Sir Walter Buffalo Grass: Complete Care and Maintenance Guide​

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo is Australia's number one choice for instant turf, known for its exceptional durability, lush appearance, and low maintenance requirements. Perfect for any Australian climate, it thrives in full sun, shade, extreme heat, frost, and drought. With a 10-year product warranty, it guarantees satisfaction and peace of mind.

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo is Australia's number one instant turf for good reason. Over 100 million square metres have been installed across the country, enough to turf 1.25 million homes. It's been proven in Australian backyards, school grounds, and sports fields since 1997.

What makes it stand out: genuine shade tolerance (up to 3–4 hours of sun is enough), a deep root system that handles drought, self-repairing wear recovery, and a 10-year Lawn Solutions Australia warranty guaranteeing you receive certified Sir Walter, not a generic substitute.

This is everything you need to know before buying, and how to keep it looking its best once it's down.

Sir Walter at a Glance

Is Sir Walter Right for Your Garden?

Best suited for:

• Lawns with partial to heavy shade. Sir Walter needs only 3–4 hours of direct sun per day
• Gardens with mixed sun and shade throughout the day
• Families with kids and pets as Sir Walter is soft underfoot and self-repairing
• Allergy sufferers due to low pollen production
• Anyone who wants low maintenance without sacrificing appearance
• Melbourne's climate — heat, occasional frost, and periods of drought

Think twice if:

• You want ultra-low water use: TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda uses 38% less water and may be more suitable for drought-prone areas or water-restricted properties
• You want a fine-bladed lawn: Sir Walter's broad leaf is part of its character. For fine texture, consider TifTuf Bermuda

• You need very high wear tolera: for high-intensity sports or commercial applications, TifTuf's wear tolerance is superior

What Makes Sir Walter the Best Buffalo Grass?

Sir Walter Buffalo grass is renowned for its superior durability, adaptability to various climates, and low maintenance needs, making it the top choice for Australian homeowners seeking a lush and resilient lawn.

Why Is Sir Walter Buffalo Grass a Top Choice for Australian Lawns?

For over two decades, Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo Grass has proven itself as the best buffalo grass, with over 100 million meters sold across Australia—enough to turf 1.25 million homes. Here are the key benefits that make Sir Walter Buffalo stand out:

• Drought Tolerant: Its deep root system allows it to retain moisture and survive extended dry periods, making it ideal for the Australian climate.
• Shade Tolerant: Unlike other grass varieties, Sir Walter can thrive with as little as three to four hours of direct sunlight per day, thanks to its broad leaves which capture more sunlight.
• Wear Resistant: Its self-repairing nature makes it perfect for medium-high traffic areas, ensuring it remains lush and green even with kids and pets playing on it.
• Low Maintenance: Sir Walter’s tight growth habit reduces the need for frequent mowing and watering, and its non-invasive root system mean it won’t spread through the soil into garden beds.
• Allergen Friendly: Its low pollen production makes it suitable for allergy sufferers.
• Soft Leaf:  DNA Certified Sir Walter Buffalo is a soft leaf variety, making it softer underfoot compared to other buffalo grasses, providing a comfortable surface for outdoor activities. 

Why Is DNA Certified Sir Walter Australia’s Trusted Buffalo Instant Grass?

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo has earned its reputation as Australia’s most trusted instant turf through consistent performance and exceptional quality. Bred and grown in Australia since 1997, Sir Walter has been installed in over 1.25 million homes across the country. Its versatility and resilience make it the go-to choice for homeowners looking for a reliable and beautiful lawn. The DNA certification ensures that you are getting the genuine Sir Walter Buffalo, backed by rigorous quality controls and a 10-year product warranty.

How to Maintain Sir Walter Buffalo

Mowing

Ideal mowing height: 30–40mm. Sir Walter's broad leaf provides a lush, full appearance at this height.

- Mow more frequently in spring and summer (peak growth); less in autumn and winter

- Never remove more than one-third of the blade in a single mow

- In winter: reduce height to around 25mm to encourage light penetration

- Sharp mower blades are essential — blunt blades tear and shred the broad Sir Walter leaf

Annual care schedule

Watering

Newly laid (weeks 0–4):Water 2–3 times daily. Sir Walter needs consistent moisture to establish root contact with the soil.

Established lawn:

- Summer: Water once every two weeks (deep soak — 1–2 hours)

- Autumn/Spring: Water once a month

- Winter: Water only if there's been no rain for 2+ weeks — rainfall is usually sufficient in Melbourne

Sir Walter's deep root system makes it more drought-tolerant than many buffalo varieties, but it's not as water-efficient as TifTuf Bermuda. If you're on water restrictions, plan accordingly.

Fertilising

Best product: LSA Lawn Fertiliser — specifically developed for Sir Walter DNA Certified turf.

Schedule:

- 5 weeks after installation: First fertiliser application to support establishment

- Every 6–8 weeks through the growing season: Maintain colour and density

- March–April (autumn): Prepare the lawn for winter — support root health before dormancy

- Mid-September (early spring): Kickstart recovery from winter

Tip: Less fertiliser more frequently is better than large infrequent doses. Over-fertilising promotes excessive vertical growth, requiring more mowing.

Dethatching

Thatch is the layer of dead organic material between the soil and living grass blades. In Sir Walter, it builds naturally over time — typically requiring attention once per year.

