I have buffalo lawn with much Bermuda and paspalum throughout. 1. What would be the best method for killing each?
2. Preventative methods to stop them coming back or spreading
Thank you!
Hi @lenny__,
Unfortunately, it’s a bit of a tricky situation once these grasses establish themselves within a buffalo lawn.
Bermuda (couch) is particularly difficult to remove from buffalo. I’m not aware of any selective herbicides that will reliably kill Bermuda grass without also damaging or killing buffalo. Once it has spread through the lawn, there’s usually no easy chemical solution. If it becomes a major issue and you want a perfectly uniform lawn again, the most reliable option is often to kill off the lawn and start again.
For paspalum, there are some selective herbicides that can control it, such as David Gray's 500ml Crab Grass and Clover Killer Selective Herbicide. However, in a buffalo lawn this product generally needs to be used very carefully as a spot treatment, as it can also harm buffalo if applied too broadly.
For prevention and limiting spread:
Realistically, once Bermuda has mixed through Buffalo, it can be difficult to fully eliminate, so management is often about controlling patches rather than complete removal.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Hi Mitchell
Thank you for the information and tips! a couple further questions:
Do Bermuda patches prevent my buffalo from growing into these areas or is if just a matter of time? I have noticed my buffalo seemingly hesitant If I were to remove as much Bermuda as possible and god willing my buffalo becomes
Bermuda grass patches can slow down buffalo from filling in those areas because it is a very aggressive grass. It spreads quickly with stolons and rhizomes and competes strongly for nutrients, water, and light. Even if you leave it, your buffalo may eventually grow into the patches, but it will take longer and the areas may remain thin or patchy.
If you remove as much Bermuda as possible by hand or careful spot treatment, your buffalo has a much better chance of reclaiming the space. To help your buffalo fill in successfully, dig out Bermuda roots and stolons thoroughly because small fragments can regrow. Use buffalo plugs or runners to fill bare patches, and plant them close together to encourage faster spreading. Fertilise and water carefully to support buffalo growth while avoiding overwatering, which can favour Bermuda regrowth. Mow your buffalo at the correct height, around 40 to 50 millimetres, to help it shade out weeds and encourage horizontal growth. Finally, monitor the lawn closely and remove any new Bermuda shoots immediately, as small patches are easier to control than larger ones.
The more you reduce Bermuda and actively support your buffalo, the quicker your lawn will recover. It will not happen overnight, but with persistence, your buffalo should gradually take over.
Hi Mitchell,
one more quick question.
If i apply a preemergent to maybe stop new weeds from growing in, would it hinder the spread of my buffalo?
Thanks
Good question @lenny__,
Most pre-emergent herbicides work by preventing seeds from germinating. Since buffalo grass spreads mainly through runners (stolons) rather than seed, applying a pre-emergent generally won’t stop your buffalo from spreading across the lawn. However, it’s important to make sure the product you choose is labelled as safe for buffalo lawns, as some products can cause stress to certain turf varieties. It’s also best used on an established lawn rather than very new turf, and you should always follow the recommended application rates, as over-application can sometimes slow turf growth slightly. Used correctly, a buffalo-safe pre-emergent can help reduce new weeds establishing, while your buffalo thickens up, which can actually help the lawn fill in more successfully.
Another question: what lawn care behaviors would encourage buffalo over Bermuda to flourish?
Hello @lenny__
To give buffalo grass the upper hand over Bermuda grass, it helps to lean into the natural strengths of Buffalo grass particularly its shade tolerance, broader leaf structure, and preference for slightly less aggressive maintenance.
Buffalo tends to perform best when mown a little higher, typically around 40–60 mm. Keeping your mowing height up shades the soil surface and makes it harder for Bermuda to establish and spread, as Bermuda thrives in low, tightly cut conditions. Letting the lawn grow slightly longer also allows buffalo runners to spread more effectively and thicken the turf canopy.
Watering habits can also shift the balance. Buffalo prefers deeper, less frequent watering, which encourages stronger root systems. Bermuda, on the other hand, responds very quickly to frequent, light watering. By watering deeply but less often, you support buffalo while making conditions less ideal for Bermuda.
Fertilising plays a role as well. Buffalo doesn’t require as much nitrogen as Bermuda, which tends to respond aggressively to high nitrogen inputs. Using a balanced, slow-release fertiliser at moderate rates will sustain buffalo growth without giving Bermuda an advantage.
Shade is another key factor. If parts of your lawn receive partial shade—whether from trees, fences, or structures buffalo will generally outperform Bermuda in those areas. Encouraging or maintaining some filtered shade can naturally suppress Bermuda spread.
Finally, maintaining a dense buffalo lawn is one of the most effective strategies. The thicker the turf, the less opportunity Bermuda has to creep in. Regular dethatching (if needed), proper feeding, and allowing buffalo runners to knit together will all help create that dense coverage.
In short, higher mowing, deeper watering, moderate feeding, and a slightly shadier environment all tip the balance toward buffalo and away from Bermuda, helping your lawn gradually become more dominated by buffalo over time.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
