Why Buffalo Grass Starts Dying (And How to Bring It Back)

Buffalo grass is hardy and resilient, but when patches start thinning, browning, or dying off, it’s usually a sign that the lawn is under stress. The most common causes are watering patterns, mowing height, compaction, and nutrient imbalance. Identifying the cause early helps prevent permanent damage and speeds up recovery.

Does Buffalo Grass Die in Winter?

Buffalo grass does not die in winter, but it can go dormant. During dormancy, growth slows and colour may fade slightly — this is normal. However, if the lawn turns straw-yellow, develops bare patches, or becomes dry and brittle, these are signs of stress rather than seasonal dormancy.

Normal: Slight colour dulling
Not normal: Bare, dry, or thinning patches
Urgent: Blades turning grey-brown and not springing back when walked on

Buffalo lawns stay healthiest when roots are kept strong through correct mowing, watering, and nutrient support throughout the year.

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Common Reasons Buffalo Grass Starts Dying in Patches

1. Mowing Too Short

Buffalo must be kept long. Cutting too low exposes the root system, leading to dryness and patchy die-off.

Ideal height: 35–65mm
Raise mower height immediately if patches are appearing

2. Soil Compaction

Buffalo spreads by runners that sit close to the soil surface. Compacted soil blocks air and water movement.

Lawn feels hard underfoot?
Water pools instead of soaking?
→ Aerate soil to improve oxygen and root recovery

3. Underwatering or Irregular Watering

Buffalo is drought-tolerant, but only when roots are deep. Light frequent watering keeps roots shallow.

Water deeply 2–3 times per week in warm seasons
Less often, but still consistently, in cooler months

4. Nutrient Imbalance (Yellowing + Weak Growth)

If the lawn looks pale or patchy, it’s likely lacking nitrogen and trace minerals.

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How to Revive Dying Buffalo Grass

Raise mowing height to protect roots
Water deeply in the morning 2–3 times weekly
Aerate compacted or high-traffic areas
Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser to restore colour and density

A hose-on liquid fertiliser such as Lawn Grow — Hose-On Liquid Lawn Fertiliser is ideal for recovery because it is absorbed through both the leaf and root zone for faster green-up and stronger root support.

FAQ

Why is my Buffalo grass dying in patches?
Most commonly from mowing too low, poor watering habits, or compacted soil restricting root growth.

Does Buffalo grass die in winter?
No, it may go dormant. True die-off is caused by stress, not seasonal change.

How long does recovery take?
With correct mowing, watering, and feeding, visible improvement usually appears within 2–4 weeks.

Can dead Buffalo grass grow back?
If runners are still alive under the surface, yes. If runners have dried out fully, re-seeding is not effective — Buffalo spreads by runners, not seed.