When it comes to choosing a turf for your lawn, especially in the warm and sometimes harsh Australian climate, Buffalo grass has become a favourite among homeowners, landscapers, and property developers alike. Within the Buffalo grass family, names like Palmetto, Soft-leaf Buffalo, and Sydney Buffalo often pop up. But what’s the real difference between them?
If you’re confused about which one to choose for your garden, don’t worry — you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll break down the characteristics, pros, cons, and key differences between Palmetto, Soft-leaf Buffalo, and Sydney Buffalo to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Buffalo Grass: A Quick Overview
Buffalo grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is a popular warm-season grass that thrives in sunny to moderately shaded areas, requires less maintenance than some other turf types, and is generally soft underfoot.
Historically, older varieties of Buffalo grass — often referred to as ‘scratchy’ Buffalo — had coarse blades and were notorious for irritating bare skin. However, newer cultivars like Palmetto and Soft-leaf Buffalo were bred to overcome these issues, offering a finer texture and improved performance.
1. Palmetto Buffalo Grass
Origin and Popularity
Palmetto Buffalo originated in the United States (Florida) and was introduced to Australia as a premium Buffalo variety with soft leaves and strong drought tolerance. It’s one of the most popular Buffalo turfs in Australia today due to its aesthetic appeal and durability.
Key Features
- Leaf Texture: Fine to medium-soft leaf.
- Colour: Deep emerald green year-round (holds colour well in winter).
- Shade Tolerance: Very high (around 75% shade tolerance).
- Drought Resistance: Excellent. Palmetto grows a large root system that can extract moisture from deeper soil layers.
- Wear Tolerance: Good — recovers well from damage.
- Growth Habit: Slow lateral growth, which means less mowing is required.
Pros
- Low maintenance.
- Holds its colour better than most Buffalo varieties during cooler months.
- Very soft on the feet and great for kids or pets.
- Requires less mowing due to its slow growth.
- Highly drought tolerant, ideal for Australian conditions.
Cons
- Slower to repair when damaged compared to faster-growing varieties.
- Can be outcompeted by invasive weeds if not well-maintained during early establishment.
2. Soft-Leaf Buffalo Grass
What Does “Soft-Leaf” Actually Mean?
“Soft-leaf Buffalo” is not a specific variety, but a generic term used to describe the newer generation of Buffalo grasses with finer, softer leaves, as opposed to the coarse, scratchy types that were common decades ago.
This category includes multiple trademarked varieties, such as:
- Sapphire Buffalo
- Sir Walter DNA Certified
- Matilda Buffalo
- Kings Pride Buffalo
Each of these has its own unique traits, but they share several common characteristics that make them collectively appealing.
General Features of Soft-Leaf Buffalo
- Leaf Texture: Very soft and fine.
- Colour: Ranges from vibrant green to bluish-green, depending on the variety.
- Shade Tolerance: Very high — some varieties tolerate up to 80% shade.
- Drought Resistance: Good to excellent depending on cultivar.
- Wear Tolerance: Very good, with some varieties recovering quickly.
- Growth Habit: Moderate growth rate, varies by cultivar.
Pros
- Extremely soft on skin — ideal for children’s play areas.
- High aesthetic value — vibrant colour and lush appearance.
- Tolerates both full sun and heavy shade.
- Many are non-invasive, meaning they don’t creep aggressively into garden beds.
- Some, like Sir Walter, are marketed as low-allergenic grasses.
Cons
- Cost can vary significantly depending on the variety.
- Some varieties may need more frequent mowing.
- Performance can vary, so it’s essential to choose a cultivar suited to your specific location and soil.
3. Sydney Buffalo Grass
Understanding the Name
Unlike Palmetto and Soft-leaf Buffalo, “Sydney Buffalo” is more of a regional label than a specific cultivar or trademarked grass. It generally refers to the traditional, older-style Buffalo grasses that have been used in Sydney and surrounding NSW areas for decades.
These older varieties were the original Buffalo turfs used in Australia before the development of the newer, softer strains.
Key Features
- Leaf Texture: Coarse and wide.
- Colour: Medium green, may fade in winter.
- Shade Tolerance: Moderate.
- Drought Resistance: Moderate.
- Wear Tolerance: Good in sunny conditions, poor in shaded or high-wear areas.
- Growth Habit: Faster spreading compared to newer cultivars, but may become invasive.
Pros
- Often cheaper than premium soft-leaf varieties.
- Suitable for public areas or large commercial landscapes where cost is a factor.
- Established in many Sydney soils and climates — has stood the test of time.
Cons
- Coarse leaf texture can be scratchy or uncomfortable.
- Can turn brown more easily in winter.
- Requires more maintenance (mowing, edging).
- Less aesthetically pleasing compared to newer varieties.
Comparing Palmetto, Soft-leaf Buffalo, and Sydney Buffalo
| Feature | Palmetto | Soft-Leaf Buffalo | Sydney Buffalo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf Texture | Medium-soft | Very soft | Coarse |
| Winter Colour Retention | Excellent | Varies by variety | Fair to poor |
| Shade Tolerance | High (up to 75%) | Very high (up to 80%) | Moderate |
| Drought Resistance | Excellent | Good to excellent | Moderate |
| Wear Recovery | Good, slower repair | Excellent in most varieties | Moderate |
| Maintenance | Low (slow growth) | Moderate | Higher (fast growth) |
| Cost | Mid to high | Mid to high | Low |
| Comfort | High | Very high | Low |
| Aesthetics | Lush and green | Lush and vibrant | Average |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Palmetto Buffalo if:
- You want a low-maintenance lawn that keeps its colour year-round.
- Your lawn area receives moderate shade.
- You don’t want to mow often.
- You have kids or pets and want something soft and durable.
Choose a Soft-leaf Buffalo variety if:
- You want the softest lawn possible.
- Your yard has a lot of shade or tree coverage.
- You’re willing to spend a bit more for aesthetic value.
- You prefer a grass that is quick to self-repair after wear.
Choose Sydney Buffalo if:
- You’re working with a tight budget.
- Your lawn is large and sunny, and comfort isn’t the top priority.
- You’re replacing existing coarse Buffalo turf and want something similar.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Palmetto, Soft-leaf Buffalo, and Sydney Buffalo comes down to your individual needs: budget, lawn use, aesthetic preferences, and environmental conditions.
For most modern households, especially in urban areas like Sydney where shade and aesthetics matter, Palmetto or a certified Soft-leaf Buffalo variety (like Sir Walter or Sapphire) will offer the best mix of comfort, beauty, and performance.
On the other hand, for public spaces, budget-conscious projects, or homes that already have a coarse Buffalo lawn, Sydney Buffalo might be sufficient — though it’s rarely the first choice in new installations today.
Regardless of your choice, Buffalo grass remains one of Australia’s most reliable and versatile lawn options. Make sure to source your turf from a reputable supplier like A View Turf, your trusted turf supplier in Sydney, ask about DNA certification (for Soft-leaf Buffalo), and follow proper installation and care instructions to enjoy a lush, green lawn for years to come.
