DNA Certified Sir Walter Buffalo Instant Turf | An Ultimate Guide to Australia’s Premier Lawn Solution

11 August 2024 by
Harley Thompson

Why Choose DNA Certified Sir Walter Buffalo? An Ideal Choice for Any Climate

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.

Drought Resistance

Medium-High

Shade Tolerance

Over 50%

Wear Tolerance 

Medium-High

Maintenance

Very Low

Leaf Type

Broad

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.

Why Is DNA Certified Sir Walter Buffalo So Tolerant to Shade and Drought?

It's designed to thrive in a variety of harsh Australian conditions. Its high shade tolerance allows it to flourish with as little as three-four hours of direct sunlight per day, making it perfect for areas with partial shade. Additionally, Sir Walter's deep root system ensures excellent drought tolerance, enabling the grass to retain moisture and stay green even during extended dry periods. This unique combination of shade and drought tolerance sets Sir Walter apart from other turf varieties, ensuring a lush and resilient lawn year-round.

  • High Shade Tolerance: Thrives with as little as three hours of sunlight per day.
  • Excellent Drought Tolerance: Deep root system retains moisture and stays green during dry periods.

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.

  • Soft and Comfortable: Broad leaves are soft underfoot.
  • Low-Allergenic: Suitable for allergy sufferers.
  • Self-Repairing: Recovers quickly from wear and tear.
  • Weed Resistant: Dense growth habit prevents weed invasion.

How Do You Maintain Sir Walter Buffalo Instant Turf?

Maintaining Sir Walter Buffalo Instant Turf is straightforward and requires minimal effort, ensuring your lawn remains lush, healthy, and beautiful throughout the year. It is important to know the key maintenance practices, such as mowing, watering, fertilising, and de-thatching, to keep your turf looking its best and maximise its resilience against environmental challenges.

What Are the Key Steps to Maintaining Sir Walter Buffalo?

Maintaining Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Here are some key maintenance tips:

  • Mowing: Regular mowing improves the quality and look of your lawn. The ideal mowing height is 30-40mm. Mow more often in spring and summer and less frequently in autumn and winter.
  • Thatch Removal: Remove thatch each spring in mid to late November by mowing the lawn at 20mm, using a rake to pull up excess runners & mowing off in a horizontal & then vertical pattern and follow this with an application of Lawn Solutions Australia Lawn Food and deep irrigation.
  • Topdressing: Top dress with Turf Sand or White Washed Sand to achieve a level surface, minimising turf scalping. This can be done after full recovery from de-thatching or at any time during mid-late spring.

How Often Should Sir Walter DNA Certified Be Watered?

Watering frequency depends on several factors, including soil type and weather conditions:

  • Newly Installed Turf: Water approximately two to three times a day until it can source its own water supply.
  • Established Lawn:
    • Summer: Water once every two weeks.
    • Autumn and Spring: Water once a month.
    • Winter: Water only if needed, as rainfall is usually sufficient.

What Is the Best Fertiliser for Sir Walter DNA Certified?

LSA Fertiliser, a premium lawn food specifically developed for Sir Walter DNA Certified turf, is the best choice. Here are some fertilising tips:

  • Initial Application: Fertilise around 5 weeks after installation.
  • Regular Feeding: Apply every 6-8 weeks to keep the lawn healthy all year round.
  • Seasonal Fertilising:
    • Autumn (March to April): Prepare the lawn for winter.
    • Early Spring (mid-September): Help the lawn come out of winter dormancy.

    SHOP LSA FERTILISER HERE

How Do You Top Dress Your Sir Walter DNA Certified Turf?

Topdressing can help level the lawn and provide essential nutrients:

  • Use Top Dressing Sand: Achieve a level surface while minimising turf scalping, improving drainage and promoting soil health by using a Top Dressing, such as Turf Sand or White Washed Sand. This can be done after full recovery from de-thatching or at any time during mid-late spring.
  • Level Uneven Areas: Apply topdressing up to 12mm for slightly uneven areas. For deeper areas, apply multiple layers.
  • Repair Holes: Raise grass on top of holes and add topdressing underneath to elevate the lawn level. Water thoroughly after application.

How Do I Dethatch My Sir Walter DNA Certified Turf?

Thatch can block air, water, and nutrients from reaching grass roots. Here’s how to manage it:

  • Low Cut Mowing: Mow the lawn at a much lower height than normal and remove all clippings to allow even regrowth.
  • Dethatching Rake: Use a special rake to remove dead vegetation and enhance water penetration.
  • Dethatching Machine: For large lawns or severe thatch buildup, use a verticutter or power rake. Follow up with fertiliser and deep watering.

What Warranty Comes with Sir Walter Buffalo Grass?

When you purchase Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo Grass, you’re investing in a product that comes with a 10-Year Product Warranty. This warranty ensures that your lawn is 100% genuine Sir Walter, grown and harvested in line with stringent standards. With every purchase, you receive a Certificate of Authenticity, giving you peace of mind that you are getting the highest quality turf available.

How Do You Lay Sir Walter Buffalo?

Laying Sir Walter Buffalo Instant Turf requires careful preparation and precise installation to ensure a beautiful, healthy lawn that thrives for years. Understanding the steps involved in both preparation and laying is essential for achieving optimal results and long-term success with your new turf.

How Do I Prepare to Lay My Sir Walter DNA Certified Turf?

