There are many types of buffalo grass. In this post, we’re going to look at three of the most popular types – Sir Walter, Sapphire, and Matilda – so you can match your lawn needs with the best-suited turf type.
So let’s dive in…
Buffalo is a species of warm climate grass also known as St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), which is commercially cultivated in Sydney and other tropical and sub-tropical regions for backyard lawns, commercial and recreational grounds.
Each buffalo strain is selectively cultivated to develop beneficial features. While all buffalo strains are generally tough, hardy, and easy to maintain, each strain has been cultivated to make it ideally suited to specific conditions.
Our Top 3 Types Of Buffalo Grass
1. Sir Walter Buffalo
Sun/Shade Tolerance
Sir Walter Buffalo is incredibly versatile when it comes to light conditions. It performs well in both full sun and partial shade, making it a great option for lawns with varying exposure. Whether you’re dealing with areas that get plenty of sunlight or shaded spots beneath trees, Sir Walter adapts effortlessly, maintaining its lush appearance across diverse environments. This adaptability is one of its standout features.
Water/Drought Tolerance
Another one of the standout features is its excellent drought resistance. Once established, it requires significantly less water than many other grass types, making it perfect for Australia’s dry conditions. It can withstand extended dry periods, staying green and healthy with minimal watering. This drought tolerance makes it an ideal option for water-conscious homeowners or those in drought-prone areas.
Colour & Feel (Aesthetics)
Sir Walter Buffalo features broad, soft leaves that give it a lush, full appearance. The wide blades create a dense carpet, providing a comfortable surface to walk on. It has a rich, deep green colour that enhances the overall aesthetic of your lawn, staying vibrant year-round. While it’s not as fine-textured as other varieties like Sapphire, its broad leaves contribute to its overall lushness and softness underfoot. This texture makes it a great option for families.
Durability
Sir Walter is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas such as backyards, playgrounds, or public spaces. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and continue to look great, ensuring it’s a reliable option for busy families or spaces with frequent use. This makes Sir Walter highly suitable for areas with a lot of activity.
Recovery from Damage
Sir Walter Buffalo grows at a moderate rate, allowing it to recover quickly from damage. Whether it’s from foot traffic or other stressors, this variety bounces back faster than most other grasses. Its ability to recover quickly makes it an excellent choice for families with pets or children, where the lawn is constantly being used.
Summary
When choosing from the 3 types of buffalo grass, here’s what you should remember about Sir Walter Buffalo…
It’s not only versatile and easy to maintain but also highly durable. Its wear tolerance is impressive, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas like backyards, sports fields, and public spaces. It grows at a moderate pace, so it recovers quickly from damage, even in areas that experience heavy use. This resilience makes it ideal for families with young children or pets who may put the lawn through a lot of wear and tear. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance lawn that can handle both beauty and durability, Sir Walter is a solid choice for homeowners seeking a reliable, long-lasting option.
2. Sapphire Buffalo
Sun/Shade Tolerance
Sapphire Buffalo thrives in both full sun and partial shade. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for lawns with mixed light conditions. While it performs best in areas that get a good amount of sunlight, it can still maintain its colour and health in shaded spots. If you have a garden with areas that receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the day, Sapphire is a great option for those seeking adaptability.
Water/Drought Tolerance
Sapphire is fairly drought-resistant once established, though it requires more water than some of the tougher varieties like Sir Walter. It can withstand dry spells and maintain its green colour with moderate watering. It’s suitable for homeowners in areas with regular rainfall or those willing to water occasionally during dry periods. This makes Sapphire a good option for homes in moderate climates.
Colour & Feel (Aesthetics)
Sapphire Buffalo features fine, soft leaves that give it a sleek, elegant appearance. The narrow blades create a dense, lush carpet with a rich, deep green colour that is visually striking. Its fine leaf texture adds to the luxurious feel underfoot, making it ideal for homeowners who want both beauty and a soft, comfortable lawn to enjoy barefoot. This texture is perfect for those who value both aesthetics and comfort.
