Buffalo Grass – Turf Varieties

Buffalo grass is a great choice for homeowners on the Sunshine Coast and in Gympie. This warm-season turf makes a lush, deep green carpet that stays vibrant through summer and well into winter. Its dense, soft-leaf varieties (like Sir Walter, Prestige and our own Sapphire Buffalo) feel plush underfoot and are kid- and pet-friendly.

Even in Queensland’s heat and humidity, buffalo maintains its rich colour – it is low-allergenic and low-maintenance, so you get a great-looking lawn without constant work.

This guide digs into everything Sunshine Coast and Gympie homeowners need to know to choose, plant and care for buffalo turf.

What Is Buffalo Grass?

Buffalo grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is one of Australia’s most popular warm-season turf grasses — and for good reason. Bred and selected for family backyards, coastal properties and shady suburban blocks, buffalo delivers a lush, deep-green carpet that’s soft underfoot, resilient under traffic and forgiving in low-maintenance home settings. 

Botanical Background

• Scientific name: Stenotaphrum secundatum — commonly called buffalo turf in Australia (also known internationally as St. Augustine grass).
  
  Origins: Buffalo is a warm-season grass native to tropical and subtropical coastal regions (with natural populations across parts of the Americas, the Caribbean and other warm regions) and has been widely moved and naturalised around the world. It was brought into cultivation and to places like Australia by early settlers and is now a common, commercially important turf species used extensively for lawns and public spaces.

• Climate: Buffalo is a true warm-season grass. It grows most actively when daily temperatures are in the low-to-mid twenties Celsius — generally showing best growth between about 20–30°C, with growth slowing as temperatures fall toward ~10°C. In cooler months it can go semi-dormant (slowing or browning back), then green up rapidly once warmer weather returns — which makes it well suited to Queensland’s hot summers and mild subtropical winters.

• Soil and salt: Buffalo is adaptable to a wide range of soils — from sandy coastal loams to heavier, lighter clays — provided drainage is reasonable. It tolerates low fertility and can cope with occasional waterlogging better than many warm-season species. It also has moderate to good tolerance of salt spray and saline soils, which is why it’s frequently used near coastlines and around pools. These traits make it a reliable choice for Sunshine Coast and Gympie gardens. 

Quick-Fire Features Table

Here are some quick facts about Buffalo grass at a glance:

Is Buffalo Grass Native to Australia?

No — Stenotaphrum secundatum (commonly called buffalo turf or St. Augustine grass) is not considered an indigenous Australian species. Its natural distribution is tropical and subtropical coastal regions outside Australia — notably the Gulf/Caribbean/Central–South American region and other warm coastal areas — and the species has been widely moved and cultivated around the world.

Historical records suggest S. secundatum arrived in Australia during the 19th century; one commonly cited account reports plants arriving as deck cargo on the SS Buffalo in the 1840s, which is one explanation for the common name “buffalo grass.”

Since that time it has become fully naturalised and extensively cultivated for lawns and public spaces across warm Australian regions. In many parts of the country it is now so widespread that it behaves like a naturalised or even invasive species — and in some states it is listed or regarded as an environmental weed where it escapes cultivation.

Where Does Buffalo Grow Best?

Buffalo thrives where:

• There’s at least partial sun (although it tolerates significant shade better than couch or kikuyu).

• Soil is reasonably well-drained with organic matter; buffalo does fine on coastal sandy soils and heavier loams with correct preparation.

• Temperatures are warm in spring/summer (active growth period). It tolerates occasional frost but will slow in winter.

For Gympie and the Sunshine Coast, buffalo matches the local climate beautifully — it handles humidity, heat and coastal salt spray while providing that soft, family-friendly lawn every homeowner wants.

When to Plant Buffalo Grass

Seasonal Timing

• Best window: Early spring to early autumn. This gives turf time to establish in warm soils before cooler months slow growth.

• Avoid: Laying turf before heavy, cold winter or during prolonged drought unless irrigation is available.