Proper site preparation is crucial for the long-term success of your lawn. Here’s how to prepare:

  • Remove Existing Grass: Use a weed killer to eliminate any remaining grass and clear rocks, sticks, and other debris from the soil.
  • Aerate the Soil: If laying on soil or clay, till the surface with a rotary hoe to break it up and promote root initiation.
  • Add Topsoil: If the area has minimal topsoil, add a layer of sandy garden loam, such as Daisy's Lawn Mix to enhance the soil's quality.
  • Check pH Levels: Ensure the soil’s pH is between 6 and 7.5. Adjust if necessary by adding lime to raise the pH.
  • Water Storage Crystals: Incorporate water storage crystals to help retain moisture.
  • Fertiliser: Apply a slow-release fertiliser to support the turf’s initial growth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Laying Sir Walter Buffalo Grass

1. Prepare Your Surface:

  • Spray Herbicide: Apply a non-selective herbicide to the existing area to eliminate current and future weeds. Make sure to cover both grassy and non-grassy areas.
  • Clear Debris: Remove any rocks, dead weeds, and other debris to ensure a smooth surface for laying the soil.

2. Remove Existing Grass:

  • Old Grass Removal: Use a rotary hoe for small areas or a bobcat for larger projects to remove any existing grass. If there is no grass present, proceed to step 3.
  • Clear Objects: Ensure all rocks and other objects are removed.

3. Lay Your Soil:

  • Soil Preparation: Ensure you have at least 100 mm of well-worked soil. Remove stones, clods, and other debris. If installing new soil, consider using a high quality topsoil such as Daisy's Lawn Mix
  • Rake the Soil: Rake the area to create looseness in the soil, enhancing the root growth of your new turf.
  • Fertiliser Application: Apply a suitable fertiliser to support initial growth. This will not be required if you are using Daisy's Lawn Mix or similar.
  • Level the Soil: Keep the soil level 20-30mm below lawn edging and other surfaces like driveways. Complete this step a week before laying the turf to allow soil development.


4. Apply Fertiliser:

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5. Lay Your Turf:

  • Start Laying: Begin from the lawn’s edge or outer corner. Lay the turf along a straight edge, such as a fence, brick, or garden edge.
  • Methodical Approach: Work from the point furthest from your turf stack, moving towards it to avoid doubling your efforts.
  • Stagger Joints: Stagger the joints of the turf pieces to encourage better growth. Lay the turf on the day of delivery while it's fresh.

6. Water and Boost Your Turf with Nutrients:

  • Immediate Watering: Water the lawn immediately after installation to help settle the turf and encourage initial root growth.
  • Daily Watering: Continue to water daily for the next few weeks to keep the turf moist and encourage root establishment.
  • Check Root Establishment: The turf has taken root when it becomes difficult to lift by grasping the grass.
  • Regular Maintenance: After establishment, fertilise a few times a year and water once weekly. Increase watering frequency during extreme hot or cold months if the turf loses colour.

What are Some Additional Tips for Optimal use of Sir Walter?

  • Soil Levelling: Ensure even soil distribution for uniform grass growth.
  • Soil Compaction: Use a heavy roller to compact the soil, eliminating air pockets and preventing dry patches.
  • Wetting Agents: Apply wetting agents once the soil is level and compact if desired.
  • Prompt Installation: Lay the turf as quickly as possible since it is a live plant and sensitive to drying out.
  • Avoid Overlapping: Do not overlap turf rolls or leave gaps. Ensure the turf is snug and even.
  • Minimise Foot Traffic: Avoid walking on freshly laid, wet turf to prevent uneven dips and ensure proper establishment.
  • Root Establishment: Sir Walter Buffalo grass typically establishes deep roots within 2-4 weeks. Keep the turf moist and avoid walking on it during this period.

What Is the Best Time to Lay Sir Walter DNA Certified Turf?

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo can be laid year-round, but the timing can affect the establishment and maintenance requirements:

  • Spring: Ideal for laying turf due to warming temperatures and ample rainfall. This promotes rapid establishment and root growth.
  • Summer: Turf establishes quickly in the heat, but ensure daily watering to prevent drying out during periods of weaker sunshine.
  • Autumn: Early autumn is favourable, allowing the turf to establish before winter. Late autumn is suitable for low-traffic, full-sun areas.
  • Winter: Lay in full sun areas with low foot traffic for best results. Expect slower root generation and longer establishment periods compared to warmer seasons.

Other FAQs About Sir Walter Instant Turf

Is Sir Walter DNA-Certified Turf Itchy?

  • No, Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo Grass is not itchy. Unlike traditional buffalo grasses that have serrated edges causing skin irritation, Sir Walter has soft, smooth leaves that are comfortable to walk on and gentle on the skin.

Is Sir Walter DNA-Certified Turf Hypoallergenic?

  • Yes, Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo Grass is hypoallergenic. It produces minimal pollen and has a smooth leaf blade, making it a suitable choice for people with allergies or hay fever. Its low-allergenic properties ensure a safe and pleasant lawn for everyone.

Does Roundup Kill Buffalo Grass?

  • Yes, Roundup contains glyphosate, which kills buffalo grass, including Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo. If you need to use a weed killer, opt for one that is safe for buffalo lawns. Always check the active ingredients to ensure they do not harm your Sir Walter turf.

Does Sir Walter DNA Certified Turf Survive Frost?

  • Yes, Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo Grass can survive winter frosts. While it may lose some colour during frosty periods, it is resilient and will recover once temperatures rise. To minimise frost damage, avoid walking on the lawn during frost, water lightly before sunrise to melt frost, and maintain a healthy lawn during autumn to prepare it for winter.