Best Fertiliser for Buffalo Grass in Australia (Including Sir Walter)

Buffalo grass has a naturally broad leaf structure and forms a dense, cushioned turf layer when maintained correctly. However, it is also more prone to thatch build-up and uneven colour if fertiliser is too strong in nitrogen or applied irregularly. This is why Buffalo lawns require a balanced and steady fertiliser approach rather than fast-growth lawn boosters.

All common Buffalo varieties grown in Australia — including Sir Walter, Sapphire, Matilda and Palmetto — benefit most from fertilising with a balanced liquid lawn fertiliser. Liquid feeding allows nutrients to be absorbed evenly through both the leaf blade and the root zone, producing a natural deep green colour without forcing excess leaf growth.

Recommended Fertiliser to Use

A suitable choice for Buffalo lawns is a balanced hose-on liquid fertiliser, such as:
Lawn Grow — Hose-On Liquid Lawn Fertiliser (2L)

This fertiliser distributes evenly across the lawn and supports:

Consistent, even colour across the entire lawn
Thicker, denser turf coverage over time
Reduced thatch development compared to high-nitrogen granular fertilisers
Faster recovery after wear, heat or stress

Because Buffalo grass absorbs nutrients efficiently through the leaf surface, liquid fertilising is often visibly effective within a week, especially during warm-season growth periods.

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When to Fertilise Buffalo Grass (Season-by-Season)

Buffalo grass grows strongest during warmer months, and this is when fertilising has the most benefit. Feeding heavily when the lawn is dormant (winter in cooler climates) can lead to stress instead of improvement.

Spring: First fertilise as soon as the lawn begins actively growing. This restores colour and encourages new shoot development.
Summer: Continue fertilising every 4–6 weeks for colour depth, resilience and heat tolerance.
Autumn: Apply a final strengthening feed to help the lawn maintain density heading into cooler weather.
Winter: If your region experiences frost or slowed growth, pause fertilising. In warm coastal areas, apply only light maintenance feeding.

How to Apply Fertiliser to Buffalo Grass

Mow the lawn to your normal height before fertilising (not lower).
Water lightly before application to prevent leaf or root stress.
Apply the fertiliser evenly across the entire lawn surface.
Water in thoroughly to move nutrients into the root zone.
Avoid mowing for 2–3 days after application.

This method ensures nutrients are distributed and absorbed consistently, preventing patchiness, burn or rapid thatch formation.

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Common Buffalo Lawn Fertilising Mistakes to Avoid

Using high-nitrogen fertilisers regularly: This encourages long, soft leaf growth which leads to thatch build-up and a spongy lawn surface.
Fertilising too late into winter: Buffalo lawns absorb nutrients poorly when cold. Feeding during dormancy wastes product and can weaken plant cells.
Applying fertiliser unevenly: Missed strips or overlapping patches cause uneven colour and growth.
Over-watering immediately after feeding: Excess water can wash nutrients past the root zone before they’re absorbed.

FAQ

How often should I fertilise Buffalo grass?
Every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, and once in early autumn.

Is liquid fertiliser better than granular for Buffalo lawns?
Liquid fertilisers provide even coverage and fast absorption, making them ideal for maintaining consistent colour and density.

Can I fertilise Buffalo grass in winter?
Only in warm climates where the lawn continues growing. In frosty or cool regions, wait until spring.

Why is my Buffalo lawn patchy even after fertilising?
Often due to uneven application, soil compaction or thatch layers preventing nutrient uptake. Aeration and steady liquid feeding help resolve this.