How short should I mow buffalo?
Quick answer
Heights vary by variety, so start with your turf supplier's guide. In Western Australia, the Turf Growers Association of WA and Water Corporation give about 15 to 20 mm for soft leaf buffalo in summer. Whatever your target, never remove more than a third of the leaf at once, and mow higher in shade, heat and drought.
Why this happens
The right height for buffalo depends on the variety, how it’s used and how much sun it gets, which is why different guides give different numbers. Two Western Australian sources agree on a figure for soft leaf buffalo: the Turf Growers Association of WA and Water Corporation both give about 15 to 20 mm in summer. Many turf suppliers publish their own range for each variety, so check yours. [CONFIRM: reviewer to confirm LawnMan’s recommended mowing range for buffalo outside WA]
Whatever range you use, two principles matter more than the exact number.
The one-third rule
Never remove more than a third of the leaf in one mow. Cutting off more than that stresses the grass, slows root growth and can leave it browned and open to weeds. In practice, it means mowing more often in the spring and summer growth flush, rather than letting it get long and cutting it hard.
Mow higher when the lawn is stressed
Raise the height in shade, so the grass has more leaf to capture light; in heat and drought, so the leaves shade the soil; and while the lawn recovers from damage, pests or renovation.
Bringing a long lawn back down
If buffalo has grown long, don’t scalp it back in one go. You’ll cut into the yellow stems and runners and the lawn will look burnt. Lower the mower a notch at a time over several mows.
Signs you’re mowing too low
Yellow or brown patches straight after mowing, visible runners and stems, bare patches on high spots, and weeds moving in are all signs the height is too low for your lawn.
It depends on your grass and climate
| If you have… | What changes |
|---|---|
| Shaded areas | Mow higher in shade so the grass has more leaf to capture light. |
| Heat and drought | Raise the mower during hot, dry spells; longer leaves shade the soil. |
| Winter in cooler areas | Buffalo grows slowly when dormant. Mow less often rather than lower. |
Rows that match the grass and climate zone you've set are highlighted. Set your climate zone
What you can do
Find your variety's guideCheck first
Your turf supplier's care guide gives the range for your variety.
Apply the one-third rule
If your target is 20 mm, mow before the grass reaches about 30 mm, so you never take off more than a third.
Bring an overgrown lawn down gradually
If it has grown long, lower the height over several mows rather than all at once.
Raise it for stress
Go higher in shade, during heat or drought, and on a lawn recovering from damage.
Keep blades sharp
Blunt blades tear the leaf tips, which turn brown.
What not to do
- Scalping an overgrown lawn in one go after a spring growth spurt.
- Mowing shaded areas at the same height as full sun.
- Mowing wet grass with blunt blades.
How much do I need?
A label rate of "20 mL per 100 m²" means: Rate 20, mL, per 100 m². Per hectare? Use 10,000 m².
How much you need
Enter your lawn area and a rate to see how much product and water you need.
Log it
Keep a record of what you applied, when, and at what rate. Your Lawn Journal works on this device without an account, and reminds you when the next step is due.
What's next
Related grass types, weeds, pests and diseases
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Who wrote this, and what it's based on
This page hasn't been reviewed by our technical reviewer yet [CONFIRM: reviewer]. Until it is, it isn't listed in search engines. How we write and review
Sources
- Turf varieties, Turf Growers Association of Western AustraliaSoft leaf buffalo: approx. 15 to 20 mm in summer, similar in winter (WA). Accessed 3 October 2026.
- Bring your brown lawn back to life, Water Corporation (Western Australia)Soft leaf buffalo mowed at about 15 to 20 mm in summer (WA). Accessed 4 October 2026.
- Healthy Lawns: cutting off one-third of the grass blade, UC Statewide IPM Program, University of CaliforniaRemove no more than one-third of the leaf at each mowing. Accessed 4 October 2026.