Buffalo grass vs Bermuda grass

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Choosing the right turf for your lawn

When comparing Buffalo grass vs Bermuda grass, the key is understanding how each turf variety performs in Australian conditions. Both are warm-season grasses loved for their resilience, colour, and low-maintenance appeal, but they suit different lawns and lifestyles.

Buffalo grass, such as Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, is prized for its soft leaf, shade tolerance, and family-friendly feel underfoot. Meanwhile, Bermuda grass, including TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, thrives in full sun and easily handles high foot traffic, making it ideal for backyards, golf courses, and open landscapes.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between Bermuda and buffalo grass, explore how each performs in Victoria’s variable climate, and help you choose the right grass type for your new lawn, whether you want a lush, soft buffalo lawn or a tough Bermuda turf that thrives year-round.

Main differences between buffalo and Bermuda grass

Both buffalo grass and Bermuda grass are warm-season turf varieties but differ in texture, shade tolerance, and maintenance. Knowing these differences helps you choose the right grass type for your Victorian lawn.

Buffalo grass, like Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, features a broad, soft leaf that’s gentle underfoot and ideal for family gardens. It grows well in full sun or partial shade and requires less mowing, making it a low-maintenance choice for shaded or mixed-light yards.

Bermuda grass, such as TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, has a fine leaf and dense growth habit. It thrives in full sun, offering strong drought tolerance and fast recovery from heavy foot traffic. This makes it well-suited to sports areas, backyards, and coastal landscapes.

Which grass suits your climate and garden style?

The choice between buffalo and Bermuda grass depends on your garden’s conditions, sunlight, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Both grasses thrive in Victoria’s cool-temperate climate, but their performance varies depending on shade, soil, and how much traffic your lawn gets.

Buffalo grass is ideal for shaded gardens and family yards. Its broadleaf texture and shade tolerance make it an excellent choice for suburban lawns with fences or trees. Once established, it stays green longer in cooler months and requires less watering.

Bermuda grass, on the other hand, loves full sun and open landscapes. It’s a drought-tolerant, high-wear turf variety suited to active families, sports lawns, and coastal gardens exposed to sunlight. Its fine leaf and fast recovery give it a neat, professional look.

When choosing the right grass, consider how much sunlight, soil moisture, and maintenance your lawn will need through the seasons. For more information on turf management and watering rules in Victoria, consult Water Victoria’s Permanent Water Saving Rules.

Maintenance tips for buffalo and Bermuda lawns

Keeping your buffalo or Bermuda grass lawn healthy year-round comes down to consistent care. Both turf varieties are hardy and drought-tolerant, but thrive best with proper seasonal maintenance.

Buffalo grass lawn care:

• Mow regularly: Maintain a 30–50 mm height for most buffalo turf varieties, such as Sir Walter DNA Certified. This helps the grass stay dense and resist weeds.
• Water deeply: Water once or twice a week during dry spells. In cooler months, rainfall may be enough.
• Fertilise seasonally: Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring and autumn to support growth and colour.
• Weed control: Watch for invasive weeds and treat them early before they spread.

Bermuda grass lawn care:

• Mow short: Keep your Bermuda grass between 20–30 mm for a neat, even look.
• Water frequently in summer: Its fine leaf can dry quickly, so maintain steady soil moisture.
• Fertilise in warm months: Use a balanced lawn fertiliser when growth is most active.
• Aerate annually: This improves root growth and resilience to high traffic.

Find more Victorian lawn maintenance and watering rules at Water Victoria.

FAQs

What’s the difference between buffalo grass and Bermuda grass?

Buffalo grass has a broader leaf and higher shade tolerance, making it a low-maintenance option for shaded gardens or family yards. Bermuda grass, on the other hand, has a finer blade and grows best in full sun. It’s better suited to active backyards, sports lawns, or golf courses where wear tolerance and fast recovery matter most.

Which grass variety is more drought-tolerant?

Both buffalo turf and Bermuda grass perform well in Australia’s drought conditions, but Bermuda is slightly more resilient. Its deep-rooted system helps it recover quickly and withstand extended dry spells, while buffalo grasses retain moisture better in cooler regions like Victoria.

What are the best grass types for kids and pets?

Sir Walter Buffalo and TifTuf Bermuda are among the best grass types for active households with kids and pets. Both offer a soft surface and quick recovery from wear. These turf varieties handle foot traffic and provide a safe, durable lawn for play and relaxation.

How do I choose the right grass to install in my outdoor space?

When choosing the right grass, consider sunlight per day, soil quality, and maintenance requirements. Buffalo lawns thrive in shaded areas, while Bermuda or Zoysia grass suits open, sunny landscapes. The best choice depends on your region, desired aesthetic appeal, and how much time you can spend on lawn care.

Which turf varieties is the most low-maintenance choice for homeowners?

For homeowners wanting a low-maintenance lawn, Sir Walter DNA Certified buffalo grass and TifTuf Bermuda grass are top choices in Australia. Both turf varieties resist weeds and pests, have strong root systems, and require less mowing than faster-growing grasses. Buffalo turf offers greater shade tolerance than Bermuda, while Bermuda thrives in sunny backyards with excellent growth rates. Either option provides lasting aesthetic appeal without the effort of high-maintenance or artificial lawns.

Build your ultimate lawn with the right turf variety

Whether installing a new lawn or upgrading an existing one, choosing between buffalo and Bermuda grass depends on your home’s sunlight, soil, and maintenance preferences. Both offer durability, beauty, and comfort, but the right choice ensures a healthier, longer-lasting landscape.

Explore Lilydale Instant Lawn’s full range of turf varieties to compare Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, TifTuf Bermuda, and other premium options suited to Victoria’s climate. For expert help with preparation, installation, or maintenance, visit the Lawn Advice Hub and learn how to keep your lawn lush year-round.