabao Grass →Natural Grass vs Artificial Turf
Natural carabao grass provides benefits that plastic turf cannot: it cools the surrounding area, lets rain enter the soil, slows runoff, helps control erosion, supports soil life, and can regrow after ordinary wear. It also feels natural underfoot and avoids replacing a large plastic surface at the end of its service life.
Artificial turf remains green without mowing and can suit very small or heavily used spaces, but it becomes hotter in sun, still needs washing, does not improve the soil, and eventually requires disposal. In a tropical home garden, living grass is often the better choice when cooling, drainage, and a healthier outdoor environment matter. Read the University of Florida's natural-versus-synthetic turf guidance.
