If you plan to install buffalo grass in your lawn, you may wonder which variety to choose between Palmetto and Sir Walter. Both varieties are known for their durability and are popular for residential and commercial landscapes in Australia. However, each type has unique features that set them apart.
To help you make an informed decision, we will compare Palmetto and Sir Walter buffalo grass varieties, highlighting their pros and cons so you can get the best results!
Palmetto buffalo grass features
Appearance
Palmetto buffalo grass has a deep green colour and a fine leaf texture. It has a low-growing and compact growth habit, which makes it an ideal choice for low-maintenance lawns. Palmetto has a soft texture that is comfortable to walk barefoot.
Growth rate
Palmetto buffalo grass has a moderate growth rate. It is a slow-growing grass and will take longer to establish than other varieties. Accordingly, the growing season will require mowing every two to four weeks.
Maintenance requirements
Palmetto buffalo grass is relatively low maintenance and requires less fertiliser and water than other varieties. It has good drought tolerance and can withstand extended periods of dry weather.
Sir Walter buffalo grass features
Appearance
Sir Walter buffalo grass has a broad leaf and a dark green colour. It has a thick growth habit, which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas. Sir Walter has a soft texture and is comfortable to walk on barefoot.
Growth rate
Sir Walter buffalo grass has a fast growth rate and will require frequent mowing during the growing season. It is a fast-growing grass and will establish quickly.
Maintenance requirements
Sir Walter buffalo grass requires regular fertilisation and watering to maintain its lush appearance. It has good drought tolerance and can withstand extended periods of dry weather.
Breaking down Palmetto vs Sir Walter
To determine the best lawn for your needs, we have come up with a comprehensive analysis of each grass type. In our breakdown, we will include a head-to-head analysis of:
- Weed resistance
- Thatch
- Shade tolerance
- Sun tolerance
- Drought resistance
- Wear and tear
- Pest and disease resistance
- Cost and availability
We will provide you with the winner for each factor and explain the reasoning behind our choice; let’s get into it!
Weed resistance
Winner: Palmetto
Palmetto and Sir Walter buffalo grass varieties are both resistant to weeds. However, in our experience, Palmetto has better weed resistance than Sir Walter, especially for bulbed varieties such as onion weed. Therefore, if you’re after minimal stress around weeds, Palmetto is your go to.
Thatch
Winner: Palmetto
Thatch is a layer of dead grass and organic matter accumulating on the soil surface. Too much thatch can cause problems in your lawn, including reduced water and nutrient uptake. As a result, this will force more lawn maintenance, and you may end up dethatching your lawn.
Palmetto buffalo grass has a low thatch build-up, making it easier to maintain. Sir Walter, on the other hand, can develop a thicker thatch layer.
Shade tolerance
Winner: Palmetto
Palmetto buffalo grass has good shade tolerance and can grow well in areas that receive partial shade. Sir Walter buffalo grass, on the other hand, requires full sun to grow well and does not tolerate shade.
Sun tolerance
Winner: Sir Walter
Palmetto buffalo grass has good sun tolerance and can grow well in areas with full sun exposure. Sir Walter also has excellent sun tolerance and can tolerate hot and dry weather.
Drought resistance
Winner: Palmetto
Both Palmetto and Sir Walter buffalo grass varieties are considered drought-resistant. However, Palmetto has better drought tolerance than Sir Walter, requiring less water during dry periods.
Cold weather resistance
Winner: Palmetto
Both Palmetto and Sir Walter buffalo grass varieties can tolerate cold weather. However, Palmetto is more cold-tolerant than Sir Walter and can withstand colder temperatures.
Wear and tear
Winner: Sir Walter
Wear and tear resistance is an essential factor to consider when choosing buffalo grass for high-traffic areas. Sir Walter buffalo grass has better wear and tear resistance than Palmetto, making it the ideal choice for areas with heavy foot traffic.
Pest and disease resistance
Winner: Sir Walter
Both Palmetto and Sir Walter buffalo grass are resistant to pests and diseases. However, Sir Walter is more resistant to fungal diseases than Palmetto.
Cost and availability
Winner: Sir Walter
Palmetto buffalo grass is generally more expensive than Sir Walter, but it is widely available across Australia. Sir Walter is also available nationwide and is often the preferred choice for many homeowners due to its affordability.
Our Verdict
Choosing between Palmetto and Sir Walter buffalo grass depends on various factors, including location, budget, and lawn maintenance needs. Palmetto is ideal for areas with partial shade and has better drought tolerance than Sir Walter.
On the other hand, Sir Walter is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas and requires less maintenance than Palmetto. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Final Thoughts
Palmetto and Sir Walter buffalo grass varieties are both popular choices for homeowners in Australia. Both varieties are low maintenance, drought-resistant, and can tolerate heavy foot traffic.
However, they have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different environments. Choosing between the two depends on various factors, including location, budget, and lawn maintenance needs.
