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Australian OwnedBuffalo grass is a highly durable, low-maintenance warm-season lawn known for its ability to thrive in the Australian climate.
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Excellent shade tolerance
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Broad, soft leaves ideal for families & pets
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Hardy & drought resistant once established
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Strong wear tolerance
Table of Contents
- What Makes Buffalo Grass Unique?
- How to Identify Buffalo Grass
- Why Choose Buffalo Grass?
- Ideal Growing Conditions for Buffalo Grass
- When to Plant Buffalo Grass Seeds
- Step-by-Step Planting Guide (Buffalo Grass)
- Growing Requirements & Maintenance
- Ideal Applications
- Expert Tips for Success
- Common Buffalo Problems & How to Fix Them
What Makes Buffalo Grass Unique?
Buffalo grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is a warm-season perennial turfgrass recognised for its broad, soft leaves, ability to tolerate shade, and impressive heat and drought resistance. Unlike Couch or Kikuyu, Buffalo spreads primarily via above-ground stolons, giving it a controlled, predictable spread pattern that suits residential lawns.
Buffalo’s strong stolon development helps it recover from wear, while its thick growth crowds out weeds naturally once established. Its ability to handle both full sun and moderate shade, coupled with low mowing frequency, makes it a favourite for Australian homes.
Modern Buffalo seed blends like McKay’s Buffalo Grass Seed Blend provide improved germination, colour, and density, delivering a lush lawn at a cost-effective price.
How to Identify Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass features several unique characteristics:
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Leaf appearance: Broad, flat blades (wider than Couch or Kikuyu)
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Texture: Soft yet robust underfoot
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Colour: Medium to dark green depending on the variety
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Growth habit: Spreads via surface stolons, creating a thick mat
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Shade performance: Excellent—better than most warm-season species
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Wear tolerance: High, with strong recovery in warm months
Buffalo’s broad-leaf profile gives it a distinctive ‘premium lawn’ appearance.
Healthy, established Buffalo grass showing characteristic dense growthWhy Choose Buffalo Grass?
Buffalo grass is one of Australia’s most popular lawn types for good reason:
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Superior shade tolerance (as little as 3–4 hours of sun per day)
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Low water requirements once established
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Soft, child- and pet-friendly surface
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Great durability for high-use areas
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Naturally reduces weed invasion due to its density
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Tolerates coastal conditions thanks to moderate salt resistance
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Low mowing frequency compared to faster-growing grasses
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Performs well in diverse soil types
For homeowners seeking a beautiful yet forgiving lawn, Buffalo is a top-tier option.
Ready to start your Buffalo grass lawn?
McKay's premium Buffalo grass seed offers reliable germination and establishes a hardy, low-maintenance lawn ideal for Australian conditions.
Shop Buffalo grass SeedIdeal Growing Conditions for Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass thrives best in the following conditions:
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Soil Type: Well-draining soils (sandy loam ideal)
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Soil pH: 5.5–7.5
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Sunlight: Performs well in full sun and moderate shade
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Temperature: Best growth at 20–30°C
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Watering: Moderate; less frequent once fully rooted
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Rainfall: Adaptable but needs moisture during establishment
Buffalo is robust but still benefits from proper preparation and early care.
When to Plant Buffalo Grass Seeds
Buffalo has a specific window for seed planting due to its warm-season behaviour.
Spring (September–November)
Ideal planting season. Soil temperatures begin warming, supporting strong germination.
Summer (December–February)
Suitable if watering is consistent. Hot weather speeds establishment but increases irrigation needs.
Autumn (March–May)
Viable in warmer climates; avoid planting in cooler southern regions due to slower germination.
Winter (June–August)
Not recommended—soil temperatures are too low for Buffalo seed to germinate successfully.
Optimal Soil Temperature
Buffalo seeds germinate best when soil is 20°C or above.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide (Buffalo Grass)
1. Site Preparation (2–3 Weeks Before Planting)
Remove old grass, weeds, rocks, and debris. Till the soil 10–15cm deep to break compaction and improve drainage. For heavy weed infestations, use a non-selective herbicide 2–3 weeks prior.
2. Soil Testing & Amendment
Buffalo performs best in pH 5.5–7.5. Adjust soil acidity with lime or sulphur as needed. Add 50–100mm of organic matter to improve fertility and moisture retention.
3. Levelling & Grading
Create a smooth, even surface with a slight slope away from structures. Ensure soil is firm but not compact.
4. Seed Application
Apply Buffalo seed blend at 10–20g per m² depending on product. Use a spreader for even coverage.
5. Seed Coverage
Lightly rake seeds into the top 3–5mm of soil. Do not bury deeply. Roll lightly to ensure good soil contact.
6. Initial Watering
Water immediately after sowing until the top 5–10cm of soil is moist. Maintain consistent moisture until germination.
7. Establishment Phase (6–10 Weeks)
Buffalo germinates more slowly than ryegrass, so maintain regular, light watering until seedlings reach 5–7cm tall.
Ready to start your Buffalo grass lawn?
McKay's premium Buffalo grass seed offers reliable germination and establishes a hardy, low-maintenance lawn ideal for Australian conditions.
