Buffalo vs Zoysia Grass: Which lawn is best for you?

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Buffalo grass and Zoysia grass are two of Australia's most popular warm-season turf varieties, each offering unique benefits for home lawns and commercial spaces. Buffalo grass (including well-known varieties like Sir Walter Buffalo) is admired for its broad leaf, shade tolerance, and resilience under heavy use. Zoysia grass (such as Empire Zoysia and Sir Grange) is recognised for its fine leaf, low maintenance needs, and luxurious appearance.

When comparing Zoysia vs Buffalo grass, the right choice often depends on your region, the amount of sunlight your lawn receives, and how much time you want to spend on maintenance. Both grasses thrive in Australian conditions but suit different lifestyles and lawn goals.

What is Buffalo Grass?

Buffalo grass is one of Australia’s most trusted warm-season lawn varieties, valued for its resilience and versatility. Known for its broad, soft leaf blades and ability to tolerate moderate shade, Buffalo turf has become a favourite for family backyards and high-traffic areas.

Among the most popular types is Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, an Australian-born-and-bred variety recognised for its dense growth, natural weed resistance, and deep green colour throughout the year. Another option, Sapphire Soft Leaf Buffalo, offers a finer leaf with the same shade and wear tolerance.

Buffalo grass performs well in temperate zones, making it suitable for lawns across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. With excellent wear tolerance and recovery, it stands up to kids, pets, and heavy backyard use while remaining comfortable underfoot.

What is Zoysia Grass?

Zoysia grass is a premium warm-season turf variety prized for its fine leaf blade, dense growth habit, and low maintenance needs. Unlike faster-growing grasses, Zoysia grows more slowly, which means less frequent mowing and reduced fertiliser requirements. It is popular for homeowners who want a beautiful lawn without constant upkeep.

Two standout varieties in Australia are Empire Zoysia and Sir Grange Zoysia. Empire Zoysia is known for its durability and drought tolerance, thriving in full sun while maintaining a deep green colour even in challenging conditions. Sir Grange Zoysia is considered a luxury turf option, offering a soft underfoot feel and an elegant appearance that elevates any landscape.

Zoysia grass performs best in warmer climates and is ideal for open, sunny backyards where its slow growth and dense mat can be appreciated. While it repairs more slowly than Buffalo grass, its hardy, low-thatch structure helps it resist weeds and maintain a manicured look.

Buffalo vs Zoysia Grass: How do they compare?

When choosing between Buffalo and Zoysia grass, the decision often comes down to shade tolerance, drought resistance, maintenance, and wear recovery. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which variety best suits your lawn.

Both lawn varieties are hardy and suited to Australian conditions, but excel in different environments. Buffalo grass is best for families and shaded backyards, while Zoysia grass offers a low-maintenance, luxury finish in sunny areas.

Which grass is best for shade?

If your backyard receives limited sunlight, Buffalo grass is the better choice. With its broad leaf and strong shade tolerance, Buffalo turf (especially varieties like Sir Walter Buffalo) can grow well in areas with as little as 3–4 hours of direct sunlight daily.

By comparison, Zoysia grass prefers full sun and may struggle in heavily shaded areas. Empire Zoysia and Sir Grange Zoysia can tolerate light shade but thrive best in open, sunny lawns where they receive at least 5–6 hours of sunlight daily.

Buffalo is the more reliable option for Australian homes with trees, fences, and buildings casting long shadows, maintaining colour and density even where sunlight is restricted.

Which grass is more drought-tolerant?

When it comes to surviving dry conditions, Zoysia grass has the edge over Buffalo grass. Its dense growth habit and slower growth rate mean Zoysia requires less water once established, making it one of Australia's most drought-tolerant warm-season grasses. Varieties like Empire Zoysia and Sir Grange Zoysia are especially valued for retaining a deep green colour with minimal irrigation during extended dry spells.

Buffalo grass, including Sir Walter Buffalo, also performs well in dry climates but may require more watering to maintain its lush appearance than Zoysia. It is still considered a hardy, water-efficient choice, particularly in shaded areas where other grasses may fail.

For homeowners in regions with extreme heat and low rainfall, an alternative like TifTuf Bermuda may be worth considering. It has been scientifically proven to use less water than other turf varieties.

Maintenance comparison: Buffalo vs Zoysia

Maintenance is one of the biggest differences between Buffalo grass and Zoysia grass. Here’s what to expect:

Buffalo grass

• Grows faster, meaning more frequent mowing during the warmer months.
• Responds well to fertiliser but may need seasonal feeding for best results.
• Recovers quickly from wear and tear, making it easier to repair after backyard activity.
• Can build up thatch if not managed, but regular mowing and occasional dethatching keep it healthy.

