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Australian OwnedBuffalo Grass At A Glance
Buffalo is a warm season lawn that can handle sun and moderate shade, with a comfortable feel underfoot. It is generally lower mowing than faster growing warm season grasses, but it can slow down in cold weather.
Positives
- Excellent shade tolerance compared to most warm season grasses
- Soft, family friendly leaf that feels great underfoot
- Hardy once established with good heat and drought performance
- Spreads by stolons for a more controlled growth pattern
- Dense turf helps reduce weed invasion once established
- Lower mowing frequency than many fast growing lawn types
- Suitable for family backyards, shaded areas, and coastal conditions
Buffalo Lawn Seed Blend
A buffalo seed blend designed for Australian conditions. It pairs buffalo with perennial ryegrass for cover and seasonal support, plus slow release fertiliser to help early growth.
Negatives
- Can brown off in winter dormancy and after frost
- Slower germination than ryegrass so patience is needed
- Less suitable for heavy winter foot traffic when dormant
- Can develop thatch if mowing and watering are not balanced
- Fungal issues can appear in warm, wet conditions
- Some herbicides can damage buffalo if the wrong product is used
- Still needs edging so it does not creep into garden beds
Buffalo Grass Pros & Cons
Understand exactly what makes buffalo grass a favourite for Australian homes and where it needs the right care, helping you choose the best lawn for your conditions.
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🌿 Why Buffalo’s Shade Tolerance is a Standout
Buffalo is known for handling moderate shade better than most warm season grasses, which makes it a strong option for yards with trees, fences, or afternoon shadow. If you are deciding between lawn types for shade, compare your options in What is the Most Shade Tolerant Grass? and if you are struggling to get turf established under trees, read Why Won’t Grass Grow Under Trees?.
🦶 Soft Underfoot for Families and Pets
Buffalo’s leaf feel is a big reason it is chosen for family lawns. When mowing height and nutrition are kept consistent, it stays comfortable for barefoot traffic. If pets are a major factor in your lawn choice, see Best Grass for Dogs for practical guidance on wear, comfort, and recovery.
💧 Drought Performance Once Established
Once rooted in, buffalo can handle heat and drier periods well, especially when you water deeply and avoid overwatering. If you want better summer colour and fewer dry patches, use Top 5 Tips to Keep Grass Green During Summer and compare other low water options in Australia’s Most Drought Tolerant Varieties.
⚙️ Controlled Spread and Weed Suppression
Buffalo spreads mainly through stolons, creating a thick mat that can help crowd out weeds once established. It is typically more predictable than very aggressive runners, but it can still creep into edges over time. Clean borders are easiest when you topdress and level properly, so it is worth reviewing Top Dressing Your Lawn and keeping trimming tidy with String Technique for Grass Trimmers.
🌱 Planting and Establishment Needs Patience
Buffalo can be slower to germinate than ryegrass, so early success depends on good soil prep and consistent moisture. Use a clear step by step approach in How to Grow Grass Using Grass Seeds and time your sowing with When is the Best Time to Plant Your Grass Seeds?. If the lawn is thin after establishment, the repair guide How Do I Fix Bare Spots in My Lawn? is a great next step.
❄️ Winter Dormancy and Frost Browning
Buffalo is a warm season grass, so it can slow down and brown off in colder months, especially after frost. This is normal dormancy behaviour, and it typically greens up again as temperatures rise. To reduce winter issues like patchiness and disease pressure, follow How to Prevent Common Lawn Issues in Winter and plan repairs with How to Repair Your Lawn After Winter.
🦠 Pests, Fungus, and Chemical Sensitivity
Buffalo lawns can face pests and fungal issues, especially when conditions stay warm and wet. Buffalo can also be sensitive to some herbicides, so product choice matters. For practical diagnosis and fixes, use Troubleshooting Common Problems in Your Buffalo Grass Lawn, plus prevention steps in Top 5 Tips to Remove Fungus From Your Lawn. If grubs are suspected, read How to Kill Lawn Grubs Naturally.
Ready to Choose Your Buffalo
Contact the friendly seed specialists at McKays to match buffalo to your climate, shade levels, and how your lawn gets used year round.
All About Buffalo Grass
Growing Buffalo Lawn From Seed
How buffalo seed blends help establishment, what to expect during germination, and simple steps for better results.
Troubleshooting Buffalo Lawn Problems
Common causes of thinning, brown patches, pests, fungus, and weed issues, plus practical steps to get your lawn back on track.