Killing weeds in Buffalo lawns can require various types of weed sprays which may also be used differently, and with different guidelines for safety and application from their manufacturers.
While there can be many different variables in their use and application, there are some universal lawn care tips that will greatly increase the effectiveness of many weed treatments for Buffalo grass.
Read Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Each herbicide is different and will require different application methods, times, and quantities and dilutions for any given product.
Be sure to carefully read the directions on the herbicide label before ever using a herbicide on a lawn.
Buy Buffalo Safe Herbicides
Many lawn herbicides are not safe for use on Buffalo grass, and can severely damage or even kill the Buffalo lawn after application.
Today, there are many Buffalo safe herbicides, which have been specially formulated for safe use on Buffalo grass. Be sure to check the label before the purchase of any herbicide when it’s being bought for use on Buffalo grass.
Measure the Lawn First
Before you can safely apply, not only herbicides but also pesticides, insecticides and lawn fertilisers to a Buffalo lawn, you will need to measure the lawn area so all products are safely applied within manufacturer guidelines.
Fertilise Before Weed Spraying
Weed killers work much better, and with far greater success, following an application of fertiliser to the lawn. We recommend applying a good quality lawn fertiliser 3 to 7 days before weed treatments, and ensure the product is well-watered into the turf.
An application of fertiliser at this time will also allow the Buffalo lawn to grow healthier and to naturally fight off many weed invaders on its own during this same treatment period.
Do Not Apply Too Much Herbicide
More herbicide or a stronger dose will not help kill more weeds.
Instead, it will run the risk of causing damage or even possible death to your Buffalo lawn. So be sure to only ever use the correct dosage of herbicide as instructed on the product packaging.
Span-Out Treatment Times
Often multiple treatments for the same weeds are required and there is a real risk of damaging the grass if we’re not careful.
If treating the same weed type with the same product, the second treatment should occur 2 to 3 weeks after the first. This gives the weeds a good dosage in a short amount of time and allows the second dose to work on an already weakened weed.
Wait at least a month, at minimum, before applying any further treatments past the second. This allows the lawn to fully recover to good health in between treatments. Without waiting between treatments, you could cause damage to your Buffalo lawn.
Watering Your Lawn & Herbicide Treatments
Do Not Water Lawn after Herbicide Treatment
Each product will be different, so be sure to read the product label. Generally, you will need to wait at least 3 to 7 days after the application of herbicide before you can water the lawn again. The same applies if it rains within days of applying herbicide to the turf.
Winter Grass Killer works completely differently than other herbicides and will need to be lightly watered into the lawn after application so it can kill the weed at its roots.
Plan Weed Spraying around Lawn Mowing
You don’t want to spray for Buffalo lawn weeds one week before mowing, or one week after mowing. By spraying too soon after mowing the grass will still have fresh open wounds from being cut which will then absorb the poison and damage or kill the Buffalo grass.
Mowing too soon after weed spraying could remove much of the weed’s leaf material which contains most of the poison – thus the effectiveness of the weed treatment falls considerably.
Throw Clippings in the Bin
Lastly, mow all Buffalo lawns with a catcher for the following 2 to 3 mowings after weed spraying, and then throw the clippings into the bin.
Most of these grass clippings will still be holding onto active herbicide, and by recycling them into garden beds or compost you run the risk of causing damage or death to other plants in your garden.
Good Buffalo Lawn Care
It is vital not to forget about good lawn care practices as well as weed management.
If a Buffalo lawn is in good all-round health, it will naturally fight and outcompete many different weed and pest types on its own. So at the same time as treating weeds in your Buffalo lawn, you should aim to do everything possible to bring your lawn back to full health and vitality.
Shade
Maint.
Drought
Wear
$12–$18/m² 