When: Mid to late November (when grass is actively growing)

Method:

1. Mow the lawn lower than normal

2. Use a dethatching rake (small areas) or a verticutter/power rake (large areas)

3. Remove all clippings

4. Apply LSA Lawn Food

5. Deep water to support recovery

Top dressing

Top dressing levels the surface and improves drainage. Use Turf Sand or White Washed Sand — apply up to 12mm at a time for slightly uneven areas. For deeper irregularities, apply multiple layers over time. To calculate how much you need use our volume calculator to determine you sand or soil order.

Best time: After full dethatching recovery (December–January) or mid to late spring.

After application: rake the sand into the turf, water thoroughly.

How to Lay Sir Walter Buffalo Instant Turf

Soil preparation

1. Remove existing grass (herbicide or manual removal) and clear debris

2. Rotary hoe the top 100mm to break up compacted soil

3. Add topsoil if needed, aim for 100mm of worked soil. Daisy's Lawn Mix is well-suited.

4. Check pH — Sir Walter prefers 6–7.5. Add lime to raise pH if below 6

5. Add water storage crystals to improve moisture retention

6. Apply slow-release starter fertiliser evenly across the surface

7. Rake level and firm — keep soil 20–30mm below paths and edging (to allow for turf thickness)

Laying

1. Start from the far edge and work toward the entry point, avoid walking on fresh turf

2. Ensure Butt joins are tight so there are no gaps between rolls

3. Lay in a brick-work (offset) pattern

4. Trim around obstacles with a sharp knife

5. Use a heavy roller after laying to eliminate air pockets and ensure good soil contact

6. Water immediately and thoroughly

Pro tip: Lay Sir Walter on the day of delivery it's a living plant and the roots dry out quickly, especially in summer.

After laying

- Water daily for 2–4 weeks until roots are firmly established

- Test establishment by grasping the grass when it resists being lifted, roots are anchoring

- First mow: once establishment is confirmed (typically 2–4 weeks)

- Minimise foot traffic for the first 2–4 weeks

Best time to lay: Spring (warming temps + rainfall). Summer is fine but requires diligent daily watering. Winter is possible but establishment takes longer.

Sir Walter vs Other Popular Turf Varieties

• Sir Walter is the best choice if: Shade tolerance is your priority, or you want a soft-leaf buffalo with a proven track record.
• TifTuf is better if: You're in full sun and water efficiency is the priority.
• Kikuyu is better if: You want fast, dense coverage at lowest cost but you'll need to manage runners.
• RTF Tall Fescue is better if: You have heavy shade or want a cool-season grass with year-round green colour.
• Sir Grange if: You want a premium fine-blade lawn with very low maintenance, excellent shade tolerance, and minimal watering once established — and you're happy to wait for it to fully establish before putting it under heavy use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sir Walter Buffalo grass itchy?

No. Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo has smooth, soft leaf blades. It's specifically different from older buffalo varieties that had serrated edges. It's comfortable to walk on barefoot and safe for children.

Is Sir Walter hypoallergenic?

Yes — it's one of the most allergy-friendly lawn varieties available. It produces minimal pollen and has a smooth leaf blade, making it appropriate for people with hay fever or grass allergies.

Will Roundup kill Sir Walter?

Yes. Roundup (active ingredient: glyphosate) is a non-selective herbicide — it will kill Sir Walter along with everything else. Use selective herbicides designed for buffalo grass only. Always check that the active ingredient won't harm your turf before applying any weed killer.

Does Sir Walter survive frost?

Yes, but it may lose colour during prolonged frost. It recovers once temperatures rise. To minimise damage: avoid walking on the lawn during frost, apply a light watering before sunrise to melt frost from the blades, and keep the lawn well-fertilised through autumn to build hardiness before winter.

What fertiliser is best for Sir Walter?

LSA Lawn Fertiliser — developed specifically for Sir Walter DNA Certified turf. Apply around 5 weeks after installation, then every 6–8 weeks through the growing season.

How fast does Sir Walter establish?

Root establishment typically takes 2–4 weeks in spring/summer. In winter, allow 6–8 weeks. The turf is established when you can't easily lift it by grabbing the grass blades.

Does Sir Walter spread into garden beds?

Unlike Kikuyu and some other grasses, Sir Walter has a non-invasive root system. It doesn't spread through the soil into adjacent garden beds. This makes it significantly easier to manage borders.

Why Is DNA Certified Sir Walter Perfect for Kids and Pets?

When it comes to creating a safe and enjoyable outdoor space for your family, Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo is the ideal choice. Its soft, broad leaves provide a comfortable surface for kids to play on, while its low-allergenic properties make it suitable for allergy sufferers. The grass's self-repairing nature means it can withstand the wear and tear of pets and children, quickly bouncing back from any damage. Additionally, Sir Walter's dense growth habit helps prevent weed invasion, ensuring a clean and safe environment for your loved ones to enjoy.

The 10-Year Sir Walter Warranty

Every roll of Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo sold through authorised dealers comes with a 10-year product warranty from Lawn Solutions Australia, plus a Certificate of Authenticity. This confirms you are receiving genuine Sir Walter — not an unregistered look-alike.

The warranty covers genetic purity. For performance claims specific to your conditions, consult your supplier.

Buy Sir Walter at Daisy's

We deliver instant turf across Melbourne and Geelong. Daisy's also stock all materials and accessories for instant turf such as White Washed Sand and Turf Sand for top dressing along with Lawn Seed and Care Products.

Shop Sir Walter Buffalo OR Visit us at your nearest Daisys's