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Mowing tips for buffalo lawns 

Buffalo lawns are a popular choice for Australian homeowners due to their resilience, low-maintenance nature, and lush appearance. However, to maintain their optimal health and aesthetic appeal, it’s essential to mow them correctly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about mowing buffalo grass, including the ideal mowing height, frequency, and best practices. 

Whether you’re caring for a new lawn or an established one, these tips will help you achieve a beautiful, thick, and healthy lawn all year round. 

Plus, we’ve created a video guide to show you the best mowing techniques when it comes to your Sir Walter buffalo turf. 

How high to cut buffalo grass for optimal health

One of the most crucial aspects of maintaining buffalo grass is cutting it at the right height. Ideally, buffalo grass should be maintained between 35mm and 50mm in height. This range encourages deep root growth, promotes lateral spread, and helps the grass to stay dense and healthy.

Mowing your lawn too short can weaken the grass, making it more susceptible to weeds, while cutting it too high can lead to excessive thatch buildup.

TIP: For areas that experience high foot traffic, keep your buffalo grass on the higher end of the recommended range to protect the roots and soil.

Sir Walter Buffalo, DNA Certified Lawn

How low can you cut buffalo grass without damaging it?

While it might be tempting to cut your Sir Walter buffalo grass shorter to reduce the frequency of mowing, doing so can have adverse effects. The lowest recommended cutting height for buffalo grass is 25mm, but this should only be done occasionally and under the right conditions. Cutting any lower can stress the lawn, expose the soil, and result in weed invasion.

The risks of cutting too low

Soft-leaf buffalo lawns shouldn’t be cut too low, as they can cause various issues. 

• Scalping: If you cut too low, you risk scalping the lawn, which can leave brown patches and make the grass vulnerable to diseases.
• Reduced drought tolerance: Shorter grass blades have less surface area for photosynthesis, which can weaken the grass and reduce its ability to withstand drought conditions.

Knowing what will and won’t affect buffalo lawns will make a big difference in your overall maintenance needs. 

How tall does buffalo grass typically grow?

Buffalo grass typically grows between 100mm and 120mm if left uncut, but its height can vary depending on soil conditions, climate, and care practices. While it can reach this height, allowing buffalo grass to grow too tall can result in thatch buildup, which may hinder proper water and nutrient absorption.

How often should you mow buffalo grass?

Mowing frequency is another critical aspect of maintaining a healthy buffalo lawn. The growth rate of buffalo grass can vary depending on the season, weather conditions, and soil quality. As a general rule:  

• Early spring and Summer: Mow once every 7 to 10 days to keep the grass in optimal condition.
• Autumn: Mow once every 2 to 3 weeks as the growth rate begins to slow down.
• Winter: Mow as needed, typically once a month, since buffalo grass grows slowly during this period.

Your seasonal mowing schedule 

Follow this easy seasonal maintenance schedule throughout the year to ensure your buffalo grass remains looking its best. 

How to cut buffalo grass the right way 

Cutting buffalo grass the right way involves more than just adjusting your mower’s height. Here are some essential tips to ensure you get the best results:

• Use sharp mower blades: Dull blades can tear the grass, leading to ragged edges that are prone to diseases. Sharpen your mower blades regularly or replace them when necessary.
• Mow in alternating patterns: Change your mowing direction each time you mow to prevent the grass from leaning in one direction. This also helps reduce soil compaction and promotes an even cut.
• Avoid mowing when the grass is wet: Mowing wet buffalo grass can lead to uneven cuts and clumping. It’s best to mow when the grass is dry for a cleaner cut.

How to mow buffalo grass for new turf 

If you’ve recently laid buffalo turf, it’s crucial to handle the first few mows with care. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mowing new buffalo turf:

1. Wait until the turf is 6-7cm tall before giving it its first mow. This allows the grass to establish strong roots.
2. Mow at a higher setting of around 50mm to avoid stressing the young grass.
3. Gradually lower the height over subsequent mows as the turf becomes more established. Aim to reduce the height by no more than 5mm per mow.

Additional tips for mowing new buffalo turf 

• Water your new lawn thoroughly a day before mowing to keep the roots hydrated.
• Ensure your mower blades are extra sharp to avoid damaging the delicate new grass.
• Be patient and avoid walking on the new turf until it is fully established to prevent compaction.

Lawn Mower on Sir Walter Buffalo grass.

 

Understanding buffalo grass growth patterns 

Buffalo grass is known for its horizontal growth habit, which contributes to its thick and lush appearance. When left uncut, buffalo grass can grow up to 10-12cm tall. However, allowing it to grow too long can lead to thatch buildup and uneven growth.

Benefits of regular mowing 

• Encourages lateral growth: Regular mowing encourages buffalo grass to spread horizontally, which helps fill in bare patches and increases the lawn’s density.
• Reduces weed growth: A well-maintained lawn leaves little room for weeds to grow, reducing the need for herbicides.
• Promotes healthy roots: Mowing at the correct height strengthens the grass roots, improves the lawn’s resilience to drought and foot traffic, and leaves your grass a deep green colour. 

Essential equipment for mowing buffalo lawns 

Using the right equipment is key to achieving a professional-looking lawn. Here’s a list of must-have equipment for mowing buffalo lawns:

• Lawnmower: If you’ve got the choice, opt for a rotary mower with adjustable height settings. Ensure the blades are sharp and the mower is in good working condition. However, a cylinder mower will also work fine.  
• Edger or whipper snipper: For neat and tidy edges, use an edger or a whipper snipper to trim along garden beds and pathways.
• Rake: After mowing buffalo grasses, use a rake to remove grass clippings that may have clumped on the lawn.

Keep your buffalo lawn healthy with advice from Lilydale Instant Lawn 

Mowing your buffalo lawn correctly is vital to its health, appearance, and resilience. By following these expert tips on mowing height, frequency, and technique, you can ensure your lawn remains lush, vibrant, and free of weeds all year round. Remember to adjust your mowing practices based on seasonal changes and the specific needs of your lawn.

If you need expert advice or professional lawn care services, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lilydale Instant Lawn. Our experienced team can provide you with top-quality buffalo turf, installation services, and ongoing lawn care tips to help you promote healthy growth.