What are thin runners in Sir Walter Buffalo lawn?

ehsan_rd

Hi,

I have a 2-month-old Sir Walter Buffalo lawn that was laid on topsoil with fertiliser. I’ve noticed some thinner, different-looking runners growing through it. The leaves are narrower than my buffalo grass and it seems to be spreading.

but I’ve noticed some thinner, different-looking runners growing through it. The leaves are narrower than my buffalo grass and it seems to be spreading.

I’m also seeing more of it coming from the open areas near the trees and along the edges of the lawn, so I’m not sure if it’s growing underneath the buffalo or creeping in from outside.

Could you please have a look and recommend a suitable product or solution that is safe for Sir Walter Buffalo to control this without damaging my lawn?

Thank you.

MitchellMc

Hi @ehsan_rd.

Thanks for your detailed description.

From what you’ve described (and based on the images provided), there’s nothing that would lead me to believe this is anything other than normal runners from your Sir Walter Buffalo lawn.

Buffalo grass naturally spreads via stolons (runners), and it’s quite common for:

• New runners to appear thinner and lighter in colour
• Leaves on fresh growth to look narrower and slightly different
• Growth near edges and open areas to look more aggressive as it spreads to fill gaps

In a young lawn (only 2 months old), this behaviour is actually a good sign — it means the turf is actively establishing and knitting itself together.

It’s also very normal for runners to:

• Push into open areas near trees
• Thicken up along edges
• Look slightly different while they’re still immature growth

At this stage, I wouldn’t recommend applying any herbicide or treatment, as there’s no indication of a different grass or weed species. Applying a product unnecessarily could stress your new lawn.

If you’d like extra reassurance, you can:

• Mow regularly to encourage thickening
• Keep up appropriate watering for establishment
• Apply a light fertiliser feed after 8–10 weeks if needed

But from everything described, this looks like healthy Buffalo doing what it’s supposed to do, which is spreading and filling in.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell