Your Complete Seasonal Lawn Care Calendar for Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass follows distinct seasonal patterns that determine when certain maintenance tasks are most effective. Understanding these cycles allows you to work with your lawn's natural rhythms rather than against them, resulting in a healthier, more resilient turf with less effort. This comprehensive calendar covers all the essential tasks you need to perform throughout the year, tailored specifically for Australian conditions.

Understanding Buffalo Grass Seasonal Cycles

As a warm-season grass, buffalo grass actively grows when soil temperatures exceed 18°C, typically from late spring through autumn. During winter, growth slows dramatically, and the grass may become semi-dormant, particularly in southern regions. This dormancy period isn't a sign of poor health - it's a natural survival mechanism that allows the grass to conserve energy until warmer conditions return.

Spring (September - November)

Spring marks the awakening of your buffalo lawn after winter dormancy. As soil temperatures rise above 18°C, you'll notice increased growth and greening. This is the most important season for setting your lawn up for success.

Early Spring (September)

• Inspect for winter damage: Look for bare patches, pest damage, or disease signs that may have developed over winter
• First fertiliser application: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser (NPK ratio around 10:5:5) to encourage new growth
• Adjust mowing height: Begin mowing at your regular height (35-50mm) as growth resumes
• Check irrigation systems: Test sprinklers and repair any damaged components before hot weather arrives

Mid Spring (October)

• Weed control: Apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent summer weeds before they germinate
• Aeration: If soil is compacted, core aerate to improve water and nutrient penetration
• Top dressing: Apply a thin layer of quality lawn soil to level uneven areas and improve soil quality
• Increase mowing frequency: Growth accelerates rapidly - you may need to mow weekly

Late Spring (November)

• Second fertiliser application: Apply another round of slow-release fertiliser for sustained growth
• Pest inspection: Watch for signs of lawn grubs, particularly army worms and curl grubs
• Adjust watering: Begin transitioning to summer watering schedule as temperatures rise
• Edge and define: Clean up lawn edges along paths, garden beds, and driveways

Summer (December - February)

Summer is the peak growing season for buffalo grass. Your lawn will require the most attention during these months, particularly regarding water management. However, the reward is a lush, vibrant lawn when you need it most for outdoor activities.

Early Summer (December)

• Establish summer watering routine: Deep water 2-3 times per week rather than shallow daily watering
• Monitor for heat stress: Watch for blue-grey discolouration indicating the lawn needs water
• Maintain mowing height: Keep grass at 40-50mm; slightly taller grass shades soil and reduces water loss
• Sharp mower blades: Ensure blades are sharp for clean cuts that heal quickly

Mid Summer (January)

• Water wisely: Water early morning (before 10am) to reduce evaporation and disease risk
• Watch for pests: Summer is peak season for lawn grubs - treat promptly if detected
• Avoid fertilising: High temperatures combined with fertiliser can burn grass; hold off until late summer
• Reduce stress: Minimise heavy traffic during extreme heat to prevent wear damage

Late Summer (February)

• Light fertiliser application: As peak heat subsides, apply a light dose of balanced fertiliser
• Thatch assessment: Check thatch depth; if over 15mm, plan for autumn de-thatching
• Continue pest monitoring: Late summer remains high-risk for grub damage
• Prepare for autumn: Note any areas that struggled through summer for targeted treatment

Autumn (March - May)

Autumn is ideal for lawn renovation and repair work. Soil remains warm enough for growth while cooler air temperatures reduce plant stress. Take advantage of this window to address any issues that developed over summer.

Early Autumn (March)

• Autumn fertilisation: Apply a complete fertiliser to strengthen the lawn before winter
• Overseed bare patches: Warm soil temperatures promote quick establishment of new grass
• Continue regular mowing: Growth remains strong; maintain weekly mowing schedule
• Reduce watering frequency: As temperatures drop, lawn requires less water

Mid Autumn (April)

• De-thatching: If thatch exceeds 15mm, use a de-thatching machine to remove excess material
• Core aeration: Excellent time to aerate if not done in spring
• Apply iron supplement: Iron helps maintain green colour as the lawn transitions to dormancy
• Weed control: Treat any broadleaf weeds before they set seed for winter

Late Autumn (May)

• Final mow: Perform last full-height mow before growth slows significantly
• Clean up fallen leaves: Remove leaf litter that can smother grass and promote disease
• Reduce watering: Gradually decrease watering as growth slows and rain increases
• Winterise irrigation: Drain and cover any frost-sensitive irrigation components

Winter (June - August)

Winter is the rest period for buffalo grass. In temperate regions, growth slows dramatically or stops entirely. Your lawn may develop a brownish or yellowish tinge - this is normal dormancy behaviour, not a sign of death. Focus on protection and minimal intervention during these months.

Early Winter (June)

• Minimal mowing: Mow only if necessary, and only when grass is dry
• Avoid heavy traffic: Dormant grass is more susceptible to wear damage
• Continue leaf removal: Keep lawn clear of debris that can cause disease
• No fertilising: Fertiliser during dormancy is wasted and may promote weeds

Mid Winter (July)

• Monitor for moss: Shaded, damp areas may develop moss - note for spring treatment
• Check drainage: Observe how water moves during heavy rain; address any pooling areas
• Limit activity: Frost-covered grass is fragile; avoid walking on frozen lawns
• Plan spring tasks: Order fertilisers and supplies for the coming growing season

Late Winter (August)

• Pre-spring preparation: Service mower, sharpen blades, and check all equipment
• Soil testing: Test soil pH and nutrient levels to guide spring fertilisation
• Watch for early growth: In warmer regions, growth may resume late in the month
• Final clean-up: Remove any remaining debris before spring growth begins

Year-Round Maintenance Principles

While seasonal tasks vary, certain principles apply throughout the year for maintaining a healthy buffalo lawn:

Mowing Best Practices

• Never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade in a single mowing
• Keep mower blades sharp to ensure clean cuts
• Vary mowing patterns to prevent soil compaction and grain development
• Leave clippings on the lawn when possible - they return nutrients to the soil

Watering Principles

• Water deeply and infrequently rather than shallowly and often
• Irrigate in early morning to reduce evaporation and disease risk
• Adjust frequency based on rainfall - your lawn doesn't need watering if it rained significantly
• Watch for signs of stress rather than watering on a fixed schedule

Fertilisation Guidelines

• Apply during active growth periods only (spring and autumn for most regions)
• Use slow-release formulations for consistent feeding
• Follow application rates on product labels - more is not better
• Water in fertiliser after application to prevent burning

Creating Your Personal Calendar

While this guide provides a solid framework, your specific lawn may require adjustments based on local conditions, soil type, and the particular buffalo variety you've planted. Pay attention to how your lawn responds to different treatments and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Keep a simple lawn journal recording when you perform major tasks, weather conditions, and how the lawn responds. Over time, this personal record becomes invaluable for fine-tuning your maintenance approach. You'll develop an intuitive sense of what your lawn needs and when it needs it.

Remember that consistent, moderate care is more effective than occasional intensive intervention. A lawn that receives regular attention throughout the year will be healthier, more resilient, and easier to maintain than one that's neglected and then subjected to aggressive recovery treatments.