Buffalo grass looks its best when mowed at the right height. Too short and it scalps; too long and it becomes thatchy and uneven.
Buffalo grass has broad, soft leaves that do not respond well to close cutting. The recommended mowing height for most Buffalo varieties in Sydney is between 35 and 50 millimetres. In shaded areas, leave the grass slightly longer, around 50 to 60 millimetres, so each blade can capture more light.
In summer, aim for the lower end of the range, around 35 to 45 millimetres. The lawn will look neat and cope better with heat if it is not overgrown. In winter, raise the cut to 45 to 55 millimetres. The extra leaf length helps the grass photosynthesise during shorter days and protects the crown from cold damage.
Scalping is the biggest risk with Buffalo. If you cut into the crown or remove too much leaf at once, the lawn can turn brown and take weeks to recover. Always mow when the grass is dry, and never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade in a single pass.
If your lawn has developed a thick thatch layer, consider dethatching in spring rather than trying to mow lower. A well-maintained Buffalo lawn, cut at the right height, will stay dense, green and comfortable underfoot all year round.
[ Get a quote ]
let's get started
Tell us about your hedge, lawn or garden and we will send a clear, itemised quote. We service Sydney's North Shore, Northern Beaches and Eastern Suburbs.