How to revive new Sir Walter buffalo lawn turning yellow?

[Samara1]

This is my first time setting the backyard in my new home Sydney.

‘Sir Walter buffalo’ grass turned yellow as below. What may be the reason ?

Its laid 3 weeks before and I did watering 40 mins per day (Morning 20mins and Evening 20mins)

Is it died or need to remove and do the new one again? Kindly advise and appreciate it.

[JacobZ · Accepted solution]

Hi @Samara1,

What sort of ground preparation did you do before laying the turf? Was the ground broken up and aerated? Was topsoil put down? Have you checked the corners of the turf to see if the roots are starting to set? Have you mowed it yet?

Check out the producer of Sir Walter, Lawn Solutions Australia's Turf Installation & Initial Care Best Practice Guidelines and How to Lay Turf | Part 4: Aftercare.

In the early stages of development, your lawn needs to be constantly wet. During Summer, depending on temperatures and wind conditions, this can mean watering up to 6 times a day. 

There's a chance you can't save it from here, but you'll need to increase the watering to at least 4 times a day depending on the weather. 

Unfortunately, I can't for sure it can be saved, but to give it its best chance at survival, you will need to give it much more water.

Allow me to tag @mich1972, @Noelle and @homeinmelbourne for their thoughts.

Jacob

[Noelle]

Hi @Samara1 

Have to agree with Jacob here - this definitely looks like the turf has not been watered sufficiently. It's not so much yellow as dead-looking brown.

Morning and evening only is not adequate, especially in what appears to be a  very hot area, surrounded by concrete and fences without any shade. Three weeks after laying, it should look lush and green.

Hand watering with a hose is preferable in these early stages rather than with sprinkler heads that, while they may run for 40 minutes, apply a finer mist than a hose.

You may be able to save much of it if you really put in a big effort over the next couple of weeks to water at least five times a day (except when it is raining of course).

[sansoni]

I was watering it everyday, but on some parts turning yellow I enquired and esstild it was too much watering. Now I'm confused. Reading here it says it should be watered heaps is that correct?

[EricL]

Hello @sansoni 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.

If your turf is freshly planted, then yes, it must be watered quite often depending on the weather and environmental factors present. But if the lawn has already established itself then you must change your watering schedule and start reducing the frequency. 

I suggest looking at the Turf Installation & Initial Care Best Practice Guidelines and How to Lay Turf | Part 4: Aftercare.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric