How to kill winter grass in buffalo lawns

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Winter grass, or Poa Annua, is a cool-season weed that thrives in the colder months, particularly in buffalo lawns. While it may seem harmless, it can quickly spread and outcompete your healthy grass, leaving behind bare patches and weakening your lawn.

For homeowners with buffalo lawns, learning how to kill winter grass in buffalo lawns is essential to maintaining a lush, green space year-round. This blog will guide you through how to get rid of winter grass in buffalo grass using practical techniques and effective products.

How to identify winter grass in buffalo lawns

Winter grass is a low-growing, light green weed that appears in late autumn and winter. Due to its fast-growing nature, it can take over large sections of your buffalo lawn if left untreated. The challenge with buffalo grass, such as the Sir Walter buffalo range, is that it's sensitive to many common herbicides, so careful selection of a winter grass-killer buffalo product is necessary.

Why winter grass is a problem for buffalo lawns

There are many issues that can be caused by an infestation of winter grass.

• Competes with buffalo grass for nutrients and water
• Weakens your lawn, making it more prone to diseases and pests
• Leaves unsightly bare patches when it dies off in warmer weather

To keep your lawn healthy all year round, it’s important to remove winter grass when you first notice it. Letting winter grass and its triangular-shaped seed heads germinate will cause further problems down the line.

How to get rid of winter grass in buffalo grass

Buffalo grass is a delicate species, and not all weed control products are suitable for it. Here are a few ideas on how to get rid of winter grass in buffalo lawns without harming your buffalo grass.

Manual removal

This process is best for small infestations. You can manually pull winter grass from your lawn, but make sure to remove the roots to prevent regrowth. A helpful tip is to water your lawn before removal to soften the soil and make pulling the weeds easier.

Mowing and lawn care techniques

Keeping your buffalo lawn mowed at the right height (around 3-5cm) can prevent winter grass from going to seed. Similarly, you can apply a winter-specific fertiliser to your buffalo lawn to strengthen the grass and help it outcompete weeds like winter grass.

Using winter grass kill for buffalo lawns

For larger infestations, chemical control is often the most effective solution. However, it’s crucial to choose a winter grass killer buffalo product that is safe for buffalo lawns. Some herbicides can damage buffalo grass, so look for a product specifically labelled as safe for this variety.

• Pre-emergent herbicides: These prevent the seeds of winter grass from germinating in the first place. Apply in early autumn before the weeds start to appear.
• Post-emergent herbicides: These are used to kill winter grass in buffalo lawns after the weeds have already appeared. Apply on a calm day and avoid mowing for a week after application.

Which winter grass removal method is the best?

There is no sure answer as to which method will be the best, as it varies for each infestation. So, we’ve put together a helpful table to guide you in your selective winter grass control journey.

Best practices for long-term control of winter grass in buffalo lawns

Learning how to control winter grass and preventing it from returning is just as important as killing the existing weeds. Here are some key tips to keep your buffalo lawn healthy and weed-free:

• Water deeply but infrequently: Encourage deep root growth in your buffalo grass by watering deeply, reducing the chances of shallow-rooted winter grass establishing.
• Improve lawn health: Healthy buffalo lawns are less susceptible to weed infestations. Fertilise regularly and aerate your lawn annually to encourage strong growth.
• Monitor regularly: Keep an eye on your lawn, particularly in early autumn when winter grass seeds begin to germinate.

How often should you use winter grass killer on buffalo lawns?

Winter grass killer should be used strategically to avoid over-application, which can harm your buffalo lawn. Typically, a pre-emergent herbicide is applied once a year in early autumn, before winter grass seeds have a chance to germinate. For post-emergent herbicides, spot treatments may be required throughout winter when winter grass is visible, but it's important to follow the product’s guidelines. Always avoid excessive use, as over-application can weaken your buffalo grass.

Common mistakes to avoid when you treat winter grass

There are some common mistakes people tend to make when they treat winter weeds. It’s important to understand what they are so they’re easily avoided - ensuring a healthy lawn at all times. 

• Using the wrong herbicide: Always ensure the product you use is labelled as safe for buffalo lawns. In many cases, using the wrong herbicide won’t make the winter grass die, but will damage your buffalo lawn instead. 
• Mowing too short: Mowing your buffalo lawn too short can weaken the grass, allowing winter grass to spread.
• Neglecting lawn maintenance in winter: Winter is a crucial time for lawn care, especially when it comes to preventing winter grass.

Let Lilydale help you maintain a healthy buffalo lawn 

Dealing with winter grass in buffalo lawns can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can restore your lawn’s health and appearance. Whether you’re looking for advice on how to get rid of winter grass in buffalo grass or need recommendations on winter grass killer buffalo products, Lilydale Instant Lawn is here to help. 

Browse our online lawn care shop today. We stock a range of herbicides, including the Amgrow winter grass killer, that could revolutionise the health of your buffalo lawn.