Mowing is the most frequent maintenance task you'll perform on your buffalo lawn, yet it's also one of the most commonly misunderstood. The way you mow directly affects your lawn's health, appearance, and ability to resist drought, pests, and disease. Whether you're new to lawn care or looking to improve your technique, understanding the principles behind proper mowing will help you achieve professional results with every cut.
The Science Behind Mowing
Grass is a living plant that photosynthesises through its leaves to produce energy. When you mow, you're removing a portion of this food-producing capacity. The plant must then redirect energy from root development to regenerating leaves. If too much leaf material is removed at once, the grass experiences significant stress that can lead to shallow root systems, reduced vigour, and increased susceptibility to problems.
Buffalo grass stores energy in its stolons (above-ground runners) and crown, giving it good recovery capacity. However, consistent over-cutting depletes these reserves, resulting in a thinner, weaker lawn over time.
Never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade height in a single mowing. This fundamental rule applies to all grass types and is the single most important mowing principle to follow.
Optimal Mowing Height for Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass performs best when maintained at a height of 30-50mm, though the ideal height within this range depends on your specific variety and growing conditions.
Height Recommendations by Variety
- Sir Walter: 35-50mm - tolerates a range of heights well
- Palmetto: 30-45mm - can be maintained slightly lower due to finer texture
- Sapphire: 25-40mm - suits a manicured, lower height if desired
- Prestige: 35-50mm - benefits from slightly higher mowing
- Matilda: 40-50mm - older variety performs best at higher settings
When to Adjust Height
Consider raising your mowing height in these situations:
- Hot weather: Taller grass shades soil, reducing water loss and keeping roots cooler
- Drought conditions: Longer leaves provide more photosynthetic capacity during stress
- Shaded areas: Grass in shade needs maximum leaf surface to capture available light
- After scalping or stress: Allow recovery before gradually lowering height
Scalping occurs when you cut too low, exposing the brown stolons and crown. This severely stresses the plant and leaves it vulnerable to weeds, disease, and sun damage. If you accidentally scalp your lawn, raise the mower height immediately and allow the grass to recover over several weeks.
Mowing Frequency
How often you mow depends on growth rate, which varies significantly with season, temperature, and fertility. Rather than following a fixed schedule, mow when the grass reaches approximately 50% above your target height.
Typical Mowing Frequency by Season
- Summer: Every 5-7 days during peak growth
- Spring/Autumn: Every 7-10 days
- Winter: Every 2-4 weeks or as needed in temperate areas; rarely in cold regions
If you've missed a mow and the grass has grown tall, resist the urge to cut it all at once. Instead, follow the one-third rule over multiple mowings, gradually reducing to your target height over 1-2 weeks.
If you're going on holiday during peak growing season, consider having someone mow while you're away, or mow immediately before leaving. Returning to severely overgrown grass requires multiple recovery mows and can set your lawn back significantly.
Blade Maintenance
Sharp mower blades are essential for a healthy lawn. Dull blades tear grass rather than cutting it cleanly, leaving ragged edges that turn brown and create entry points for disease.
Signs Your Blades Need Sharpening
- Grass tips appear white or brown after mowing
- Close inspection shows torn rather than clean-cut edges
- The mower seems to struggle or require multiple passes
- You haven't sharpened in more than 10-15 hours of use
Sharpen rotary mower blades every 20-25 hours of use, or roughly every 8-10 mows for an average suburban lawn. Professional sharpening costs little and ensures the correct angle is maintained. If you sharpen at home, balance the blade afterward to prevent mower vibration and uneven wear.
Mowing Technique
How you operate the mower affects both cut quality and lawn health. Following these techniques will improve your results immediately.
Pattern Variation
Mow in a different direction each time - alternating between horizontal, vertical, and diagonal patterns. This prevents the grass from developing a "grain" where it leans in one direction and ensures even cutting. It also distributes wheel traffic across the lawn, reducing compaction in any single area.
Optimal Speed
Walk at a steady, moderate pace. Moving too fast can result in uneven cutting as the blade misses some grass. Too slow isn't a problem for cut quality but wastes time. Find a pace that produces a clean, even finish.
Overlap
Slightly overlap each pass to avoid leaving uncut strips. Most rotary mowers don't cut evenly across the entire width, so a 5-10cm overlap ensures complete coverage without missed sections.
Edge Last
Mow the main lawn area first, then finish with the edges. Discharge clippings toward the centre of the lawn where they'll be mulched on subsequent passes. Use a string trimmer for areas the mower can't reach.
To Catch or Mulch?
Both options have merits, and the best choice depends on your situation and preferences.
Mulching (Leave Clippings)
When clippings are short (from regular mowing), leaving them on the lawn returns nutrients to the soil. Clippings decompose quickly and provide free fertiliser, potentially reducing your fertiliser needs by 20-30%. Mulching also saves time and reduces green waste.
Catching (Collect Clippings)
Collect clippings when they're long (from missed mows) or wet, as they can clump and smother grass. Some homeowners prefer the clean appearance of a clipping-free lawn. Caught clippings make excellent compost material.
Contrary to popular belief, grass clippings don't significantly contribute to thatch buildup. Thatch consists primarily of stolons, roots, and stems that decompose slowly - not leaf clippings, which break down rapidly. Excessive nitrogen fertilisation and overwatering are the main causes of thatch problems.
Wet vs Dry Mowing
Mowing dry grass produces the best results. Wet grass clumps, cuts unevenly, and can clog mowers. The weight of wet grass also causes bending, leading to uneven cutting. Additionally, walking and mowing on wet lawn can compact the soil.
If you must mow when wet (such as during extended rainy periods), reduce your speed, raise the cutting height slightly, and clean clippings from under the deck frequently to prevent buildup and improve airflow.
Mower Types for Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass can be maintained with any common mower type, but each has advantages:
Rotary Mowers
The most common and versatile option. Rotary mowers handle varying grass heights and conditions well. Look for models with adjustable height settings and good blade quality. Both petrol and electric options work well for buffalo grass.
Cylinder/Reel Mowers
Produce the cleanest cut through a scissor-like action. Popular for premium lawns where appearance is paramount. However, they require more maintenance and struggle with tall or uneven grass. Best suited for manicured lawns maintained at consistent low heights.
Robotic Mowers
Increasingly popular for their convenience. They work well for buffalo grass, cutting frequently in random patterns. The continuous light trimming promotes dense, even growth. Initial cost is higher, but ongoing time savings are significant for busy homeowners.
Seasonal Mowing Considerations
Spring
As growth resumes, gradually lower your mowing height from winter levels over 2-3 mows. This prevents shock from sudden changes. Increase mowing frequency as growth accelerates.
Summer
Raise height slightly during extreme heat. Mow early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler - both for your comfort and to reduce moisture loss from the freshly cut grass.
Autumn
Maintain regular mowing as long as growth continues. Remove fallen leaves before mowing to prevent them from being shredded and smothering the grass.
Winter
Mow only when necessary. Semi-dormant grass doesn't regenerate quickly, so maintain a higher cut to protect the crown. Never mow when frost is present - frozen grass is extremely fragile.
Getting Professional Results
The difference between an average lawn and a great one often comes down to consistent attention to mowing fundamentals. Sharp blades, correct height, regular frequency, and varied patterns will transform your lawn's appearance over time. Remember that each mow is an opportunity to either help or hinder your lawn's health - approach it with the care it deserves, and your buffalo grass will reward you with years of beautiful, resilient turf.