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What is buffalo grass?

When it comes to creating a beautiful, easy-care lawn, buffalo grass stands out as a top choice. With its thick, soft blades and remarkable resilience, it’s no wonder this turf has become a favourite for Australian homes. But what exactly is buffalo grass, and why does it thrive so well in our unique climate?

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about buffalo grass—from its distinctive appearance to its key characteristics and care tips. Whether you’re looking to refresh your garden or establish a new lawn, buffalo grass might just be the perfect solution for you.

Looking for more information? Watch our video explaining everything you need to know about our Sir Walter buffalo turf - it’ll help you figure out whether it’s the best turf variety for your home. 

What does buffalo grass look like?

Buffalo grass, such as our Sir Walter DNA Certified variety, has a distinct look that sets it apart from other turf options, making it a popular choice for homeowners seeking a beautiful and functional lawn. Here's a closer look at the features that make buffalo grass so easy to identify and appreciate:

Wide, soft leaves

One of the most appealing features of buffalo lawn is its broad, soft grass blades. These leaves are wider than those of many other grass types, giving the turf a lush, thick appearance. The softness of the leaves makes it ideal for areas where children and pets play, providing a comfortable surface for outdoor activities. Despite being soft, buffalo grass is incredibly durable and can withstand foot traffic without becoming patchy or worn.

Vibrant green colour

Buffalo grass boasts a beautiful, deep green colour that enhances the aesthetic appeal of any lawn. Under the right conditions, the green lawn can remain vibrant year-round, although it may go dormant and lose some of its green in colder months. Regular care, including proper watering and fertilising, helps maintain its rich hue. In warmer climates, buffalo grass tends to stay green longer, making it an excellent option for those looking to maintain a visually pleasing lawn in all seasons.

Dense growth habit

Like most warm season grasses, one of the practical advantages of buffalo grass is its dense growth habit. Once established, the grass forms a thick, carpet-like coverage, which naturally suppresses weed growth by limiting the space available for weeds to take root. This reduces the need for frequent weed control or chemical herbicides, making buffalo grass a more environmentally friendly option for homeowners.

What does buffalo grass look like when it sprouts?

When soft-leaf buffalo grass begins to sprout, you’ll notice thin blades of grass that are lighter green compared to mature buffalo grass. The sprouting phase is delicate, and it's important to ensure proper watering when establishing your lawn to encourage healthy growth.

• Early appearance: Thin, sparse blades
• Colour: Lighter green, gradually darkening as the grass matures
• Growth rate: Sprouts typically appear within 7 to 14 days, depending on environmental factors like temperature and soil quality.

Buffalo grass characteristics 

Understanding the key characteristics of warm-season grasses, such as buffalo lawns, will help you determine if it’s the right choice for you. Here’s a breakdown of its main features:

Buffalo grass also has excellent weed resistance, thanks to its dense growth pattern. This makes it a great choice for those looking for a low-maintenance lawn that still looks green and healthy.

Why choose buffalo grass?

A healty buffalo lawn is prized for several reasons:

• Durability: It’s tough enough to handle heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for families with children and pets.
• Drought resistance: As a warm-season grass, buffalo grass has excellent drought tolerance, requiring less water than other types of turf.
• Shade tolerance: Buffalo grass can grow well in areas that receive partial shade, making it versatile for different garden layouts.
• Soft texture: Unlike some other hardy grasses, buffalo grass is soft to the touch, making it comfortable for outdoor activities.

Why is buffalo grass called buffalo grass?

Buffalo grass gets its name from its origins in North America, where it once grew naturally in the vast plains where buffalo roamed. Its hardy nature and ability to withstand grazing made it a reliable food source for these large animals. Over time, the name stuck due to the grass's durability and resilience.

What is buffalo grass commonly used for in Australia?

In Australia, buffalo grass is widely used for home lawns due to its durability, shade tolerance, and ability to thrive in the country's hot climate. It's also a popular choice for parks, playgrounds, and sports fields because of its soft texture and ability to recover quickly from heavy foot traffic. Additionally, buffalo grass is favoured in coastal areas since it handles salt spray and sandy soils better than many other turf varieties.

Where can I buy buffalo grass?

Finding the right supplier is key to ensuring you get high-quality buffalo grass for your lawn. If you're wondering, ‘Where can I buy buffalo grass?’ Lilydale Instant Lawn offers premium buffalo grass varieties, such as Sir Walter buffalo turf, that are perfect for Australian conditions.

• Where to buy buffalo grass: You can purchase buffalo grass directly from Lilydale Instant Lawn, which specialises in delivering freshly harvested buffalo grasses to homes and businesses across Victoria.
• Why choose Lilydale?: With years of expertise, Lilydale Instant Lawn provides only the best Sir Walter buffalo grass, ensuring your lawn will be healthy, vibrant, and long-lasting.

Caring for buffalo grass

Once established, keeping a healthy buffalo lawn is low maintenance, but here are a few tips to keep it thriving:

• Watering: Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. During the warmer months, aim for about 25mm of water per week.
• Mowing: Keep your Sir Walter lawn at a height of 50-70mm to ensure it stays lush and green. Don’t cut too low, as this can stress the grass.
• Fertilising: Fertilise once in spring and again in late summer with a slow-release fertiliser.
• Weeding: Buffalo grass naturally resists most weeds due to its dense growth pattern, but hand weeding or targeted herbicide treatments can help if weeds appear.

Choose Lilydale Instant Lawn for your buffalo grass needs

Buffalo turf is an excellent option for those looking to install a durable, low-maintenance Sir Walter lawn that can withstand Australian conditions. Its soft texture, drought tolerance, and shade resistance make it ideal for both residential and commercial properties.

If you're ready to invest in buffalo grass, Lilydale Instant Lawn offers a range of top-quality turf options. Whether you’re renovating your backyard or creating a new outdoor space, Lilydale can help you choose the right grass and provide expert advice on how to care for it.

Contact us today to find out more about our buffalo grass and other lawn maintenance solutions.