Buffalo vs Kikuyu grass: Which lawn is better for Australian gardens?

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Buffalo and Kikuyu are two of Australia’s most popular lawn varieties, both known for their ability to thrive in warm climates. While they share a reputation for resilience, they differ in growth habits, shade tolerance, appearance, and maintenance needs.

Choosing between Buffalo and Kikuyu often comes down to the conditions of your garden and the level of upkeep you prefer. This guide explores the key differences, shows how to identify each grass type, and highlights when Buffalo or Kikuyu might be the better choice for your lawn.

Buffalo grass vs Kikuyu grass: Key differences

When comparing Buffalo vs Kikuyu, the biggest differences are found in their growth habits, shade tolerance, maintenance levels, and durability. Buffalo lawns, like Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, are softer and more shade-tolerant, while Kikuyu lawns, such as Eureka Kikuyu, grow faster and handle drought and heavy wear exceptionally well.

How to tell the difference between Buffalo and Kikuyu grass

Although both grasses are warm-season varieties, their appearance and growth patterns make them easy to distinguish once you know what to look for.

• Leaf Shape: Buffalo grass has a broad, soft leaf that gives it a lush, dense look, while Kikuyu grass has a finer to medium leaf with a slightly pointed tip.
• Growth Habit: Buffalo grows in tight, dense mats that are non-invasive. Kikuyu, on the other hand, produces aggressive runners that spread quickly into garden beds and surrounding areas.
• Shade Performance: Buffalo thrives in shaded or heavily shaded areas, retaining its deep green colour. Kikuyu struggles in low light and tends to thin out or yellow if it doesn’t receive full sun.
• Maintenance Clues: Lawns that need frequent mowing are often Kikuyu, while Buffalo lawns generally require less upkeep.

These differences make identification straightforward and help homeowners choose the right turf variety for their yard.

Is Buffalo grass better than Kikuyu?

Whether Buffalo grass is better than Kikuyu depends on the conditions of your garden and how much time you want to spend on maintenance.

A Buffalo lawn is generally the better choice for shaded yards, families wanting a softer surface, and homeowners looking for a low-maintenance option. Varieties like Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo offer excellent shade tolerance, strong colour retention, and less frequent mowing.

A Kikuyu turf may be the better option for large, sunny areas where durability and drought tolerance matter most. Varieties like Eureka Kikuyu grow quickly, withstand heavy foot traffic, and recover rapidly from wear and tear.

In short, Buffalo lawns are better suited to shaded suburban gardens, while Kikuyu turf excels in sunny, high-traffic, or drought-prone spaces.

How to get rid of Kikuyu grass from Buffalo lawns

Kikuyu’s aggressive runners can invade Buffalo lawns if left unchecked. To protect your Buffalo lawn, use these steps:

1. Mow regularly: Keep the lawn trimmed so Kikuyu doesn’t have a chance to seed and spread.
2. Apply selective herbicides: Choose a product designed to target Kikuyu without damaging Buffalo turf.
3. Hand-remove runners: Pull out visible Kikuyu shoots and stolons before they establish.
4. Strengthen your Buffalo lawn: Fertilise and water to promote dense growth, helping it outcompete Kikuyu.

Consistent management is the key to stopping Kikuyu from overtaking a Buffalo lawn.

How to get rid of Buffalo grass from Kikuyu lawns

Although less aggressive, Buffalo grass can sometimes appear in Kikuyu turf, especially when lawns have been patched or blended. If you prefer to maintain a pure Kikuyu lawn:

1. Identify Buffalo patches: Look for broader, darker green leaves compared to Kikuyu’s finer texture.
2. Dig out small areas: For minor infestations, remove Buffalo by hand, including the root system.
3. Use non-selective herbicides: Apply carefully to Buffalo patches only, avoiding surrounding Kikuyu grass.
4. Overseed with Kikuyu: Re-establish the area by planting Kikuyu seed or laying fresh turf to prevent Buffalo regrowth.

Removing Buffalo from Kikuyu lawns is more labour-intensive, but consistent removal helps maintain a uniform Kikuyu surface.

Choosing the right lawn for Australian conditions

Both Buffalo and Kikuyu are warm-season grasses that perform well in Australia, but their suitability depends on your garden’s unique conditions.

• Shade tolerance: Buffalo turf varieties thrive even in heavily shaded areas, making them ideal for suburban backyards with trees or fences. Kikuyu turf struggles in shade and needs full sun to stay healthy.
• Drought resistance: Kikuyu’s deep root system gives it excellent drought tolerance, making it one of the hardiest and resilient options for drought-prone areas. Buffalo grass also copes well with dry conditions but performs best with moderate watering.
• Wear and tear: Both grasses handle heavy use, but Kikuyu turf recovers faster after damage, which is why it’s often used on sports fields. Buffalo lawns offer durability with the added benefit of a softer, more comfortable surface for kids and pets.
• Seasonal colour: Buffalo lawns maintain strong winter colour and are less likely to yellow in cooler months. Kikuyu lawns can lose vibrancy during winter and may need fertiliser to boost colour retention.

For Australian homeowners, the choice often comes down to shade versus sun: opt for Buffalo in shaded gardens and Kikuyu in open, sunny areas where resilience is key.

Frequently asked questions

How can I identify Buffalo grass from Kikuyu grass?

Buffalo grass has a broad, soft leaf and forms a dense mat, while Kikuyu grass has a finer leaf and grows with invasive runners. Buffalo also handles shade well, whereas Kikuyu thins out in low-light areas.

Which grass keeps its colour better in winter?

Buffalo lawns generally hold their green colour better in winter than Kikuyu. Kikuyu often loses vibrancy in cooler months and may require fertiliser to restore colour, while Buffalo retains a rich green appearance for longer.

Is Kikuyu cheaper than Buffalo?

Yes, Kikuyu turf is usually cheaper upfront than Buffalo grass. It establishes quickly and covers large areas at a lower cost, which makes it popular for sports fields and open spaces. Buffalo turf costs more but offers long-term savings with lower maintenance needs.

Can Buffalo grass grow in full sun like Kikuyu?

Buffalo grass grows well in full sun but also thrives in shaded conditions. This versatility makes Buffalo a strong all-rounder, while Kikuyu performs best in open, sunny spaces but struggles in shade.

Which is better for high-traffic areas?

Kikuyu is often better for very high-traffic lawns because it recovers quickly from damage. However, Buffalo lawns also provide excellent wear tolerance and a softer surface, making them well-suited to families with kids and pets.

Making the right choice for your lawn

Both Buffalo and Kikuyu are hardy warm-season grasses that suit Australian conditions, but the right choice depends on your garden’s light levels, climate, and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on.

Whether you’re leaning towards Buffalo or Kikuyu, our team at Lilydale Instant Lawn can help you choose, deliver, and install the perfect turf for your space. Explore our most popular options or get in touch to transform your yard today.