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How to repair the buffalo lawn patches?

Hi guys

i have got the patches as shown in the pics in my backyard with buffalo grass. The last I remember was that I had applied seasol and some other unbranded fertiliser possibly unevenly. That’s the only thing I can remember applying in last 3 months. The grass died 2 months ago and I have raked the top part and it now looks like the pics below

can you guide me on how to fix it

Community manager's note: Check out How to repair lawn for expert advice.

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Comments

EricL

Hello @vg_39

I suspect that the item that you spilled in those spots are still lingering in the soil. This is possibly why the grass has not grown back into those bare areas. I recommend aerating the bald spots with a Cyclone Stainless Steel Fork Hand Tool. This will open up the soil and allow any trapped moisture in the ground to come out. Water the soil very well to dilute any leftover chemicals that are in that area.

If the grass does not begin to creep back in a few weeks, I propose having a look at Garden Basics 1kg Lawn Repair Lawn Seed And Fertiliser. Apply it to the patch as instructed on the back of the box.

I also suggest having a look at this discussion - Lawn recovery with seeds by @prettyliving

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

vg_39

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/25072#Comment_25072

Thanks @EricL

I have aerated the soil. However, it’s been raining in Sydney for last couple of days. Let’s see how this goes.

I will report back in two weeks

many thanks

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/75233#Comment_75233

Hi @vg_39,

If you don't have any luck, which I suspect you won't if it's already been two months, then I'd suggest digging the area over and applying a 20mm thick layer of topsoil. You can then re-seed the area with a lawn repair mix.

Mitchell

vg_39

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101353#Comment_101353

Thanks @MitchellMc . Will do

does this lawn repair work on buffalo lawn and will the new grass grow as buffalo one ?

is there any lawn repair specific for my buffalo lawn?

many thanks

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117614#Comment_117614

Hi @vg_39

The buffalo grass will grow across by itself when the patchy area is fixed.

Consider another lawn die back cause.

Another possible causes of that die back is lawn grubs that eat the grasses small roots effectivly killing it. I just advised my neighbour or the same issue and proved it by lifting out a clod of dirt/soil 10cm deep and breaking it open showed 2 lawn grubs. Now buffalo sending out new runners over the damaged area 2 weeks later. after lawn grub treatment. See new tufts growing in, what was barren dirt area .

Lawn Grub dining zone on grass roots

So lawn grubs are targeted by lawn grub killer at bunnings. Dig a clod out and see for your self if there are any grubs as a sort of confirmation the loose dirt will help lawn grow back too.

vg_39

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/127053#Comment_127053

Hi @Jewelleryrescue

thank you

i have checked I don’t have

any lawn grub

i have bought lawn repair mix as suggested by @MitchellMc which I plan to use in 2 weeks based on another suggestion by @EricL @to wait after aeration

i will post progress

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133313#Comment_133313

Hi @vg_39

I am very glad you dont get lawn grubs but one or two doses should do it. I hope those patches grows back quickly if they dont try lawn grub remedy any how as it deals with more than one condition.

Stuckster

I wouldn't use a lawn repair product. Who knows what varieties of grass you will be introducing. You can't reseed buffalo, so I would simply buy a couple of square meters of buffalo turf and some underlay soil. Dig out the dead stuff, throw down the underlay with some of your favourite fertilizer then lay the new turf on top. Water each day for a week then gradually spread out the watering to every 3-4 days over the course of the next couple of weeks to encourage deeper root growth. Should be good as gold in 2-3 weeks.

KhurramJamshed

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/32548#Comment_32548

Helli all,

I have a similar issue with sir walter buffalo in backyard, and i laid new patched to the effective area last year around Nov/Dec. It stayed healthy for the next few months and then back to previous stayed.

This is north-east side of a nackyard and stays bit in shade other than peak summers when sun goes high in altitude.

I have checked for grubs using soap water, but cudnt see any.

Can someone plz share any pointers, what cud be a possible csuse.

And if the lawn repair actually worked?

@vg_39

I dont want to do the same hassle of laying new patches again.

Below is how it was last yr before i put the new patch:

Laid new patches:

and now its back to like a first pic again 😞

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/83014#Comment_83014

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @KhurramJamshed. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about repairing lawn.

How frustrating to go through the process of laying new turf only to see it revert to its previous state. One of the key factors in ensuring the longevity of new turf is the preparation of the soil before laying it down, which might be contributing to the issues you're seeing.

When laying new turf, especially in areas that have previously struggled, you must address any compacted soil. Compacted soil can prevent roots from penetrating deeply, leading to poor turf establishment and making the lawn more susceptible to stress. Aerating the soil before laying new patches can help alleviate this compaction. Aeration involves creating small holes in the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively.

In addition to aeration, applying a layer of topdressing can also be beneficial. Topdressing with a sandy loam mix can improve soil structure, help retain moisture, and encourage healthy root growth. It also creates a more level surface, making it easier for the new turf to establish.

Given that your lawn is in a shaded area, it might also be worth considering that Sir Walter buffalo, while shade-tolerant, can still struggle if not given adequate light. Ensuring the soil is well-prepared can give it the best chance to thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Here's a helpful step-by-step guide: How to lay turf.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

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