When it comes to natural grass, buffalo turf remains one of the most sought after species in Aussie due to how hard-wearing it is. However, like all other species of natural grass, buffalo turf is not immune to all forms of wear. The trick to ensuring that it is not decimated for one reason or another is to catch the signs of damage early and attend to the health of the grass immediately. To help you maintain a visually pleasing garden with healthy grass, here are some typical types of damage threatening your buffalo turf and handy tips to fix them:
Foot and pet traffic
There is no point of having an attractive backyard and then not making the most of it! With that in mind, it is unsurprising that your family, guests and even your pet will love to spend some time on the grass. The downside to this is that some parts of your yard will become worn due to smashed blades and compacted soil. Fortunately, you only have to focus your attention on the soil! The first step to fixing this type of damage is aerating the soil.
Aeration not only facilitates good airflow but it also functions to enhance the absorption of both moisture and nutrients by the buffalo turf. Once the soil is aerated sufficiently, you will then level the compacted soil by redressing it with topsoil. Adding the new soil to the old improves the quality of the soil and, in turn, creates a base that allows the turf to form runners. When the runners are produced, the buffalo turf will be capable of repairing itself and the beauty of your yard is restored!
Excessive sun exposure
As stated earlier, buffalo turf is shade resistant to a degree. However, when the climatic conditions are characterised by severe heat, the grass becomes vulnerable to sun damage. To prevent permanent damage you must stick to a strict watering schedule once the temperatures rise. Keeping the grass hydrated for an hour or so weekly will promote root growth. The deeper the roots of the buffalo turf, the less likely that it will succumb to dehydration since the roots will stay hydrated and subsequently keep the turf healthy.
As a pro tip, set the watering schedule to early morning before the sun is at its highest. It is also recommended to mow the grass frequently during the summer so that the blades do not need excessive hydration. Nonetheless, make sure you are not mowing too low or you will exert unnecessary stress to the roots, as this leads to the eventual degradation of the grass.
Share