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Hi BW trust! I am hoping for a step by step guide on how to re-establish our lawn or welcome advice on whether it's just better to returf entirely. We inherited a very patchy, weed infested, uneven lawn from the previous owners of our house and since we've never had to do this before, our knowledge and tools need to start from zero. We are hoping to give it a go ourselves as our budget is limited.
Hence hoping for a kind soul, willing to walk us through the process, in lawn for dummies fashion, haha.
Some key things, to add info to the pictures (a but messy after heavy winds):
- Some areas still have buffalo
- The back area where the trees are keeps water stagnation and I was wondering with what yype of soil we could level it to create some natural drainage.
- There's a big eucalyptus currently to the side of the garden, however the lawn does get light. Its moisture though might be taken by the tree. However the buffalo seems to be surviving regardless.
- Ideally we'd like to lift the lawn up to the edge of our pergola tiles, as the soil sunk. Again looking for guidance as to how to level types of soil to achieve that.
- Is it a good idea to do this job now (Summer) or wait till spring?
Thank you so much in advance!!
Hello @Anka
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about re-establishing your buffalo lawn.
Re-establishing your lawn can be a rewarding project, and with a bit of planning and effort, you can achieve great results without blowing your budget. Since you're dealing with patchy buffalo grass, weeds, uneven levels, and some water stagnation, here's a beginner-friendly approach using readily available products from Bunnings.
Firstly, tackle the weeds by applying a selective herbicide designed for buffalo lawns, such as Weed'n'Feed products labelled as safe for buffalo grass. Follow the product instructions carefully, applying it on a dry day when no rain is forecast for at least 24 hours. Allow two weeks for the weeds to die off before progressing.
Next, assess the waterlogged area near the trees. For levelling and improving drainage, use a soil blend like Lawn Top Dressing or a sandy loam soil, both available at Bunnings. Spread a thin layer of soil to fill the low spots and rake it out evenly. To further assist with drainage, consider mixing in gypsum if the soil is clay heavy.
For the sunken areas, you can use the same top-dressing soil to bring the level up to your pergola tiles. Apply the soil in small amounts, gradually building it up and watering lightly after each layer to help it settle.
If the existing buffalo grass is still healthy in parts, you can give it a boost by fertilizing with a buffalo-specific lawn fertilizer, such as Scott's Lawn Builder for Buffalo Grass, which you can find at Bunnings. Water it in well to encourage vigorous growth. To thicken your lawn, consider oversowing bare patches with grass seed suitable for buffalo lawns, or if you want faster results, lay buffalo turf in those areas. Keep the soil moist until the new growth establishes.
Regarding the eucalyptus tree, its roots can compete for water and nutrients, so a slow-release fertilizer for lawns will help support grass growth. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage stronger root development in the grass.
Summer is a good time to work on your lawn since buffalo grass thrives in warmer temperatures but avoid extreme heat for laying turf or applying fertilizer. Early mornings or evenings are best for watering to minimize evaporation.
By following these steps, you can improve your lawn gradually, keeping costs low while creating a more even, lush lawn that complements your outdoor space.
Here are some discussions about lawn revival you might find useful.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
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