Buffalo Grass Lawn Care Guide

Written by Ian Thompson

Ian holds a Masters in Turf Management from Sydney University, has over 20 years experience working as a golf course Superintendent, turf manager, product formulation and development. We call him our resident Lawn genius.

Buffalo grass is a very popular choice in New South Wales and many other states, it has a lot of great values, lush texture, water efficiency, and remarkable resilience in diverse conditions. It survives well in shade, making it an excellent option for areas with limited sunlight. This variety, known for its broad blades and dense growth, forms a dense carpet-like lawn, providing a cool and inviting green space even in shaded environments.

 

Mowing Buffalo Grass:

Maintain a consistent mowing routine for your buffalo grass lawn, aiming for a height of 38 to 50 mm. Buffalo grass, sends runners over itself to create a dense growth pattern. Regular mowing promotes a lush and healthy turf. Use a sharp mower blade to minimize stress on the grass, and adjust mowing frequency based on the growing season. Consider reducing mowing in cooler periods when the grass may not require as much attention.

Watering Buffalo Grass:

Buffalo grass, the most drought tolerant of shade loving grasses, thrives with deep, infrequent watering. Despite its robust nature, buffalo grass has a higher water requirement compared to other warm season grasses like couch. Provide your lawn with sufficient water to prevent the formation of dry patches, adjusting based on weather conditions. Water deeply to encourage a robust root system and drought tolerance. Using a sprinkler or irrigation system is recommended to ensure even water distribution, particularly during hot and dry periods.

Weeding Buffalo Grass:

To maintain your buffalo lawn looking great combat weeds proactively. Regularly inspect and manually remove any small weeds that emerge. For larger weed infestations, consider applying a herbicide. Additionally, the use of pre-emergent herbicides at the beginning and end of the growing season are highly recommended to prevent weed establishment.”

Fertilising Buffalo Grass:

Nourish your soil and buffalo grass with a balanced fertiliser. Due to the density of buffalo grass it tends to use less nitrogen then many other grass types. Follow recommended application rates for optimal results.

Renovate Buffalo Grass:

Revitalise your buffalo grass lawn through occasional renovation. The unique characteristics of buffalo grass make aeration particularly beneficial, enhancing soil health and promoting better water and nutrient absorption. Regularly assess your lawn’s condition to identify and address any issues, ensuring a resilient and visually appealing buffalo grass lawn that embodies the distinct beauty of this variety.

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