Tips for reviving dead buffalo grass

6 Minute(s) read

There’s nothing quite like the look and feel of a lush, green buffalo lawn. But when patches of brown, dry, or thinning grass start to appear, it can feel like your lawn is on its last legs. Don’t worry—buffalo grass is tougher than it looks! With the right care and a little patience, you can bring your lawn back to life and enjoy its vibrant beauty once more. In this guide, we’ll take you through the key steps to revive buffalo grass, fix patchy areas, and restore your lawn to its former glory.

From understanding why your buffalo grass is struggling to the best methods for revitalising it, we’ve got everything you need to know. Watch our video on how to achieve a lawn you can be proud of.

Why is my buffalo grass dying?

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand why buffalo grass may be dying. Several factors can lead to this issue:

• Over or under-watering: Buffalo grass needs a balanced watering schedule. Over-watering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause it to dry out and leave bare patches. 
• Lack of nutrients: Without proper fertilisation, buffalo grass may turn yellow or brown, losing its lush appearance.
• Compacted soil: Compacted soil prevents grass roots from getting enough air, water, and nutrients.
• Pest damage: Animals like grubs and insects may be feeding on the roots, leading to patches of dead grass.
• Excessive shade: Buffalo lawns need sunlight to thrive. If parts of your lawn are constantly in the shade, those areas may die off.

Identifying the cause will help you take the appropriate steps to restore your buffalo grass.

How to bring buffalo grass back to life 

Now that you know why your grass might be dying, let’s explore how to bring Sir Walter buffalo grass back to life. Follow these steps to revive it:

1. Test your soil

The first step is to test your soil to ensure it's healthy enough for buffalo grass to thrive. You can use a soil test kit to check for:

• pH levels: Buffalo grass prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (between 5.5 and 7).
• Nutrient levels: Low nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium can cause the grass to weaken.

Once you’ve tested your soil, adjust it by adding the necessary nutrients or soil conditioners for effective lawn repair.

2. Remove dead grass

Next, you’ll need to get rid of any dead or dying patches of buffalo grass. This will allow the healthy grass to fill in. You can use a rake or dethatcher to:

• Remove thatch buildup
• Clear away dead grass and debris

This will improve air circulation and help the soil absorb water and nutrients more effectively.

3. Water deeply but infrequently

Buffalo grass is drought-tolerant, but it still needs water to thrive. Here’s how to restore your beloved buffalo turf with proper watering:

• Water deeply to encourage the roots to grow down into the soil.
• Water early in the morning to prevent evaporation.
• Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering to avoid root rot.

A general rule is to water once a week, but this can vary depending on your climate.

4. Fertilise regularly

To revive buffalo turf and restore its lush, green appearance, use a balanced fertiliser. Apply it every six to eight weeks during the growing season. Look for a fertiliser high in nitrogen, which promotes leaf growth, and one that also contains potassium to strengthen roots.

5. Aerate the lawn

Compacted soil can suffocate your grass, preventing it from thriving. Aerating the lawn will relieve compaction, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots. Here’s how to do it:

• Use a garden fork or aerator machine to poke holes throughout your lawn.
• Follow up with a topdressing of compost or sand to keep the soil loose and healthy.

How to fix dead patches of buffalo grass

Dealing with dead spots? Here’s how to fix dead patches of buffalo grass and bring your lawn back to life:

• Rake out the dead grass to expose the soil underneath.
• Apply topsoil or lawn soil to fill in any dips or low areas.
• Lay new buffalo grass sod or spread buffalo grass seed over the patches.
• Water frequently until the new grass has taken root and is established.

How to fix patchy buffalo lawn

If your buffalo grass has gone patchy in multiple areas, consider overseeding. Here’s how to fix a patchy buffalo lawn:

• Mow the grass short.
• Rake the lawn to loosen the soil.
• Spread buffalo grass seed evenly across the patchy areas.
• Lightly rake again to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
• Water the lawn lightly and frequently until the new grass has established itself.

How to thicken buffalo grass

A lush, thick lawn is the dream for most homeowners. If your buffalo grass is looking thin, follow these steps to thicken buffalo grass:

• Fertilise: Make sure you fertilise regularly to encourage robust growth. An organic fertiliser is best for warm season turf like buffalo grass. 
• Mow higher: Keep your buffalo grass at around 50mm to 60mm. Taller grass shades the soil and promotes stronger root growth.

Water deeply: Watering deeply but less frequently encourages the grass to develop deep roots, which helps thicken the grass and avoid a brown lawn.

How to revive Sir Walter buffalo grass

Sir Walter buffalo grass is a popular variety in Australia due to its resilience. However, it can still suffer from poor care. Here’s how to revive Sir Walter buffalo grass:

• Mow the lawn regularly but avoid cutting it too short.
• Fertilise during the growing season, using a lawn fertiliser high in nitrogen.
• Monitor for pests, such as lawn grubs, and treat them promptly with an appropriate pesticide.

Common pests that affect buffalo grass

Pests can damage your lawn, making it look dead or patchy. Here are some common pests that eat buffalo grass:

• Lawn grubs: These can eat the roots, causing patches of dead grass.
• Armyworms: These feed on the grass blades, leaving brown patches behind.
• Black beetles: These can also damage your lawn by eating the grass roots.

To protect your buffalo grass, use pest control treatments specific to the pest you’re dealing with. Regular lawn care, such as aeration and fertilisation, can also make your grass less attractive to pests and keep your lawn healthy. 

Contact Lilydale Instant Lawn for expert advice 

If you're looking to bring your buffalo grass back to life, trust the professionals at Lilydale Instant Lawn. We offer lawn lovers a range of high-quality turf and expert lawn care services that can help you restore and maintain a lush, healthy lawn. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in reviving your lawn.