Site Preparation Checklist (quick)

1. Clear weeds, rubble, roots and existing grass (use mechanical removal, herbicide or manual digging).

2. Remove sticks, rocks and rubble; achieve a flattest surface with a leveller or screed board.

3. Improve topsoil with 5–10 cm of quality loam or starter underlay where soil is poor.

4. Apply starter fertiliser per product recommendations and lightly rake.

5. Roll turf into consistent contact with soil to eliminate air gaps.

6. Water lightly but consistently in the first 2 weeks; then follow an establishment watering regime.

7. Protect newly laid turf from heavy traffic until stolons have rooted.

Main Buffalo Turf Types

There are several buffalo ( Stenotaphrum secundatum ) cultivars commonly sold in Australia. Below is a quick reference table on each variety so you can match the right turf to your Sunshine Coast or Gympie yard.

• Common (seeded / older types)
  These are the traditional buffalo mixes and older seeded selections. They tend to have a coarser leaf and are the most economical option for covering large areas quickly. They tolerate a range of soils and are forgiving of variable maintenance, but they won’t have the soft feel or refined colour of modern hybrids.

• Sir Walter (soft-leaf)
  Sir Walter is one of Australia’s best-known soft-leaf buffalo varieties. It combines a soft, comfortable canopy with very good shade tolerance and strong recovery from wear — making it a favourite for family homes and suburban backyards where kids and pets play. It also performs well across a range of soil types common to the Sunshine Coast and Gympie.

• Palmetto (coarse-leaf)
  Palmetto is a hard-wearing, coarser buffalo that handles heavy traffic, drought and salty conditions particularly well. It’s a good choice for pool surrounds, coastal blocks and rural properties where resilience matters more than an ultra-soft texture.

• Prestige (premium soft-leaf)
  Prestige is a premium soft-leaf buffalo with a deep, attractive green and a dense growth habit. It’s bred for a manicured home appearance and strong weed suppression. If you want a lush, show-quality lawn with manageable maintenance, Prestige is a strong contender.

• Sapphire (modern soft-leaf)
  Sapphire is one of the newer soft-leaf cultivars and a local favourite for its rich blue-green colour, very soft blade, and excellent shade tolerance. It establishes quickly, forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds, and handles family wear surprisingly well.

Spotlight on Sapphire Buffalo

Sapphire Buffalo is a market-leading soft-leaf buffalo designed for modern Australian homes: lush, soft underfoot and remarkably tolerant of shade and coastal conditions. It’s a favourite on the Sunshine Coast because it balances deep green colour, wear tolerance, and low-to-moderate water use, making it ideal for family backyards, poolsides and shaded lawns. If you’re considering buffalo, Sapphire is a commercial favourite for good reason.

Buffalo Grass Pros and Cons

Quick-Scan Table

What Are the Downsides of Buffalo Grass?

• Fungal risk in humid conditions: Buffalo can develop fungal patches if left wet overnight or over-watered. Avoid late evening watering.

• Dormancy: In winter or extreme drought, buffalo will go brown and semi-dormant. It recovers quickly with water and warmth.

• Thatched mat: Over time buffalo can form a dense thatch layer; periodic dethatching/aeration is needed.

• Weed management: While dense canopy outcompetes many weeds, persistent grassy weeds (winter grass, paspalum) can germinate and need pre-emergent control.

Buffalo Grass Maintenance Tips

Mowing

• Keep to the 1/3 rule — never remove more than 1/3 of blade height at once. If overgrown, cut in stages.

• Use a well-sharpened blade. Cylinder mowers give the best finish but a good rotary mower is fine for most home owners.

• Frequency: during active growth (spring–summer) mow weekly to fortnightly depending on growth rates.

Irrigation

• Establishment: frequent, light water to keep turf and soil moist for the first 2–3 weeks.

• After establishment: switch to deep, less frequent watering to encourage deeper roots (apply longer soakings rather than daily light sprays).

• Avoid late-evening watering to minimise fungal risk.

Fertiliser

• Use a slow-release granular fertiliser in spring and again in mid-summer (follow product directions).

• Liquid feeds (including iron) can be used to boost colour but avoid over-application (too much nitrogen can create weak, disease-prone growth).