Zoysia grass

• A true low-maintenance lawn; it grows slowly and requires less mowing.
• Holds its manicured appearance with minimal effort, ideal for homeowners who want a neat finish.
• Requires less fertiliser and water compared to Buffalo grass.
• More resistant to thatch, though occasional dethatching may still be beneficial.
• Repairs more slowly than Buffalo, so heavy foot traffic can take longer to recover.

Buffalo is the practical choice for families who want a tough, quick-repairing lawn. Zoysia is hard to beat for those who value low effort and a lush, fine-leaf look.

Which grass handles more wear and tear?

If you have kids, pets, or an active backyard, Buffalo grass is generally more durable than Zoysia. With its broad leaf blades and strong recovery rate, Buffalo turf can handle high foot traffic and quickly repair itself after being worn down. It is a favourite for family backyards, schools, and sports areas.

Zoysia grass is also hardy and resistant to wear. However, because it grows more slowly, it takes longer to recover if the lawn is damaged by heavy use. It suits lower-traffic areas where aesthetics and low maintenance are the main priorities.

In short, Buffalo is best for high-use lawns, while Zoysia offers a durable but slower-recovering surface that suits homes where wear and tear is less of a concern.

What do Buffalo and Zoysia Grass cost in Australia?

Buffalo grass is generally more affordable and widely available in Australia, while Zoysia grass is considered a premium option.

• Buffalo grass is one of the most popular lawn varieties nationwide, making it readily available from most turf suppliers. Because of its broad production and high demand, Buffalo is typically priced in the mid-range of turf varieties, offering good value for households seeking shade tolerance and durability.
• Zoysia grass is less common in Australia and is positioned as a premium turf choice. Due to its slow-growing nature, luxurious appearance, and specialised production requirements, it usually comes at a higher cost per square metre.

While Buffalo grass remains the more cost-effective and accessible option, homeowners who choose Zoysia invest in a low-maintenance, high-end lawn that delivers long-term appeal and efficiency.

Frequently asked questions

Is Zoysia or Buffalo better for Australian backyards?

Both grasses perform well in Australian conditions, but the choice depends on your needs. Buffalo grass is ideal for shaded, high-use areas thanks to its broad leaves and quick recovery. Zoysia grass, such as Sir Grange, thrives in sunny locations where its low maintenance and fine-leaf luxury can shine. Homeowners with kids or pets often prefer Buffalo, while those seeking a manicured look and less mowing lean toward Zoysia.

Does Buffalo grass turn brown in winter?

Buffalo grass typically retains a good winter colour, especially in warmer regions. However, like all warm-season grasses, it may slow in growth and lose some vibrancy during the cooler months. Regular fertilising and proper mowing heights can help maintain its appearance. Zoysia also holds reasonable winter colour but may appear to “shrink back” more in temperate zones.

Is Zoysia suitable for pets and kids?

Zoysia is durable and can tolerate backyard activity, but it has a slower recovery rate than Buffalo if worn down by constant play. Its dense, delicate leaf makes it comfortable underfoot and resistant to weeds, but heavy wear may take longer to repair. For families with pets and young children, Buffalo is usually recommended for its faster repair and strong wear tolerance, while Zoysia suits lower-traffic gardens.

Which is easier to maintain, Buffalo or Zoysia?

If low maintenance is your top priority, Zoysia grass wins. Its slower growth means less frequent mowing, lower fertiliser needs, and excellent drought tolerance. Buffalo requires more regular mowing and seasonal fertiliser, but it compensates for faster recovery and shade adaptability. Zoysia is ideal for homeowners who want a low-effort, always-neat lawn, while Buffalo is better for those balancing shade, durability, and active backyard use.

Final verdict: Should you choose Zoysia or Buffalo grass?

Both Buffalo and Zoysia grasses are excellent warm-season turf varieties, but they suit different lifestyles and conditions. Buffalo grass is best for shaded backyards and active households needing durability and quick recovery. Zoysia grass is ideal for sunny lawns where homeowners want a low-maintenance, fine-leaf finish with long-term appeal.

At Lilydale Instant Lawn, we’ve been growing premium turf in Victoria since 1985. We help Australians choose the lawn that fits their climate, backyard, and lifestyle. Whether you need shade tolerance, drought resistance, or a luxurious finish, our expert team can guide you to the right turf variety.

Explore our full range of turf varieties and speak with our experts today to find the perfect grass for your lawn.