How to identify buffalo grass

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Are you curious about what type of grass is growing in your backyard? With so many different grass varieties out there, it can be tricky to tell them apart. One of the most popular choices for Australian lawns is buffalo grass—known for its toughness and soft, lush feel. But how can you be sure if the grass on your lawn is buffalo?

In this guide, we’ll help you unravel the mystery of buffalo grass identification. Whether you’re planning to maintain your existing lawn or thinking about a new one, recognising buffalo grass is the first step toward ensuring you’re giving your lawn the care it deserves. Watch our video to learn how to spot the telltale signs of this resilient and family-friendly grass variety.

What is buffalo grass?

Buffalo grass is a soft, warm-season grass variety that thrives in sunny and partially shaded areas. Known for its thick texture and tolerance to drought and wear, Sir Walter buffalo grass is a favourite for lawns across Australia. It’s important to differentiate it from other grasses like couch or Kikuyu, as buffalo grass offers unique advantages, especially in areas with varying climate conditions.

How to tell if your grass is buffalo

When trying to determine if your lawn is buffalo grass, focus on a few key characteristics:

• Blade width: Buffalo grass blades are broad compared to other grass varieties. The leaves are typically around 5–8 mm wide, giving it a lush, thick appearance.
• Soft texture: Buffalo grass has a softer feel underfoot, making it a great choice for family-friendly lawns.
• Colour: Its deep green colour, which is well-maintained even in shaded areas, helps buffalo grass stand out.

Identifying buffalo grass by growth pattern 

Another way to identify buffalo grasses is by looking at how it grows. Buffalo grass spreads through above-ground stolons, which are horizontal stems that allow the grass to grow outward and fill bare spots. These stolons make buffalo grass an excellent option for lawns that need quick recovery from wear or damage.

Key features to look for:

• Stolon presence: Visible stolons spreading across the ground.
• Dense coverage: Buffalo grass grows in thick, dense patches, providing excellent coverage.
• Minimal seed heads: Buffalo grass typically produces fewer seed heads compared to other grass varieties like kikuyu or couch.

How to tell buffalo grass apart from other grasses

It’s easy to confuse buffalo grass with other varieties like couch or kikuyu. Here’s a comparison table to help you differentiate buffalo from common alternatives:

If you're still unsure whether your grass is buffalo, there are a few more telltale signs to consider:

• Shade tolerance: Buffalo grass is shade tolerant and maintains its lush green colour in shaded areas, unlike couch or kikuyu grass, which may struggle without full sun.
• Drought resistance: Buffalo grass is drought tolerant and can handle periods of drought much better than other types of grass, meaning your lawn may stay greener for longer.
• Broad leaves: The wide, soft leaves are a strong indicator of buffalo grass.

How to tell buffalo grass during different seasons

Buffalo grass tends to thrive during the warmer months and can slow down during winter. Here's what to look out for across the seasons:

• Spring/Summer: During these seasons, warm-season grasses, like buffalo, grow rapidly, filling in bare patches quickly and maintaining a vibrant green colour.
• Autumn/Winter: In cooler months, buffalo grass may go dormant, with slowed growth and potentially a slight fading of colour. However, it still retains its thickness and softness compared to other types of grass.

Buffalo grass identification checklist

To make identification easier, here’s a quick checklist of soft-leaf buffalo grass features:

• Medium leaf width (5–8 mm)
• Soft texture
• Deep green colour
• Spreads through above-ground stolons
• Grows densely, providing excellent coverage
• Minimal seed heads
• Moderate to high shade tolerance

Why identifying buffalo grass is important

Knowing whether you have buffalo grass can help you care for your lawn properly. Buffalo lawn requires different maintenance compared to other grasses. For example, like most warm-season grasses, it thrives with less frequent mowing and watering, particularly during the summer months when it grows quickly. Understanding its characteristics ensures that you can apply the right treatments, fertilisers, and care routines to keep your lawn looking its best.

How to maintain buffalo grass

Once you’ve confirmed that your lawn is buffalo grass, proper maintenance is crucial. Here are some quick tips for buffalo grass care:

• Mowing: Keep your mower blades high to avoid scalping. Mow every 1–2 weeks during the growing season.
• Watering: Buffalo grass has good drought resistance, but watering deeply once a week in hot weather can help maintain its lush look.
• Fertilising: Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring and summer to promote healthy growth.
• Weed control: Use buffalo-safe weed killers to control broadleaf weeds and protect your lawn from damage while targeting unwanted weeds.

Trust Lilydale Instant Lawn for all your buffalo grass needs

If you’ve determined that you have buffalo grass or want to establish beautiful, durable buffalo lawns, Lilydale Instant Lawn is here to help. We offer high-quality buffalo turf, expert advice, and professional installation services to ensure your lawn stays green, soft, and healthy. 

Contact us today for all your lawn care needs and start enjoying the benefits of buffalo grass and a lush lawn.