Buffalo grass is one of the most popular lawn choices in Australia and for good reason. It’s hardy, low-maintenance, and thrives in tough conditions like heat, drought, and even partial shade.
But like any lawn, even buffalo grass can start to look patchy, thin, or worn out over time. Whether it’s from heavy use, pet traffic, harsh weather, or simple neglect, a once-lush buffalo lawn can lose its vibrant appeal.
If you’re wondering whether you can overseed buffalo grass, how to fix bare spots, or how to bring your lawn back to life, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down practical, effective ways to repair and thicken your buffalo lawn without needing to rip it up and start over.
Can You Overseed Buffalo Grass?
In the world of lawn care, “overseeding” refers to the process of spreading grass seed over an existing lawn to fill in bare spots and boost lawn density.
While this is a common technique for ryegrass, fescue, or even couch grass, overseeding is not the best option for buffalo grass. Why? Because buffalo grass doesn’t grow from seed as easily or effectively as other grass types.
Why Overseeding Doesn’t Work Well for Buffalo:
Poor seed availability:
Buffalo grass is most commonly propagated from runners or turf slabs. Seeded varieties are limited, expensive, and often unreliable.
As a result, homeowners may struggle to source quality buffalo seed, making it difficult to maintain uniform growth throughout the lawn.
Slow germination and growth:
Even if you find buffalo seed, it tends to have slow and inconsistent germination, which makes it hard to establish in an already mature lawn.
This means you might wait weeks or even months before seeing noticeable improvement—if the seeds take at all.
Compatibility issues:
If you overseed with a different grass species to fill in the gaps, it can lead to a mismatched lawn with uneven texture, color, and growth habits.
Over time, the contrast between grass types can become more noticeable and affect the overall appearance and performance of the lawn.
What to Do Instead:
Rather than overseeding, the best way to repair a buffalo lawn is by encouraging the existing grass to spread through its runners (stolons). Buffalo grass spreads horizontally, so with proper care, it can naturally cover bare spots over time.
How Do You Fix a Patchy Buffalo Lawn?
Fixing patchy areas in a buffalo lawn doesn’t require a complete overhaul. With the right technique, you can bring those worn-out spots back to life. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Identify the Cause
Before jumping into repairs, figure out what caused the patches:
- Lack of sunlight
- Soil compaction
- Pest or disease issues
- Poor drainage
- Pet urine or heavy traffic
Addressing the root cause is essential to prevent patches from recurring.
2. Remove Dead Grass and Debris
Clear the affected area of any dead grass, weeds, and debris. Rake the soil to loosen the top layer. This allows for better contact when you introduce runners or improve soil conditions.
3. Topdress with Quality Soil
Apply a thin layer of high-quality lawn soil or compost. This improves nutrient availability and helps promote new growth.
4. Transplant Buffalo Runners
The best method to fill in bare patches is to transplant buffalo runners (stolons) from healthy parts of your lawn.
- Cut runners about 10–15 cm long.
- Press them into the bare soil, ensuring good contact.
- Water them well and keep moist for the next 2–3 weeks.
5. Fertilise and Water
Apply a balanced slow-release lawn fertiliser to boost growth. Water deeply and regularly, especially during the first few weeks after transplanting.
6. Avoid Traffic
Try to keep pets and foot traffic off the repaired area to give the grass a chance to establish itself.
How Do You Thicken Up a Buffalo Lawn?
If your lawn isn’t bare but looks thin and weak, your goal is to help the grass thicken and fill in naturally. Here’s how to do it:
1. Regular Mowing
It may seem counterintuitive, but frequent mowing encourages buffalo grass to spread sideways. Aim to mow every 7–14 days during the growing season, trimming no more than one-third of the blade height.
Tip: Buffalo grass thrives best when maintained at a height of about 40–60 mm.
2. Aeration
If your soil is compacted (common in clay-heavy areas), it can restrict root growth and water penetration. Use a garden fork or lawn aerator to punch holes into the lawn, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.
Best time: Early spring or early autumn.
3. Fertilise Twice a Year
Feed your buffalo lawn with a high-quality fertiliser in early spring and early autumn. This promotes strong root development and encourages new shoots to emerge, thickening the lawn over time.
Look for a fertiliser with a balanced NPK ratio and added trace elements like iron and magnesium.
4. Topdressing
Topdressing your lawn with a thin layer of sandy loam or organic topsoil can help level the lawn, improve drainage, and promote stolon growth.
Apply 1–2 cm of soil and gently rake it over the lawn, ensuring that the grass blades still poke through.
5. Water Wisely
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid shallow, frequent watering, which leads to weak, surface-level roots.
Ideal schedule: Once or twice a week, early in the morning.
6. Sunlight and Shade Management
Buffalo grass is known for its shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses, but it still needs light to thrive. Trim back overhanging branches or relocate garden furniture that may be shading the grass for extended periods.
Bonus Tips for a Healthier Buffalo Lawn
- Weed control: Weeds compete with buffalo grass for nutrients and space. Apply a selective buffalo-safe herbicide in early spring to control broadleaf weeds.
- Pest monitoring: Watch out for pests like lawn grubs and armyworms, especially during warmer months.
- Soil testing: If your lawn continues to struggle, consider doing a soil test to check pH levels and nutrient deficiencies.
Add Real Grass Turf Lawns: When considering long-term solutions for a healthier and fuller lawn, including Real Grass Turf lawns can be a great option.
This can complement the natural growth and rejuvenation of buffalo grass, adding a robust, green layer to your lawn.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or filling in patchy areas, Real Grass Turf lawns are an excellent choice for a lush, vibrant garden.
When to Call in the Pros
If your lawn is severely damaged, consistently patchy, or you’re unsure of the underlying issue, it might be time to consult a professional lawn care service.
Experts can perform soil analysis, pest diagnosis, and apply targeted treatments or even carry out more advanced lawn rejuvenation techniques.
A View Turf, a trusted name in turf supply and care, offers expert guidance and solutions tailored specifically for buffalo grass lawns. Investing in professional help like A View Turf can save time, reduce frustration, and ensure long-term results for your buffalo lawn.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t rely on overseeding to repair or thicken buffalo grass, there are still plenty of effective ways to revive and strengthen your lawn.
Encouraging stolon growth, improving soil quality, and regular maintenance are key to success. With some attention and care, even the patchiest buffalo lawn can bounce back, becoming a dense, green carpet that’s a joy to walk on.
The transformation won’t happen overnight, but with consistency, the results can be both impressive and long-lasting. A healthy buffalo lawn not only boosts your home’s curb appeal it also provides a cooler, softer space for your family to enjoy year-round.
