Hi, I have a Buffalo variant called Kings Pride, in winter it basically stops growing. You can see all the other grass varieties like kikuyu growing amongst it. Other than watering, what are some ways to keep it happy throughout winter? Thx Chris
Hi @chriskuta,
Buffalo grasses naturally slow right down over winter, so what you're seeing is quite normal. Unfortunately, kikuyu doesn't slow down nearly as much, so it often takes the opportunity to spread through dormant buffalo.
The best thing you can do over winter is keep the lawn free of excess leaf litter, avoid mowing too short and only water if conditions are particularly dry. There's generally no need to fertilise during winter, as the grass isn't actively growing and won't make the most of it. If anything, it will just give nutrients to the kikuyu which is still growing.
If the kikuyu starts excessively creeping into the buffalo, it's worth pulling out small patches by hand or spot-treating them before they become established, as they'll be much easier to manage now than in spring where they will blend in better.
Once the weather warms up, give the buffalo a quality slow-release lawn fertiliser, such as https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/garden/lawn/how-to-care-for-your-lawn-in-winter and resume regular mowing. A healthy, actively growing buffalo lawn will hopefully outcompete the kikuyu once warmer weather kicks in and it comes out of dormancy.
You can check out https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/garden/lawn/how-to-care-for-your-lawn-in-winter for some further tips on caring for your lawn during winter.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Jacob
