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How to fix yellowing buffalo lawn laid 2 months ago?

HNY team!

I laid my buffalo lawn 2 months ago. It has taken off well apart from 1/3rd of the area which is thin comparatively with shades of yellow grass as can be seen in the picture. 2/3rd of the area is lush green.
I am not sure if it is normal or do I need to take any action considering its only 2 months young? I have been watering it well and has once over mowed. I have already applied 2L Seasol the Seaweed Solution for Buffalo Grass but have not noticed any difference.
Any help will be much appreciated.

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Comments

EricL

Hello @Mirwais

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

What you’re describing is actually very common with a young buffalo lawn, especially at only two months old, so there’s no need to panic. Buffalo turf often establishes unevenly in its early stages, and differences in colour or thickness usually point to variations in what’s happening underneath the turf rather than a problem with the grass itself. Since two thirds of the area is already lush and green, that’s a good sign that the lawn is healthy overall.

The thinner, yellowing section is most often caused by soil-related issues such as compaction, drainage differences, or uneven soil quality before the turf was laid. If that area holds more moisture, buffalo can yellow because it doesn’t like constantly wet feet. On the other hand, if it dries out faster due to more sun exposure, wind, or shallower soil, it can also struggle despite regular watering. These differences often don’t become obvious until the lawn starts trying to root down and establish properly.

It’s also worth noting that Seasol is a soil conditioner rather than a fertiliser. It helps reduce stress and supports root development, but it won’t noticeably green up the lawn or thicken it on its own, so it’s normal that you haven’t seen much visible change yet. At around the two-month mark, buffalo is usually ready for a light application of a slow-release fertiliser that’s specifically labelled as buffalo-safe. This can make a big difference to colour and overall density, particularly in the weaker areas.

From here, focus on encouraging deeper root growth. Water a little less often but more deeply, and check whether the soil in the thin area feels harder than the rest. If it does, gently aerating with a garden fork can help improve oxygen and water movement without harming the turf. Keep mowing regularly, but avoid cutting too low or taking off more than about a third of the leaf at a time, as this helps buffalo spread sideways and fill in thin patches.

Overall, what you’re seeing is well within the normal range for a lawn this young, and there’s a very good chance it will even out over the next couple of months as the roots mature and conditions stabilise. If the colour and density haven’t improved after feeding and a bit more time, then it would be worth taking a closer look at drainage or soil quality in that section.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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