How to Dethatch Your Buffalo Lawn

How to Dethatch Buffalo Lawn (and Help It Bounce Back Healthier Than Ever)

If your Buffalo lawn is starting to look a little dull, patchy or spongy underfoot — even though you mow and water it regularly — you’re not alone. Thatch buildup is a very common issue in Buffalo lawns, especially in Melbourne’s mixed climate. The good news? With the right approach, dethatching is completely manageable and can transform your lawn’s health and appearance.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to dethatch your Buffalo lawn, why it matters, and how to help it recover stronger than ever.

What Is Lawn Thatch and Why Do Buffalo Lawns Need Special Attention?

Thatch is the layer of dead grass stems, roots and organic matter that sits between the soil and the green leaf. A thin layer is normal — even helpful — because it protects the soil and retains moisture. But Buffalo grass, with its dense stolon-driven growth habit, is naturally more prone to building up excessive thatch over time.

In Victoria, our cool winters and warm summers can slow decomposition, allowing thatch to accumulate faster than it breaks down. If this layer becomes too thick, it prevents water, nutrients and air from reaching the soil, leaving the lawn stressed, pale or uneven.

That’s where dethatching comes in. Removing the excess allows your Buffalo to breathe, grow and green up again.

How to Tell If Your Buffalo Lawn Needs Dethatching

Before you begin, it’s important to confirm that dethatching is actually necessary — doing it too often can stress the lawn.

Here are simple checks:

• The Feel Test: Walk across the lawn. If it feels springy or spongy, thatch may be excessive.
• The Visual Test: Part the grass. If you see a brown, fibrous layer sitting above the soil, measure it.
• The Screwdriver Test: Push a screwdriver or stake into the soil. If it’s difficult to penetrate the top layer, thatch could be the culprit.
• Core Sample: Take a small plug of turf. If the thatch layer is thicker than about 1.5–2 cm, it’s time to dethatch.

In Victorian conditions, most Buffalo lawns only need dethatching every 2–3 years, depending on mowing habits, soil type and seasonal stress.

When Is the Best Time to Dethatch Buffalo Lawn?

Timing is everything. Dethatching removes a portion of the lawn’s surface layer, so you want the grass growing actively so it can recover quickly.

In Victoria, the ideal window is:

• Late spring to early summer — once the soil has warmed and Buffalo grass is thriving.

Avoid dethatching:

• In winter, when the lawn is dormant
• During periods of extreme heat or drought stress
• Immediately after laying new turf

Choosing the right season helps minimise stress and encourages quick regrowth.

How to Dethatch Buffalo Lawn — Step-by-Step

Dethatching isn’t complicated, and with the right tools, most homeowners can manage it confidently.

1. Tools and Preparation

You can use:

• A manual dethatching rake (best for small lawns)
• A powered dethatcher or scarifier (ideal for larger areas)
• Your mower for the prep and cleanup

Start by mowing the lawn slightly lower than usual — not scalped, just enough to expose the thatch layer. Collect all clippings so they don’t add to the problem.

2. The Dethatching Process

1. Work in straight, even passes across the lawn.
2. Apply gentle pressure — Buffalo lawns recover from stolons, so over-dethatching can damage them.
3. Go over the area twice if the buildup is heavy, changing direction for better coverage.
4. Rake or mow up all loosened material thoroughly.
5. Dispose of debris rather than composting it if pests or disease were present.

3. After Dethatching Care

After dethatching, your Buffalo lawn may look patchy or stressed — this is normal.

Support recovery with:

• A deep watering to settle the soil and encourage new growth.
• A light, slow-release fertiliser, ideally with balanced nutrients for warm-season turf.
• Mowing only when growth resumes, allowing the lawn time to rebuild leaf and stolon structure.

Buffalo lawns typically recover in 2–4 weeks in warm Victoria weather.

Dethatching vs Aerating — What’s the Difference?

Dethatching removes the surface organic layer.
Aerating, on the other hand, relieves soil compaction by creating channels that allow air, water and nutrients deeper into the root zone.

Both improve lawn health — but they treat different problems.

In Victoria, Buffalo lawns often benefit from doing both, with aeration after dethatching helping the lawn bounce back faster and encouraging deeper roots.

How to Keep Thatch Under Control Year-Round

Good maintenance reduces how often you’ll need to dethatch. Focus on:

• Keeping a consistent mowing height appropriate for Buffalo
• Aerating annually in high-traffic or compacted areas
• Feeding the lawn with balanced fertiliser, not excessive nitrogen
• Watering deeply but infrequently to promote strong root growth

With these habits, dethatching becomes an occasional job rather than a yearly battle.

A Stronger, Healthier Buffalo Lawn

Dethatching is one of the most effective ways to restore your Buffalo lawn’s colour, resilience and texture. By learning how to dethatch your Buffalo lawn at the right time and with the right technique, you’ll set it up for a strong recovery and long-term health.

If you’d like personalised advice or support for your Buffalo lawn in Melbourne or wider Victoria, the HG Turf Group team is here to help with expert guidance every step of the way.