Weed & Pest Control

• Use pre-emergent herbicide at the onset of germination periods to stop grassy weeds.

• Hand-remove isolated broadleaf weeds. For larger outbreaks, speak to your supplier for selective herbicide options.

• For occasional beetle or larvae outbreaks, consult a turf specialist and follow label instructions for insecticides like Acelepryn where appropriate.

Dethatching & Aeration

• Aerate compacted or high-use areas annually (spring or autumn) to relieve compaction and stimulate root growth.

• Dethatch if thatch layer exceeds 1–1.5 cm to prevent disease and improve nutrient/water penetration.

Buffalo Turf Types in Detail

• Sapphire & Prestige: bred for a fine, soft leaf, dense canopy and good shade tolerance — great for family lawns and coastal homes.

• Palmetto: a reliable, hard-wearing soft leaf variety with good recovery.

• Older coarse buffalo types: cheaper, robust and lower maintenance but coarser underfoot and less lush in appearance.

Buffalo Grass Pros & Cons (Extended Analysis)

Wear Tolerance & Recovery

Buffalo repairs quickly via stolons; areas used for play or pets recover faster than many cool-season grasses. Maintaining good soil and regular watering during establishment maximises recovery rates.

Drought & Heat Performance

Buffalo’s dense root mass and canopy reduce evaporative losses, enabling it to withstand dry spells and bounce back. During extreme drought, dormancy is a survival strategy — the lawn browns but recovers when water returns.

Shade Strategy

If you have shaded areas, choose Sapphire or Prestige and allow a slightly taller mowing height to maximise leaf area for photosynthesis. Avoid competition from tree roots; consider root pruning or soil amendments if turf thins under trees.

Waterfront & Salt Situations

Buffalo is a strong candidate for coastal properties and backyards near pools: it tolerates intermittent salt splash and windborne salt but rinse exposed salt with fresh water where possible and maintain a regular irrigation regime.

Maintenance of Buffalo Grass — Annual Calendar

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does buffalo compare to couch or kikuyu?

A: Buffalo wins in shade tolerance, coastal salt tolerance and soft-leaf comfort. Couch and kikuyu can outcompete buffalo in full sun and recover faster under continuous heavy wear, but they tolerate less shade. Choose buffalo for family backyards with trees and poolside settings.

Q: Can I leave clippings on the lawn?

A: Yes — unobtrusive short clippings help return nutrients. Avoid leaving big clumps from an overlong mow. Remember the 1/3 rule to reduce clumping and stress.

Q: How soon after laying turf can I use the lawn?

A: Light use after two weeks is possible if turf has good soil contact and regular watering. For full recreational use, wait until stolons have rooted (typically 4–8 weeks depending on conditions).

Q: What if I have brown patches in summer?

A: Brown patches can be from drought stress, fungal infection or pest damage. Check watering patterns (avoid late-evening watering), aerate compact zones and consult your supplier for targeted fungicide or insecticide options.

Q: Do I need specialist fertiliser?

A: A quality slow-release fertiliser is ideal. Liquid iron can boost colour. Avoid excessive high-urea feeds which promote weak, disease-prone growth.

Extra Tips for Sunshine Coast & Gympie Homeowners

• Choose Sapphire Buffalo for shaded coastal blocks and family lawns

• Use local experience: test small areas and ask for local grower advice for precise cultivar performance in your microclimate. Our farms are right here on the Sunshine Coast and in Gympie — we know the challenges of heat, humidity and coastal salt.

If you’re ready to convert your backyard into a low-maintenance, family-friendly lawn that stands up to Sunshine Coast & Gympie life, we’ve got the turf and the know-how.

Got a question? Just call us—help is always at hand.
Call us today on 07 5478 9438

Visit our turf farms at:

Roberts Turf Supplies Sunshine Coast
520, Chevallum Road,
Chevallum, QLD 4555
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yRud5D78NqBZE1fs6

Roberts Turf Supplies Gympie
54 Wide Bay Hwy
Bellsbridge QLD 4570
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7ChiZSGzjoAPoFMh7