Mowing Buffalo Grass Lawn (How To + Effective Mowing Tips)

Buffalo grass is known for its soft texture, toughness, and drought tolerance, making it a popular choice for lawns across Australia and warm regions of the United States. But to keep Buffalo grass looking great and healthy, mowing needs a specific approach. The way you mow can affect everything from grass thickness to weed resistance.

This guide walks you through exactly how to mow Buffalo grass, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to get the thick, even lawn you want.

Understanding Buffalo Grass Growth

Buffalo grass stands out for its broad, soft leaves and stoloniferous growth pattern, meaning it spreads via above-ground runners. It thrives in warm climates and can handle shade better than many other turf types. Unlike some grasses, Buffalo doesn’t grow upright very quickly. Instead, it forms a dense, mat-like layer, which helps choke out weeds but also means it can look unruly if not managed.

The grass slows its growth in cooler months, especially in regions that experience winter frosts. Its growth habit means mowing too low or too frequently can stress it. Buffalo also forms seed heads less often than grasses like couch or kikuyu, so you’ll notice fewer tall flower stalks appearing in the turf. This has implications for when and how you cut it back during the growing season.

Ideal Mowing Height for Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass likes to be kept longer than many other lawn types. The ideal mowing height is typically between 35 and 65 millimeters (about 1.5 to 2.5 inches). Keeping it on the higher side helps shade out weeds, protects the crown of the plant, and encourages deeper roots. Cutting too short-known as scalping-can stress Buffalo grass, leave it thin, and open up the canopy for weed invasion.

In shaded areas, aim for the higher end of the range. Grass in full sun can be kept a bit shorter. During periods of stress, such as drought or extreme heat, increase mowing height slightly. This helps conserve moisture and keeps the grass healthier overall.

How Often to Mow Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass does not require frequent mowing compared to faster-growing turf types. During peak growing seasons (spring and summer), expect to mow once every 7 to 14 days. Growth slows in autumn and winter, so mowing might drop back to once every three or four weeks-or even less.

Follow the “one-third rule”: never remove more than a third of the leaf blade in one mowing session. If your lawn has gotten out of control, raise your mower height and gradually lower it over several mowings. This minimizes stress and helps keep the turf dense and healthy.

Choosing the Right Mower

Buffalo grass can be mowed with either rotary or cylinder (reel) mowers, but each has its pros and cons. Rotary mowers are common and work well for regular home use. They’re suitable for lawns that might have sticks, debris, or uneven ground. Cylinder mowers give a cleaner, finer cut but require a very level surface and regular blade maintenance.

Regardless of mower type, sharp blades are essential. Dull blades tear the grass, leaving jagged edges that brown off and create a patchy appearance. Check and sharpen mower blades at least every season, or more often if the lawn is large or you mow frequently. For small lawns, battery-powered mowers are increasingly popular and work well on Buffalo turf, provided the blades are sharp.

Best Time of Day and Weather for Mowing

The best time to mow Buffalo grass is mid-morning, after the dew has dried but before the day’s heat peaks. Mowing wet or dewy grass can lead to clumping, uneven cuts, and increased risk of fungal disease. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day, as this can stress the grass and the person mowing.

If rain is forecast or the soil is soggy, wait for drier conditions. Mowing wet Buffalo grass can compact the soil, cause ruts, and encourage disease. During very hot spells or drought, mow less frequently and at a higher setting to protect the grass from heat stress.

Dealing With Clippings: To Catch or Not?

Many Buffalo lawn owners wonder whether to collect clippings or let them stay on the lawn. The answer depends on how much grass you’re removing. If you’re following the one-third rule and mowing regularly, the short clippings can usually be left on the lawn. They break down quickly and return nutrients to the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer.

If you’ve let the lawn get too long or it’s particularly thick, the clippings may form clumps and smother the grass. In that case, use a catcher or rake up the excess. Never leave long, wet clippings on Buffalo grass, as this can lead to fungal problems and uneven regrowth.

Common Mowing Mistakes to Avoid

Scalping is one of the most common errors with Buffalo lawns. Cutting too short removes the green part of the grass and exposes the brown stems, leaving the lawn looking patchy and brown. Always adjust mower height so the grass remains lush after mowing.

Another mistake is infrequent mowing. Letting Buffalo grass grow too long and then cutting it back sharply can shock the plant and thin out the turf. Regular, light mowing is better than infrequent, heavy cuts. Also, remember to change up your mowing pattern every few weeks to avoid creating ruts or a grain in the turf direction.

Encouraging a Thick, Weed-Resistant Lawn

Proper mowing helps Buffalo grass develop a dense canopy that resists weeds. Combined with good watering and occasional fertilizing, regular mowing at the right height encourages sideways growth and fills in bare patches. Don’t forget to edge the lawn for a neat look and to stop runners from invading garden beds or paths.

If you notice thinning or bare areas, check your mowing height, schedule, and mower blades. Sometimes adjusting these factors is enough to restore healthy, vigorous growth. Aerating compacted soil and topdressing with a thin layer of sandy soil can also help Buffalo grass recover and thrive.

Frequently asked questions