Photography: Martina Gemmola | aremediasyndication.com.au
Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) is a top choice for Australian lawns. It’s hardy, low-maintenance, and prized for its drought tolerance. Ideal for warm, coastal climates, this turf requires minimal watering and mowing, making it an eco-friendly option for sustainable landscaping.
What is buffalo grass?
Garry Lusk is the managing director at Lilydale Instant Lawn. He says, “It’s generally a fantastic lawn that will grow in many different situations.”
He adds: “It’s low maintenance, can handle some shade and wear and tear, and will thrive in full sun.”
While several types of buffalo grass exist, such as Matilda, Sapphire, and Palmetto, Sir Walter Buffalo Grass remains the most popular variety in Australia, thanks to its excellent performance in full sun and high temperatures.
Make sure it’s DNA certified
If you’re looking to purchase buffalo grass. Gary emphasises the importance of ensuring you’re getting the real deal.
“It is essential to seek out Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo Grass because you want to be certain you are receiving the genuine article, not a substitute,” he says.
Genuine Sir Walter DNA Certified turf, which was developed in Australia for Australian conditions, will come with a DNA Certified trademark and logo, usually on the invoice, delivery note, or turf label. It assures that your lawn is pure, delivered correctly and installed to industry standards.
How to identify buffalo grass
Not sure what type of grass is growing in your yard? Buffalo is easy to spot once you know what to look for. Here are the key features to help you identify it:
- Broad, flat blades: The grass blades are wider than Bermuda or couch grass.
- Light green leaves: Buffalo grass has light-green leaves. However, they can turn brown during winter.
- Stolon-based growth: Buffalo grass grows via stolons (above-ground runners), not underground rhizomes.
- Shade tolerant: Often found in partly shaded areas.
What are the downsides of buffalo grass?
While buffalo grass offers many advantages, it does have a few limitations. One of the main downsides is its slower recovery rate in high-wear areas.
Unlike grasses such as kikuyu or couch, which spread through both stolons (above-ground runners) and rhizomes (underground stems), buffalo only spreads via stolons. So if the lawn is heavily worn or damaged, it takes longer to repair since it regrows by creeping across the surface, not from beneath.
How to care for your buffalo lawn
If you’re establishing a new buffalo lawn, Garry says to water it generously and avoid walking on it until the roots are well established. Once it reaches around 40mm in height, give it its first mow, ensuring you stop watering about two days beforehand to let the soil firm up.
After your grass is established, the following maintenance tips will keep your buffalo lawn looking lush all year round.
Mow correctly
- Never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade at a time to avoid stressing the grass.
- Mowing frequency depends on the season: every 1–2 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and much less or not at all in winter when growth slows.
Fertilise regularly
- Apply a slow-release granular fertiliser 2–4 times a year, depending on your climate and soil.
- Use a balanced fertiliser to keep your buffalo lawn lush, green, and healthy.
Water wisely
- Buffalo is drought-tolerant but still needs occasional deep watering to thrive.
- Water less frequently but deeply to encourage deep root growth.
Manage weeds effectively
- A healthy, well-maintained buffalo lawn is your best defence against weeds, and regular fertilisation is the key to achieving that.
- While buffalo grass is naturally resistant to most pests and weeds, if you do notice any weeds, use a selective herbicide that is safe to treat them without damaging your lawn.
- Garry also suggests applying a pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert.
Dethatch when needed
- Over time, buffalo lawns can develop a layer of thatch.
- Every few years, consider dethatching to remove buildup and improve air, water, and nutrient penetration.
With the proper care and attention, buffalo grass can provide a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn that thrives year-round.
