How To Care for Buffalo Grass During Wet Weather: Tips By Andrews Turf suppliers

Buffalo turf is the most extensive variety of grass grown in Australian backyards and is the most popular recommendation from Sydney turf suppliers. There are many types of Buffalo grass varieties including, Matilda Buffalo, Sir Walter Buffalo, Palmetto Buffalo, Shademaster Buffalo, and many more unique varieties depending on the turf supplier you visit.

 

Even though all types of Buffalo grasses are hard-wearing, durable, and low maintenance options perfect for Australian gardens. During extended periods of wet weather, too much water can lead to a whole host of turf problems for all types of Buffalo grass.

 

Such issues occur because when the rain falls hard, your Buffalo's soil profile may reach a point where it can no longer allow infiltration, resulting in pooling and flooding in your backyard.

 

As much as we Aussies appreciate the rain for replenishing our dams, water tanks, rivers, and, of course, watering our lawns, those prolonged periods of heavy rain can put all types of Buffalo grass at risk! So, to ensure your type of buffalo grass has the greatest chance of surviving, follow these few wet weather tips and tricks from a leading Sydney turf supplier.

 

What Happens to Types of Buffalo Grass During Extreme Wet Weather?

Unfortunately, as the rain falls harder, there isn't much you can do at that point except watch as your type of buffalo grass becomes soaked. The drawback is that your lawn may reach a point where it can no longer allow infiltration resulting in pooling and floods, causing your type of buffalo grass to suffocate.

 

During this time, if the lawn's drainage is inadequate and the turf is submerged for several days, your type of buffalo grass cannot draw on the oxygen it needs for the soil to live as the turf is so sodden and wet.

 

On the beneficial side, when the rain event passes and the sun returns, your grass will begin to respond with more significant growth with rising soil temperatures.

 

The most typical error made by homeowners is that they are too eager to return to regular lawn responsibilities and activities while the lawn is still too wet, which causes many problems. So, it is essential to wait for your type of Buffalo grass to dry out completely and then return to regular turf maintenance.

 

Do: Fertilise Types of Buffalo Grass After Wet Weather

Some might suggest fertilising turf during wet weather to be a good idea, but large amounts of rain might wash fertiliser away before it has the chance to absorb into the soil. So, it's best to apply fertiliser to your type of Buffalo grass at least two days before heavy rain or wait until the weather forecast predicts a dry time.

 

Since nutrients might be drained from your lawn after an extended wet period, leaving your type of Buffalo grass pale and yellow, fertilisation is best done after a wet period. Not only can a fertiliser plan help avoid contributing to water pollution in your neighbourhood, but it will also save you money.

 

Your local turf suppliers can help you select the best fertiliser for your type of Buffalo grass and direct you on the best application. 

 

Do: Aerate Types of Buffalo Grass After Wet Weather

Lawn compaction happens all year, particularly in high-traffic areas and especially occurs after a rainy winter that over soaks the earth and compacts the dirt. Lawn aeration is the simple answer!

 

Plus, since your lawn's soil should be slightly wet before you start aerating after an extensive wet period is a perfect time to aerate! Aerate your lawn by hand using a fork or hire aeration shoes or a lawn core machine from your local turf suppliers.

 

Don't: Mow Types of Buffalo Grass During Wet Weather

Mowing a damp lawn might result in a variety of problems, from clippings clumping everywhere to indents and holes in your grass caused by your mower.

 

Mowing wet types of Buffalo grass can do more damage than just surface issues, like causing the blades of grass to be more susceptible to illnesses after being cut but mowing damp grass also exposes your lawn to potential long-term concerns.

 

We've all been there, missing the window to mow before the rain arrives, but if you do, it's far better to wait. So, if at all possible, let your lawn dry thoroughly before mowing.

 

How to Control Wet Weather Diseases on Types of Buffalo Grass

Turf diseases, similar to lawn pests, can emerge on stressed grasses, mainly in places where the soil has been compacted or poorly drained. So, after a significant wet weather period, you might notice these two common wet weather diseases on your types of Buffalo grass.

 

In general, the most common lawn diseases may be treated with a fungicide, but for additional information, contact your Local turf suppliers for more detailed information. It is crucial not to spray any chemicals on your lawn during wet weather, as the rain will just wash your hard work and money down your stormwater drain. Instead, you should manage diseases and pests after the wet period is over.

 

Fusarium Patch is a form of fungus that emerges on water-soaked patches of turf that may have experienced consecutive rainy days with low temperatures. The colour of a Fusarium Patch changes from orange-brown to dark brown to pale grey and looks like a halo-like "smoke ring" on the outer border of a Fusarium Patch. The Fusarium Patches may expand endlessly but are generally less than 20cm in diameter.

 

How can I get rid of Fusarium Patch on types of Buffalo grass? To avoid Fusarium Patch, proper lawn care management is suggested, which includes fertiliser, thatch removal, aeration, deep and infrequent morning watering, and mowing at regular intervals. Fungicides with the Common Active Ingredient Iprodione can be used.

 

Pythium is another common turf disease that occurs after an extended wet season. Small areas of water-soaked grass with a dark purple colour are the earliest signs of Pythium disease on your lawn. When touching the grass blades of lawns infected with Pythium disease, you may detect a greasy or slimy feeling. Lawn blades afflicted with Pythium disease will eventually shrivel and perish.

 

How do you control Pythium on types of Buffalo grass? Proper lawn care management is suggested to avoid Pythium Disease, including fertiliser, thatch removal, aeration, deep and infrequent morning watering, and mowing at regular intervals. If the following lawn care maintenance techniques fail, fungicides containing the Common Active Ingredient Metalaxyl-M can be used – but first, consult your turf suppliers for guidance.

 

Keep in Contact with Your Local Turf Suppliers

There you have it: a few essential tips and tricks to take care of your types of Buffalo grass throughout the rainy season. Have additional lawn-care questions? Contact your local turf suppliers for more information on wet weather lawn care or to place a new grass order.