Fertilisation is one of the most impactful maintenance practices you can perform for your buffalo lawn. The right nutrients at the right time can transform a pale, struggling lawn into a lush, vibrant carpet. However, more isn't always better - understanding what your grass needs and when it needs it is essential for achieving optimal results without wasting money or damaging your lawn.
Understanding Fertiliser Basics
All fertilisers contain varying amounts of three primary nutrients, expressed as an NPK ratio on the packaging:
- Nitrogen (N): Promotes leaf growth and green colour. The most important nutrient for lawns.
- Phosphorus (P): Supports root development and establishment. Most important for new lawns.
- Potassium (K): Enhances disease resistance, drought tolerance, and overall hardiness.
A fertiliser with NPK ratio of 20-5-10 contains 20% nitrogen, 5% phosphorus, and 10% potassium. The remaining percentage consists of carrier materials and possibly additional micronutrients like iron, manganese, and magnesium.
Established buffalo lawns typically benefit from fertilisers with higher nitrogen ratios (like 20-5-10 or 16-4-8). New lawns need more phosphorus for root development (like 10-10-10 or products labelled as "starter fertiliser").
When to Fertilise
Timing fertiliser applications to match your lawn's growth cycle ensures nutrients are available when the grass can use them. Buffalo grass is a warm-season variety that grows most actively from late spring through early autumn.
Recommended Application Schedule
- Early Spring (September): First application as growth resumes. Use a balanced fertiliser to support initial growth.
- Late Spring (November): Second application to sustain rapid growth period.
- Late Summer (February): Optional light application if lawn appears pale or growth slows.
- Autumn (March-April): Final application to strengthen the lawn before winter dormancy.
Avoid fertilising during winter dormancy - the grass can't utilise nutrients effectively, and excess nitrogen may encourage winter weeds or disease. Similarly, avoid fertilising during extreme heat (above 35°C) as it can stress the grass.
Most residential buffalo lawns perform well with 3-4 fertiliser applications per year. Over-fertilising creates excessive growth, increases mowing frequency, promotes thatch buildup, and can actually harm your lawn.
Types of Lawn Fertiliser
Granular Slow-Release
The most popular option for home lawns. Nutrients release gradually over 6-12 weeks, providing consistent feeding and reducing the risk of burning. Apply with a spreader for even distribution.
Best for: General maintenance, busy homeowners who want set-and-forget convenience.
Granular Quick-Release
Provides rapid greening within days but effects diminish quickly. Higher burn risk if over-applied or not watered in properly.
Best for: Quick colour boost before events, addressing visible deficiencies.
Liquid Fertilisers
Applied through a hose-end sprayer. Provides immediate nutrient uptake through both leaves and roots. Effects are short-lived, requiring more frequent applications.
Best for: Foliar feeding, iron applications for quick greening, addressing specific deficiencies.
Organic Fertilisers
Derived from natural sources like blood and bone, seaweed, or composted manures. Release nutrients slowly as they decompose. Improve soil biology and structure over time.
Best for: Environmentally conscious homeowners, long-term soil improvement, sensitive areas near waterways.
How to Apply Fertiliser
Proper application technique ensures even distribution and prevents burning.
Step-by-Step Application
- Mow first: Cut the grass 1-2 days before fertilising for better product contact with soil
- Check conditions: Apply when rain is forecast within 24 hours, or plan to water in. Avoid applying before heavy rain that might wash product away
- Calibrate spreader: Set your spreader according to product label instructions. Different products require different settings
- Apply evenly: Walk at steady pace in parallel lines, slightly overlapping each pass. Consider a second pass perpendicular to the first for even coverage
- Clean up: Sweep any granules off paths and driveways back onto the lawn to prevent staining and waste
- Water in: Apply 6-10mm of water to move nutrients into the soil and prevent leaf burn
Fertiliser burn appears as brown or yellow patches, often with a distinct edge where product concentrated. It's caused by applying too much, not watering in properly, or fertilising during heat stress. If burn occurs, water heavily to flush excess salts from the root zone.
Reading Fertiliser Labels
Understanding product labels helps you choose the right fertiliser and apply it correctly.
Key Information to Look For
- NPK ratio: Match to your lawn's current needs (see section above)
- Coverage rate: How much product per square metre (usually listed as kg per 100m²)
- Release type: Quick-release, slow-release, or controlled-release
- Application frequency: How often to reapply
- Micronutrients: Additional elements like iron, manganese, or trace elements
Coverage Calculation
Measure your lawn area and calculate product needed. For a 200m² lawn with an application rate of 2.5kg per 100m², you need 5kg of product. Always apply at the recommended rate - using more doesn't provide better results and may harm your lawn.
Special Situations
New Lawns
Recently laid turf or newly seeded areas need phosphorus-rich starter fertiliser to promote root development. Apply at installation, then wait 4-6 weeks before the first regular fertilisation. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers during establishment as they promote leaf growth at the expense of roots.
Shaded Areas
Grass in shade requires less nitrogen than grass in full sun. Excess nitrogen in shade promotes soft, disease-prone growth. Reduce application rates by 25-50% in shaded areas, or skip applications altogether if the grass appears healthy.
Sandy Soils
Nutrients leach quickly through sandy soil. Use slow-release products and consider more frequent, lighter applications. Adding organic matter helps improve nutrient retention over time.
Clay Soils
Clay retains nutrients well, sometimes too well. Be cautious about over-application as salts can accumulate. Ensure good drainage to prevent nutrient lockup in waterlogged conditions.
Consider soil testing every 2-3 years to understand your lawn's specific nutrient needs. Soil tests reveal pH, nutrient levels, and deficiencies, allowing targeted fertilisation rather than guesswork.
Signs Your Lawn Needs Fertiliser
- Pale or yellow colour: Often indicates nitrogen deficiency
- Slow growth: Healthy buffalo grass should grow actively during warm months
- Thin density: Poor nutrient levels reduce tillering and stolon production
- Increased weed pressure: A struggling lawn can't compete effectively with weeds
- Poor recovery from stress: Well-fed lawns bounce back faster from drought, wear, or pest damage
Iron Supplements
Iron isn't technically a fertiliser but is often used to enhance colour without promoting excessive growth. Iron sulphate or chelated iron products produce a deep green colour within days, lasting several weeks.
When to Use Iron
- During summer when you want colour without extra mowing
- In winter to maintain colour without promoting cold-sensitive growth
- When soil is alkaline (high pH) and iron deficiency is causing yellowing
Common Fertilising Mistakes
- Over-application: More is not better. Excess fertiliser burns grass and pollutes waterways
- Wrong timing: Fertilising dormant or stressed grass wastes product and can cause damage
- Uneven distribution: Creates patchy colour and growth patterns
- Ignoring watering: Granular products must be watered in to prevent burn and activate nutrients
- Using the wrong product: Always check that fertilisers and herbicide combinations are safe for buffalo grass
Environmental Considerations
Responsible fertilisation protects our waterways and environment. Excess nutrients that wash into drains and waterways cause algal blooms and environmental damage.
- Apply only what your lawn needs based on observation and soil testing
- Never apply before heavy rain that might cause runoff
- Keep products off paths, driveways, and garden beds
- Consider organic or slow-release options that reduce runoff risk
- Maintain healthy soil that retains nutrients effectively
A well-planned fertilisation program provides your buffalo lawn with the nutrients it needs to thrive while minimising waste and environmental impact. Start with the recommended schedule, observe how your lawn responds, and adjust based on its specific needs. The result will be a healthy, vibrant lawn that's the envy of your neighbourhood.