Weed control and herbicides

What weed killer is safe on buffalo?

Quick answer

Only a product whose label lists buffalo, at the rate given for buffalo. Buffalo is more sensitive than couch or kikuyu to some herbicides, and at least one registered label warns it is more easily damaged than other grasses. Identify the weed first, then choose a product registered for that weed in buffalo, and follow the label exactly.

Why this happens

There’s no single “safe” weed killer for buffalo. Safety comes from the label: a product is suitable for buffalo only if its label lists buffalo, and only at the rate and in the conditions the label sets for buffalo.

Buffalo is more sensitive than couch and kikuyu to some herbicides. One registered label for MCPA, a common broadleaf active, warns that buffalo grass is more easily damaged than other grasses. Products made for “lawns” in general can still exclude buffalo, so the label always comes first.

How to choose

  1. Identify the weed. Broadleaf weeds (clover, bindii), grass weeds (winter grass) and sedges (nutgrass) need different products.
  2. Check the label lists buffalo. Look at the situations or turf types the product is registered for, and the critical comments. If buffalo isn’t there, the product isn’t for buffalo.
  3. Check the label lists your weed. The weeds-controlled table must include it.
  4. Follow the label exactly. Rate, water volume, timing, conditions, watering in, mowing and re-entry.

You can check any product’s registration and label on the APVMA’s public register, PubCRIS.

Products on this page

We only list products for this job when their label data on file confirms they list buffalo and the target weed. If nothing appears, it’s because we don’t yet have a product with complete, checked label data that meets that test.

Prevention is easier on buffalo

Because spraying buffalo needs care, prevention pays off: a thick, well-fed lawn, mown at the right height, with an autumn pre-emergent labelled for buffalo where winter grass is a problem, and weeds dug out while they’re small.

What you can do

  1. Identify the weedCheck first

    Use the Weed Identifier. Broadleaf weeds, grass weeds and sedges need different products.

  2. Confirm it's buffaloCheck first

    If your lawn is mixed, choose for the most sensitive grass present.

  3. Read the label before buyingCheck first

    Buffalo must be listed, and the weed must be listed. Read the critical comments for buffalo-specific warnings.

  4. Calibrate your sprayer

    Spot-spray or broadcast exactly at the buffalo rate. Don't make it stronger.

  5. Apply in the right conditionsProduct step

    Follow the label for temperature, rain, watering and mowing before and after.

What not to do

  • Using a general lawn weed killer without checking buffalo is on the label.
  • Mixing stronger than the label rate for stubborn weeds.
  • Spraying a heat- or drought-stressed lawn when the label says not to.

How much do I need?

m²
Don't know it? Measure your lawn.
m²
m²

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.

About the Product Application Calculator

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.

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What's next

Next questionHow do I kill winter grass in buffalo?WeedWinter grassApplication guideSpraying safely: PPE, weather, drift, pets, kids and waterwaysToolProduct Application CalculatorLawn JournalAdd a reminder for the next step

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Sources

  1. Relyon MCPA 750 Selective Herbicide label (APVMA e-label 81841), APVMA e-label registerLabel warning: buffalo grass is more easily damaged than other grasses. Accessed 4 October 2026.
  2. Search registered chemical products and permits (PubCRIS), Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)Search registered products and view labels. Accessed 3 October 2026.
  3. Understanding pesticide chemical labels (booklet), Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)How to read a label. Accessed 4 October 2026.