Why Buffalo Grass Turns Yellow (Causes and How to Fix It)

Yellowing in Buffalo grass can happen gradually or appear suddenly in patches. Because Buffalo has broader leaves and a thicker thatch layer than Kikuyu or Couch, anything that affects nutrient movement, water balance, or root function will show up quickly as fading colour.

The most common reasons Buffalo grass turns yellow are:

Low nitrogen or iron levels in the leaf
Compacted or waterlogged soil restricting root oxygen
Over-watering during warm seasons or under-watering during hot periods
Mowing too low (scalping) which exposes the crown
Shade + short mowing height reducing photosynthesis

Once you identify the pattern of yellowing, the fix becomes straightforward: correct water rhythm, restore nutrients, and relieve compaction where needed.

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How to Diagnose Yellow Buffalo Grass

Check the pattern:

Entire lawn looks pale: Usually a nutrient deficiency (often nitrogen or iron).
Yellow patches that feel spongy: Likely thatch build-up blocking water and airflow.
Pale yellow only in shaded areas: The lawn is mowed too low in shade; raise the height.
Yellow after heavy rain or frequent watering: Soil is waterlogged or compacted.
Yellow + dry, crumbly soil: Lawn is not getting enough deep watering.

Key Tests You Can Do:

Screwdriver test: Push a screwdriver into the lawn. If it’s hard, the soil is compacted and roots are shallow.
Check mowing height: Buffalo prefers 40–60 mm in sun and 60–70 mm in shade.
Look at the runner layer: A thick spongey layer = thatch. This prevents nutrients reaching the soil.

Once the cause is identified, improving colour becomes predictable and consistent — especially when nutrient feeding is steady rather than occasional.

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How to Fix Yellow Buffalo Grass

Step 1 — Raise the mowing height.
Buffalo stores energy in its crown and leaf; taller mowing increases chlorophyll production, which deepens green colour naturally.

Step 2 — Switch to deep watering.
Water deeply (10–12 cm soil depth) then allow the top layer to dry. This strengthens roots and prevents fungus from wet thatch.

Step 3 — Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser.
Yellowing most often improves within 7 days when nutrients are restored. Use a balanced hose-on fertiliser that absorbs through leaf and root:

Lawn Grow — Hose-On Liquid Lawn Fertiliser

This supports even colour, promotes steady growth, and avoids the thick, spongy under-layer caused by high-nitrogen granular products.

Step 4 — Relieve compaction if the soil is hard.
Light aeration (fork + wiggle method) allows oxygen and nutrients to reach roots again. Colour improves as root function returns.

Step 5 — For patchy areas, feed every 4–6 weeks during warm growth.
As Buffalo spreads by runners, it will naturally fill thin areas when conditions are right.

FAQ — Buffalo Grass Yellowing

Why is my Buffalo grass turning yellow?
Most commonly, yellowing comes from low nutrients (especially nitrogen or iron), mowing too low, or poor water balance. Identify whether the lawn is pale overall (nutrient issue) or patchy (soil or compaction issue).

How do I make yellow Buffalo grass green again?
Raise the mowing height, switch to deep watering, and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser for steady leaf and root uptake. A hose-on product is easiest for even coverage.

Lawn Grow — Hose-On Liquid Lawn Fertiliser

Can overwatering make Buffalo turn yellow?
Yes. Buffalo becomes yellow and patchy when soil stays wet for long periods. Allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings and use deeper, less frequent watering.

Does Buffalo turn yellow in winter?
In cooler regions, yes. Growth slows and colour fades. Raise mowing height and avoid heavy feeding until warmth returns.

Why is Buffalo yellow in shaded areas?
In shade, Buffalo needs longer leaf blades to capture light. Increase mowing height to 60–70 mm and reduce foot traffic.

How long does it take to fix yellow Buffalo grass?
If the issue is nutrition, colour usually improves within 7–14 days after applying a balanced liquid fertiliser. Soil compaction or deep shade may require several weeks of gradual correction