Shop Buffalo grass SeedGrowing Requirements & Maintenance
Watering Schedule
Once established (after 6–10 weeks), Buffalo needs deep, infrequent watering—typically once per week depending on rainfall. Increase frequency during extreme heat.
Mowing Requirements
Begin mowing once lawn height reaches 6–7cm. Maintain mowing height between 30–50mm for residential lawns. Never scalp Buffalo; it harms stolons.
Fertilisation Programme
Apply fertiliser in early spring and mid-summer. Use slow-release formulations to avoid excessive leaf growth. Avoid late-autumn fertilisation.
Weed Control
Dense growth suppresses most weeds. Hand-pull or spot-treat stubborn weeds. Use pre-emergents in late winter to prevent summer weed germination.
Pest & Disease Management
Monitor for lawn grubs, armyworms, and fungal issues after rain. Maintain proper drainage and avoid overwatering to reduce disease risk.
Seasonal Care
Buffalo slows down in winter. Reduce mowing and avoid fertilising during cold months. Lawn will green up again once temperatures rise in spring.
Ideal Applications
Buffalo grass suits a wide range of applications:
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Family backyards
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Shaded residential areas
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Coastal and beachfront homes
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Schools & childcare centres
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Medium-traffic areas
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Parks and nature strips
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Affordable coverage for larger properties
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Areas needing low maintenance leaf growth
Its adaptability and durability make it reliable across many landscapes.
Expert Tips for Success
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Avoid scalping—Buffalo is sensitive to low cuts
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Increase mowing height in shaded areas
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Maintain consistent moisture during establishment
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Aerate annually to improve soil structure
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Apply fertiliser in small, consistent doses—avoid overdoing nitrogen
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Overseed thin patches early in spring
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Keep weeds under control during the first year
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Tip 1: Control the Spread
Buffalo grass spreads mainly through stolons rather than aggressive rhizomes, making it less invasive than Kikuyu. However, it can still creep into garden beds. Install shallow edging (8–12cm is often enough) and trim creeping runners regularly to keep borders clean.
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Tip 2: Overseed Thin Areas
Buffalo grass doesn’t seed as readily and is usually repaired via runners, not overseeding. However, if you’re using a seed-based variety, overseed in late spring. Loosen the soil surface lightly and keep it moist. Most repairs are best done by transplanting runners or plugs rather than seed.
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Tip 3: Manage Thatch Buildup
Buffalo lawns can produce thatch when heavily fertilised. If thatch exceeds 10–15mm, lightly scarify in late spring using a soft dethatching rake. Important: Buffalo does not tolerate aggressive scalping — keep dethatching gentle to avoid damaging stolons.
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Tip 4: Winter Colour Options
Buffalo can lose colour in winter, especially in cool climates. To maintain appearance, overseed with perennial ryegrass in autumn. It will green up the lawn during Buffalo’s dormant period. Expect a transition period in spring where ryegrass fades as Buffalo regains strength.
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Tip 5: Soil Aeration
Aerate compacted Buffalo lawns annually in spring using a core aerator. This improves drainage, encourages deeper roots, and assists recovery from heavy foot traffic. Leave cores on the lawn to break down naturally.
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Tip 6: Shade Tolerance
Buffalo is one of the best warm-season grasses for shade, thriving with as little as 3–4 hours of direct sun. In shaded zones, raise mowing height to 40–50mm. In deep shade, thin areas may need supplementing with a more shade-adapted turf species.
Common Buffalo Problems & How to Fix Them
Slow germination?
Buffalo seeds can take 14–30 days. Ensure soil is warm (20°C+), consistently moist, and not compacted.
Patchy growth?
Buffalo spreads by stolons, not rhizomes. Patchiness is common early on. Encourage spread with light fertiliser and consistent watering.
Summer brown patches?
Likely heat stress or lawn grub activity. Deep water 2–3 times weekly and inspect for pests.
Thatch buildup?
Buffalo is sensitive to aggressive dethatching. Use a soft rake and maintain proper mowing height.
Invading garden beds?
Buffalo spreads slowly but stolons can creep—install shallow edging (8–12cm) and trim edges regularly.
Solution:
Buffalo seed requires warm soil (20–30°C) and consistent moisture. Germination can take 14–30 days. Lightly loosen the topsoil to help contact and avoid letting the surface dry out between waterings.
Solution:
Buffalo spreads by stolons only, so fill-in is slower. Patchiness is common during early establishment. Encourage spreading by fertilising lightly in spring and reducing heavy foot traffic.
Solution:
Summer browning may indicate heat stress or underwatering. Water deeply 2–3 times per week. Check for lawn grub activity, as Buffalo is highly susceptible to insect damage.
Solution:
Buffalo does not tolerate aggressive dethatching. Use a soft rake to remove excess material in late spring. Cut back nitrogen fertiliser and ensure mowing height is not too low.
Solution:
Buffalo spreads less aggressively than Kikuyu, but edging 8–12cm deep prevents stolons from creeping into beds. Regular trimming along edges keeps growth contained.
Ready to start your Buffalo grass lawn?
McKay's premium Buffalo grass seed offers reliable germination and establishes a hardy, low-maintenance lawn ideal for Australian conditions.
Shop Buffalo grass SeedBuffalo Lawn Seed Blend
Buffalo Lawn Seed Blend
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