If you're new to lawn care and considering buffalo grass for your Australian home, you've made an excellent choice. Buffalo grass, scientifically known as Stenotaphrum secundatum, has become the most popular turf variety in Australia for good reason. Its combination of shade tolerance, drought resistance, and soft texture makes it ideal for the diverse climate conditions found across our continent. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with your buffalo grass journey.
What Makes Buffalo Grass Special?
Buffalo grass is a warm-season grass that originated from tropical and subtropical regions. Unlike couch grass or kikuyu, which can be aggressive and invasive, buffalo grass spreads via above-ground runners called stolons, making it easier to contain within garden beds and borders. The broad, soft leaves create a lush, carpet-like appearance that's comfortable underfoot and visually appealing.
The main characteristics that set buffalo grass apart include:
- Superior shade tolerance - Most buffalo varieties can thrive with just 3-4 hours of direct sunlight daily, compared to 6-8 hours required by couch grass
- Excellent drought resistance - Once established, buffalo grass can survive extended dry periods by going dormant and quickly recovering when watered
- Soft leaf texture - The broad, soft leaves are gentle on bare feet and comfortable for children and pets
- Dense growth habit - Buffalo grass naturally crowds out most weeds once established
- Lower mowing requirements - Most varieties grow slower than couch or kikuyu, reducing mowing frequency
Buffalo grass can reduce its water consumption by up to 50% during drought conditions by entering a semi-dormant state. The grass may turn brown, but it's not dead - it will green up quickly once water becomes available again.
Choosing the Right Buffalo Variety
Not all buffalo grass is created equal. Over the years, Australian turf breeders have developed numerous improved varieties, each with specific strengths. Understanding these differences will help you select the best option for your conditions.
Sir Walter Buffalo
Sir Walter is Australia's best-selling turf variety and has been for over two decades. It offers excellent all-round performance with superior shade tolerance, self-repairing capability, and a beautiful deep green colour. Sir Walter is particularly good at recovering from wear and tear, making it ideal for family homes with active children.
Palmetto Buffalo
If your yard receives very little sunlight, Palmetto might be your best choice. This variety has exceptional shade tolerance and maintains good colour even through winter. It features a finer leaf texture than Sir Walter and develops less thatch over time.
Sapphire Buffalo
For those seeking a premium, manicured appearance, Sapphire Buffalo delivers with its fine leaf texture and rich blue-green colour. It's also highly salt-tolerant, making it excellent for coastal properties. However, it does require slightly more sunlight than Palmetto.
Before purchasing, assess your yard's sunlight conditions at different times of the day and year. Trees that are bare in winter might cast significant shade in summer when their canopy fills out.
Preparing Your Site for Installation
Proper preparation is crucial for successful buffalo grass establishment. Cutting corners at this stage often leads to ongoing problems that are expensive and time-consuming to fix.
Soil Assessment and Preparation
Start by testing your soil's pH level, which should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.0 for buffalo grass. Most garden centres sell inexpensive testing kits. If your soil is too acidic, add agricultural lime; if too alkaline, add sulphur to adjust the pH.
Remove all existing vegetation, including weeds and old lawn. You can use a non-selective herbicide or remove turf mechanically. Allow at least two weeks after herbicide application before laying new turf.
Soil Improvement
Buffalo grass performs best in well-draining soil with good organic content. Incorporate the following into your existing soil:
- Quality turf underlay or lawn soil (50-100mm depth)
- Organic compost to improve soil structure
- Gypsum for heavy clay soils to improve drainage
- A starter fertiliser to promote root development
Rake the area smooth and use a lawn roller to create a firm, even surface. The finished level should be approximately 25mm below any adjacent paths or edging to allow for the turf thickness.
Installation Day
Fresh turf should be laid within 24 hours of delivery, or on the same day in hot weather. Plan your installation carefully to minimise stress on both you and the turf.
Always lay turf on the same day it's delivered during summer, as heat can quickly damage rolled turf. In cooler months, you have slightly more flexibility, but fresher is always better.
Begin laying turf along a straight edge, such as a pathway or fence line. Stagger the joints like brickwork to create a more natural appearance and prevent soil erosion along seam lines. Push turf pieces firmly together without overlapping, and use a sharp knife to cut pieces around garden beds and obstacles.
Post-Installation Care
The first two weeks after installation are critical for establishing a healthy lawn. Your primary focus should be keeping the turf consistently moist without waterlogging.
Watering Schedule for New Turf
- Week 1-2: Water daily, keeping the soil moist to a depth of 50mm
- Week 3-4: Reduce to every second day, encouraging deeper root growth
- Week 5+: Transition to deep, infrequent watering (2-3 times per week)
Avoid walking on new turf for at least three weeks to allow roots to establish. After this period, you can perform a simple tug test - if the turf resists when gently pulled, the roots have anchored successfully.
Ongoing Maintenance
Once established, buffalo grass is relatively low-maintenance compared to other turf types. However, consistent care will ensure your lawn remains healthy and attractive year-round.
Mowing
Maintain your buffalo grass at a height of 30-50mm. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade in a single mowing, as this stresses the plant and can lead to scalping. During peak growing season (spring and summer), you may need to mow weekly; in winter, fortnightly or less is usually sufficient.
Fertilising
Apply a quality slow-release lawn fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn. Look for products specifically formulated for buffalo grass, as these contain the correct balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid over-fertilising, which can promote excessive thatch build-up and increase mowing requirements.
Watering
Established buffalo grass prefers deep, infrequent watering rather than shallow daily applications. Aim to provide 25-40mm of water per week during summer, either through rainfall or irrigation. Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and minimise fungal disease risk.
Buffalo grass will show signs of stress before it becomes damaged. Look for a blue-grey colour change, footprints remaining visible after walking across the lawn, or leaf blades folding inward. These are signals to water promptly.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Learning from others' mistakes can save you significant time and money. Here are the most common errors we see from first-time buffalo grass owners:
- Overwatering established lawns - This promotes shallow root growth and increases disease susceptibility
- Mowing too short - Scalping removes the plant's food-producing capacity and exposes soil to weeds
- Ignoring thatch build-up - A thatch layer over 15mm thick prevents water and nutrients from reaching the soil
- Applying the wrong herbicides - Some weed killers damage buffalo grass; always check labels carefully
- Neglecting soil health - Compacted soil restricts root growth; aerate annually if needed
Getting Started
Starting a new buffalo lawn might seem daunting, but with proper preparation and care, you'll be enjoying a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn within months. The key is to choose the right variety for your conditions, prepare your soil thoroughly, and be patient during the establishment period.
Remember that every lawn is different, and local conditions will influence your specific maintenance requirements. Don't hesitate to consult with local turf suppliers or landscaping professionals if you encounter challenges. Most importantly, enjoy the process of creating your outdoor space - there's something deeply satisfying about watching a lawn you've installed and cared for flourish into a beautiful green carpet.