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7 Common Weeds in Buffalo Grass
1. Onion Weed
“Onion weed is a persistent nuisance with its distinctive flat, strappy leaves and clusters of white flowers,” Nathan says. It thrives in moist, shady areas and can be challenging to eradicate due to its deep, bulbous roots. Regular hand-pulling may be effective for minor occurrences but ensure to remove the entire bulb to prevent regrowth.
myhomeTURF herbicide recommendation: Indigo Duke 100wg.
2. Soursob
“Soursob is characterised by its bright green, heart-shaped leaves and yellow, daisy-like flowers,” Nathan says. This weed flourishes in winter and early spring, spreading rapidly through rhizomes and seeds. To control soursob, maintain a dense turf through regular mowing and overseeding, and consider spot-treating with selective herbicides if necessary.
myhomeTURF herbicide recommendation: Indigo Broad Force MA or Turf Culture Bow & Arrow.
3. Winter Grass
“Winter grass is a common cool-season annual grass weed with narrow, dark green leaves,” Nathan says. Winter grass thrives in cooler temperatures and can quickly invade Buffalo lawns if left unchecked. Mowing your lawn at the appropriate height, catching the clippings and disposing so seed is not spread can help suppress winter grass growth and minimise its impact. Selective Herbicide to control Winter Grass include
myhomeTURF herbicide recommendation: Campbells Poa Chek.
4. Summer Grass
“Summer grass, also known as crabgrass, is an annual grass weed with coarse, light green leaves,” Nathan says. This weed thrives in warm, sunny conditions and spreads rapidly through seeds. Regular mowing, proper watering, and maintaining a dense buffalo lawn can help outcompete summer grass and prevent its establishment. The best way to prevent Summer grass infestations is with pre-emergent herbicides such as Syngenta Barricade or Turf Culture Spartan, combination products which include both fertiliser and pre-emergent herbicides such as Oxafert or Indigo Echelon Duo.
5. Dandelion
“Dandelions are easily recognisable by their bright yellow flowers and toothed leaves,” Nathan says. These perennial weeds are prolific seed producers and can quickly colonise open areas in your lawn. Hand-pulling may be effective for small infestations, but selective herbicides such as Indigo Broad Force MA or Turf Culture Bow & Arrow are often necessary for larger outbreaks.
6. White Clover
“White clover is a low-growing perennial weed with trifoliate leaves and white, ball-shaped flowers,” Nathan says. This weed thrives in nitrogen-deficient soils and can fix its nitrogen, making it a tough competitor in lawns. For control use selective herbicides such as Indigo Broad Force MA or Turf Culture Bow & Arrow.
7. Bindii
Bindii, also known as Jo-jo, is a prickly, low-growing weed with small, spiky seed pods. “This weed is notorious for its painful prickles, making it a nuisance for barefoot walkers,” Nathan says. Hand-pulling may be effective for small patches, but selective herbicides are recommended for larger infestations. For control use selective herbicides such as Indigo Broad Force MA or Turf Culture Bow & Arrow.
How to Take Care of Weeds in Buffalo Grass Naturally
Hand Pulling
Hand-pulling is effective for minor weed occurrences but may be challenging for weeds with deep roots like onion weed. “You need to make sure you remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth and consider using a weeding tool for better leverage,” Nathan says.
Regular Maintenance
“Regular maintenance practices such as mowing, fertilising and watering are crucial for weed suppression,” Nathan says. Mowing your lawn at the appropriate height shades out weed seeds and promotes dense turf growth which outcompetes weeds.
How to Kill Weeds in Buffalo Grass Using Herbicides
Selective vs. Non-Selective Herbicides
“Selective herbicides target specific weed species while sparing desirable grasses, making them ideal for Buffalo lawns,” Nathan says. Products such Indigo Broad Force MA or Turf Culture Bow & Arrow selectively control broadleaf weeds without harming Buffalo grass. Non-selective herbicides, on the other hand, kill all vegetation and should be used with caution.
How to Apply Your Chosen Herbicides
Apply herbicides when weeds are actively growing for optimal uptake. “You need to make sure you follow manufacturer instructions carefully and ensure to wear protective gear when handling herbicides,” Nathan says. Also, check product labels to ensure compatibility with Buffalo grass and follow recommended application rates.
