How to care for buffalo grass in winter

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Buffalo grass is known for its resilience and beauty, making it a popular choice for Victorian lawns. But as winter approaches, even this hardy grass needs some special attention to maintain its lush, green appearance. 

In this guide, we’ll cover how to keep your Sir Walter buffalo grass healthy and green during the colder months. Plus, we’ve created a video guide that offers the same great tips with some helpful visuals. Take a look at how you can maintain healthy buffalo lawn this winter. 

Why does buffalo grass struggle in winter?

Buffalo grass is a warm-season grass, which means it thrives in the warmer months but can struggle during winter. As temperatures drop, buffalo grass enters a dormant state, making it more susceptible to yellowing and thinning.

Common issues for soft leaf buffalo grass include: 

• Slower growth due to colder soil temperatures
• Yellowing leaves as the grass conserves energy
• Thinning patches where the grass may not recover until early spring

Understanding these challenges helps understand how to look after buffalo grass in winter and take proactive steps to ensure your lawn stays in great shape year-round.

How to keep buffalo grass green in winter 

Keeping your buffalo grass green during winter is possible with the right care. At Lilydale, we stock the Sir Walter buffalo grass variety. We recommend following these tips to keep a healthy lawn that retains its vibrant colour:

• Mow less frequently: Since buffalo grass grows slower in winter, reduce regular mowing to avoid stressing the grass. Only mow when necessary, and keep the blade height a little higher to protect the grass from cold winds.
• Use a winter fertiliser: Applying a slow-release fertiliser in late autumn or early winter provides the nutrients your lawn needs to stay green. Choose a fertiliser designed for warm-season grasses like buffalo.
• Minimise foot traffic: Avoid walking on the grass too much, especially when it’s frosty, as this can damage the blades and lead to yellow patches.

How often to water buffalo grass in winter 

Watering your lawn during winter is crucial but should be done with care to avoid waterlogging. Here's what you need to know:

• Frequency: Buffalo turf requires far less water in winter than in summer. Water once every 2-3 weeks, depending on rainfall. Always check the moisture level of the soil before watering.
• Water early in the day: This allows excess moisture to evaporate and helps prevent fungal diseases, which are more common in colder months.

Avoid overwatering: Too much water can lead to yellowing or root rot, which is a common problem in winter.

Why is my buffalo grass going yellow in winter?

Yellowing buffalo grass can be concerning, but it’s not uncommon during winter. The cause could be one or more of the following:

• Dormancy: Buffalo grass naturally goes dormant in cooler weather, which may cause some yellowing.
• Overwatering or poor drainage: If water sits on the lawn for too long, it can suffocate the roots, leading to yellow patches.
• Lack of nutrients: Without proper fertilisation, your grass may not have the nutrients it needs to stay green.
• Compacted soil: Winter foot traffic or heavy rains can compact the soil, restricting root growth and causing yellowing.

To remedy yellowing, ensure you're watering correctly, aerating the soil, and applying a slow-release fertiliser designed for buffalo grass.

How to maintain buffalo grass in winter 

Maintaining buffalo grass in winter is a balance between protecting it from the cold and ensuring it gets enough nutrients and care. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to maintain your lawn:

Mowing and lawn maintenance

To maintain buffalo grass during winter, it's essential to adjust your mowing practices by setting the mower blades higher than usual, which helps keep the grass longer and better insulated from the cold. Additionally, regularly removing debris such as fallen leaves and branches will ensure proper sunlight exposure and airflow, which are vital for the grass's health. If your lawn tends to become compacted, consider aerating it to improve drainage and support root growth.

Fertilising

To keep your buffalo grass healthy during winter, it's important to use a specialised winter fertiliser that is rich in potassium. Potassium helps strengthen the grass and protects it from the stress of colder weather. Applying fertiliser in late autumn or early winter ensures your new lawn receives the necessary nutrients to withstand the winter months and remain resilient.

Watering 

During winter, it's important to reduce the frequency of watering buffalo grass, as it requires less water during colder months. Only water when the top layer of soil feels dry to avoid overwatering. It's also best to water in the morning, which helps prevent fungal growth and allows the grass to dry out before the evening's cooler temperatures set in.

Professional lawn care with Lilydale Instant Lawn 

Caring for buffalo lawns in winter requires attention to detail, but with the right approach, you can keep your lawn healthy and green all year round. If you need expert advice or services to maintain your lawn, Lilydale Instant Lawn can help. Whether you’re looking for quality buffalo grass or need ongoing care, our team of professionals is here to support you.

Contact Lilydale Instant Lawn today for premium buffalo grass and expert lawn care services tailored to your needs.