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How to treat Sir Walter Buffalo lawn going brown?

I had Sir Walter Buffalo laid approx. 10 months ago and it was doing very well. In the last 2 weeks, large areas look like they are dying - see photo below. Any assistance/thoughts would be welcome. Area close to fence still looks OK/normal, but rest is brown?

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MitchellMc

Hi @Barry7,

Could we please get a higher quality image of the area, and then one showing the whole lawn and this area? There isn't much I can use in the current image.

Have you fertilised? What's you're watering regime like? Does this area of the lawn suffer from drainage issues, and does the soil remain wet for a period of time after watering/rain, or does it dry out quicker than the green area?

If you have fertilised, I'd recommend applying Scotts Lawn Builder 4kg Buffalo Lawn Food.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Barry7

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/51293#Comment_51293

Thanks Mitchell - we have had quite a bit of rain lately, so I have not watered much. I applied Scotts Lawn Builder All Lawn Type, Lawn food approx 8 weeks ago. I will try your suggestion - I have uploaded a better image for you. The areas that are still healthy are along a the fence and wall - the middle areas are dying - I think the drainage is even/equally good as I have never had this problem. Appreciate your helpTop of picture still looks healthy - this is close to a border fence

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/87773#Comment_87773

Don't double apply fertilisers @Barry7 as it can damage the grass. If you've fertilised recently, that's not likely the cause.

How even is the lawn? Could the area that is struggling be on a slight mound and be getting cut lower than the rest?

I don't see much wrong with the grass, but it is noticeably shorter than the green area. I suspect that if the green area were cut this short, it would also look the same. It's so short that the thatched dead growth is exposed.

Mitchell

Barry7

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/109451#Comment_109451

My last mow was approx 10 days ago and cut all areas the same. There is a sight slope, however even the flatter areas are looking the same. Could it be an insect/grub issue?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/122071#Comment_122071

It could potentially be a grub issue @Barry7. However, that doesn't really explain the length of the grass blades. If you take a look at the green area, the blades are close to two, if not three, times as long, adding to their green appearance. The struggling area is cut very close to the ground and almost scalped. The blades of grass don't look like they've died back or are yellow, as would be the case with a grub infestation; they just look very short.

If your entire lawn looked like this and was struggling, I'd say it's a clear case of mowing too low, and I would recommend bringing your mower up at least one or two notches.

I'd potentially topdress this area with enough soil to rake in around the grass; maybe 20mm. Don't cover the grass blades entirely. Then apply Seasol to it. Bring the mower up and don't cut it so low for several weeks, and see how it responds.

Mitchell

Barry7

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/130111#Comment_130111

Hi Mitchell

When laying top soil, I found 4 worms/grubs - any thoughts?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135161#Comment_135161

Yeah, nice find @Barry7. Those are armyworms, and they are likely the culprits (or at least a major concern), although I would have expected more of a dieback rather than the appearance we've seen. If you've just found those near the surface, there are likely hundreds, if not thousands, more. It's important to deal with this quickly, as they can devastate a lawn within a few days, depending on the numbers. I recommend picking up some Richgro 2.5kg Lawn Beetle and Grub Killa and applying it to the lawn as soon as possible. It needs to be applied to both the affected and non-affected areas. Don't skimp on the quantity either; pick up the required amount for your lawn size. Each container does 400 metres squared.

Well done.

Mitchell

Barry7

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138498#Comment_138498

Thanks - is this safe to use if I have a dog?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140711#Comment_140711

You should keep your dog out of the area at least until the granules have completely dissolved @Barry7. Alternatively, you can use Richgro 2L Hose On Lawn Beetle And Grub Killa just don't let your dog enter the area until it has entirely dried.

Mitchell

Barry7

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142333#Comment_142333

Thanks - this looks like it is more eco and dog friendly....https://www.bunnings.com.au/multicrop-2l-ecogrub-3-in-1-insecticide_p2961324

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143491#Comment_143491

Yes, it would be, @Barry7.

Mitchell

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