Essential Lawn Care Tips for Maintaining Healthy Buffalo Turf
Buffalo turf is a popular choice for lawns due to its resilience, lush appearance and low-maintenance nature. However, to keep it thriving and looking its best, proper care is essential. Unlike other grass types, buffalo turf has unique characteristics that influence its maintenance requirements. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to care for your buffalo turf, covering watering, mowing, fertilisation and weed control.
Watering Tips
Buffalo turf is known for its drought tolerance, but it still requires consistent watering to remain healthy, especially during hot or dry periods. The key is to adopt a deep and infrequent watering approach. Aim to water the lawn early in the morning, as this allows the soil to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day causes evaporation. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, making the turf more drought-resistant over time.
While new buffalo turf will need more frequent watering during its establishment phase, mature turf generally only requires watering once a week, depending on rainfall and climate. Monitor the grass for signs of dehydration, such as wilting or developing a blue-grey tint, and adjust your schedule as needed.
Mowing Techniques for a Pristine Lawn
Mowing is an essential aspect of buffalo turf care that directly impacts its health and appearance. Unlike other grass varieties, buffalo turf does well when mowed at a slightly higher height. Cutting the grass too short can stress your lawn, as it strips away essential leaf area needed for photosynthesis.
To maintain an even cut and prevent damage to the grass tips, always ensure your mower blades are sharp. During peak growing seasons in spring and summer, mow the lawn every several days to maintain the ideal height. During cooler months, you can reduce the frequency of mowing as the growth rate slows down. It’s a good practice to avoid cutting a good part of the grass height at a time, as removing too much can weaken the turf.
Fertilisation
Buffalo turf benefits from regular fertilisation to maintain its rich green colour and robust growth. Use a slow-release fertiliser designed specifically for buffalo turf, as it delivers nutrients steadily over time without burning the grass. Fertilise your lawn in early spring, summer and autumn to replenish essential nutrients and enhance overall health.
The right balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is essential to boost colour, improve root development and enhance durability. Aerate the soil before fertilising to ensure nutrients penetrate deeply. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to excessive growth and a weaker root system.
Weed Control
Buffalo turf’s dense coverage naturally suppresses weed growth, but occasional weeds may still appear. Spot and remove weeds early before they spread. Hand-pull smaller weeds, ensuring the entire root is removed to prevent regrowth.
For larger infestations, use a weed control product that is safe for buffalo turf. Many herbicides can harm this grass variety, so always check the label carefully before application. Applying a pre-emergent weed control in early spring can help prevent weed seeds from germinating, keeping your lawn pristine.
By providing the right balance of care, buffalo turf can thrive year-round and maintain its stunning aesthetic appeal. Stick to a consistent schedule for watering, mowing, fertilising and weed control, and adjust based on seasonal needs or climatic conditions. With these simple steps, your buffalo turf lawn will remain a durable, lush and beautiful feature in your landscape for years to come.