Durability
It is relatively durable, though not as tough as broader-leaf varieties like Sir Walter. It’s suitable for moderate foot traffic but may not stand up to heavy wear in high-traffic areas. It’s best for families or properties that don’t experience excessive foot traffic or for those who prioritise aesthetics while still requiring decent durability. For lawns with light to moderate use, Sapphire is an excellent choice.
Recovery from Damage
Sapphire grows at a moderate rate, which allows it to recover from damage, but not as quickly as some other buffalo varieties. Its fine leaves can be more prone to damage under heavy traffic, but with proper care and attention, it will bounce back over time. Sapphire is ideal for homes where the lawn isn’t subjected to heavy use but still needs to recover from occasional wear. The recovery rate is reasonable, but not the fastest.
Summary
Sapphire Buffalo offers both beauty and durability. While it has a fine texture, it still boasts strong wear tolerance, making it suitable for areas that get moderate foot traffic. Its speed of growth allows it to recover quickly from damage, bouncing back faster than many other fine-leafed grasses. This makes it ideal for lawns that need to look great while withstanding some wear. Sapphire is best suited for homeowners who want a visually stunning lawn that can handle occasional use but don’t want to sacrifice aesthetics for durability. It’s a perfect choice for families who want a soft lawn that still has the ability to recover from the odd knock or scrape.
3. Matilda Buffalo
Sun/Shade Tolerance
Matilda Buffalo performs well in both sunny and shaded areas, though it thrives best with a good amount of sunlight. It adapts to different light conditions, making it suitable for various garden layouts, whether you have areas under trees or more exposed, open spaces. This makes it a great choice for lawns that experience variable sunlight.
Water/Drought Tolerance
Matilda Buffalo is highly drought-resistant, requiring minimal water once it’s established. Its ability to withstand dry conditions makes it an excellent choice for areas that face water restrictions or for homeowners looking for an eco-friendly option. Matilda maintains its vibrant colour even in periods of low rainfall, making it an ideal choice for water-conscious customers.
Colour & Feel (Aesthetics)
Matilda Buffalo has a deep green colour that enhances the overall beauty of your lawn. Its soft texture, combined with the fine-to-medium leaf blades, provides a luxurious feel underfoot. While not as fine as Sapphire, Matilda still offers a soft, inviting texture, making it perfect for homeowners who want both beauty and comfort in their lawn. It balances aesthetic appeal with comfort.
Durability
Matilda Buffalo is known for its toughness. It is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it an excellent option for high-traffic areas like backyards or playgrounds. Its ability to handle moderate to heavy foot traffic without losing its lush look sets it apart from other buffalo grasses. This durability makes it ideal for active families.
Recovery from Damage
Matilda Buffalo is one of the fastest-growing buffalo varieties, which allows it to recover quickly from damage. Whether it’s from foot traffic or other forms of wear, Matilda bounces back swiftly, ensuring your lawn stays looking beautiful. Its rapid recovery makes it ideal for high-use areas or for families who need a lawn that can handle daily activities without looking worn out. This rapid recovery rate is one of Matilda’s standout features.
Summary
Matilda Buffalo is known for its exceptional durability and wear tolerance. It’s a tough grass that stands up well to high traffic, and its strong growth rate means it recovers quickly from any damage. The rapid regrowth ensures that it can bounce back after heavy use, even in the most worn spots. Its resilience makes it a great option for households with active children, pets, or outdoor gatherings. Matilda Buffalo is ideal for customers who want a high-performing, low-maintenance lawn that stays strong even under stress. Whether for a sports-loving family or a busy household, Matilda offers great durability with minimal care.
When selecting among the types of buffalo grass, consider the aesthetics you want, as well as your lawn’s needs. Including sun exposure, water requirements, and durability.
If you need help selecting a turf strain, please contact us. We’ll be glad to help match your lawn conditions with the best suited turf strain.