Buffalo grass is one of the most popular turf varieties in Australia, offering homeowners and landscapers a durable, drought-resistant, and visually appealing lawn solution. Among the different types of buffalo grass, Sir Walter Buffalo stands out as a premium choice, known for its superior quality and performance. However, many people often wonder what differentiates Sir Walter Buffalo from regular buffalo grass.
In this article, we will explore the key differences between Buffalo and Sir Walter Buffalo, highlighting their characteristics, benefits, and why DNA certification is essential for ensuring genuine Sir Walter Buffalo quality.
Understanding Buffalo Grass
What is Buffalo Grass?
Buffalo grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is a warm-season grass variety that thrives in Australia’s diverse climate. It is widely recognised for its hardy nature, shade tolerance, and low maintenance needs. Common buffalo grasses have been used for lawns for decades, and they are particularly popular in coastal regions and areas with high foot traffic.
Characteristics of Regular Buffalo Grass
- Broadleaf appearance – Buffalo grass typically has a broader blade compared to other grass types like Couch or Kikuyu.
- Shade tolerance – It can grow well in both full sun and partially shaded areas.
- Drought resistance – Buffalo grass can survive dry conditions thanks to its deep root system.
- Self-repairing – While it takes longer to recover from damage than some grasses, it can repair itself over time.
- Soft texture – Some types of buffalo grass have coarse blades, but newer varieties are softer underfoot.
Despite these advantages, common buffalo grass varieties often have drawbacks, such as lower disease resistance, thatch buildup, and vulnerability to insect infestations. This is where Sir Walter Buffalo distinguishes itself.
What is Sir Walter Buffalo?
Sir Walter Buffalo is a premium Australian-developed buffalo grass variety that was introduced in 1997. It was specifically bred to overcome the limitations of traditional buffalo grasses, offering an improved lawn with better resilience, colour retention, and disease resistance.
Key Features of Sir Walter Buffalo
- Superior shade tolerance – It can thrive in only 3–4 hours of direct sunlight, making it perfect for shaded gardens.
- Lush green colour – Unlike some buffalo grasses that can turn yellow in winter, Sir Walter Buffalo maintains a rich green colour throughout the year.
- Soft leaf blades – It has a fine, soft texture, making it comfortable for kids and pets to play on.
- Drought resistance – Thanks to its deep roots, Sir Walter Buffalo can survive long dry spells with minimal watering.
- Pest and disease resistance – It is naturally resistant to common lawn pests like lawn grubs and fungal diseases.
- Non-invasive growth – Unlike some invasive grass types, Sir Walter Buffalo does not aggressively spread into garden beds.
One of the most significant advantages of Sir Walter Buffalo is its low maintenance requirements. It needs less mowing, fertiliser, and watering compared to many other turf varieties, making it an ideal choice for busy homeowners.
Buffalo vs. Sir Walter Buffalo: A Direct Comparison
| Feature | Regular Buffalo Grass | Sir Walter Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Shade Tolerance | Moderate | High |
| Drought Resistance | Moderate | Excellent |
| Leaf Texture | Coarse to Medium | Soft and Fine |
| Colour Retention | May fade in winter | Stays green year-round |
| Pest & Disease Resistance | Susceptible to lawn grubs | High natural resistance |
| Maintenance | Requires fertiliser and frequent mowing | Low-maintenance |
| Self-Repairing Ability | Moderate | High |
From this comparison, it is clear that Sir Walter Buffalo is a superior choice, providing better overall performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal compared to regular buffalo grass.
Why is DNA Certification Important for Sir Walter Buffalo?
Sir Walter Buffalo has become one of the most popular turf choices in Australia. However, due to its reputation, many imitation or inferior buffalo grasses are falsely marketed as Sir Walter Buffalo. This is why DNA certification is crucial.
What is DNA-Certified Sir Walter Buffalo?
DNA certification is a scientific verification process that guarantees that the turf you purchase is genuine Sir Walter Buffalo. Certified growers undergo rigorous testing to ensure that the grass they supply matches the original genetic profile of Sir Walter Buffalo.
The Benefits of DNA-Certified Sir Walter Buffalo
- Guaranteed Authenticity – When you buy DNA-certified Sir Walter Buffalo, you are assured that you are getting the real product with all its superior qualities.
- Better Performance – Non-certified or imitation varieties may not offer the same shade tolerance, drought resistance, and pest and weed resistance.
- Consistent Growth and Appearance – Certified Sir Walter Buffalo ensures even growth, colour consistency, and durability over time.
- Higher Property Value – A well-maintained, genuine Sir Walter Buffalo lawn can increase the aesthetic appeal and value of your home.
- Manufacturer Warranty – Many DNA-certified Sir Walter Buffalo suppliers offer product warranties, providing peace of mind.
How to Ensure You Buy Genuine Sir Walter Buffalo
- Purchase from an accredited turf supplier – Only buy from official Sir Walter Buffalo distributors who offer DNA-certified turf.
- Check for the DNA Certificate – Genuine Sir Walter Buffalo will come with a DNA certification guarantee from Lawn Solutions Australia.
- Avoid “Cheap” Alternatives – If the price seems too good to be true, the turf may not be real Sir Walter Buffalo.
Investing in DNA-certified Sir Walter Buffalo ensures that you receive a premium lawn that delivers all the benefits it is known for.
Conclusion
While regular buffalo grass is a decent option for Australian lawns, Sir Walter Buffalo stands out as a superior, more resilient, and low-maintenance variety. With its exceptional shade tolerance, soft texture, drought resistance, and year-round colour retention, Sir Walter Buffalo is the ideal choice for homeowners who want a lush, easy-to-care-for lawn.
However, with imitations in the market, it is essential to choose DNA-certified Sir Walter Buffalo from reputable suppliers to ensure you are getting the real deal. By doing so, you can enjoy all the advantages of Australia’s favourite buffalo grass with confidence and peace of mind.
If you are considering laying Sir Walter Buffalo turf, make sure to buy a DNA-certified guarantee from Direct Turf for the best quality and performance for your lawn in Sydney.