Australian homeowners grappling with the rising cost of living may soon find relief for their turf-obsessed tendencies, with a new buffalo grass set to hit the market later this year promising to slash maintenance expenses and time spent fixing holes.
After six years of rigorous trials both locally and in the United States, Lawn Solutions Australia is preparing to release its “Stampede Hybrid Buffalo”, a variety specifically engineered for greener, more durable lawns with reduced upkeep.
In short, it promises homeowners the perfect lawn without (almost) having to lift a finger.
The innovative turf is slated for an initial rollout in September across New South Wales and Queensland, with South Australia and Victoria to follow in the New Year.
According to Joe Rogers, technical manager at Lawn Solutions Australia, the Stampede Hybrid Buffalo’s key selling point is its drought and general-wear resistance, offering significant financial relief to households keen on maintaining pristine lawns.
After six years of rigorous trials both locally and in the United States, Lawn Solutions Australia is preparing to release its “Stampede Hybrid Buffalo”, a variety specifically engineered for greener, more durable lawns that practically look after themselves.
This innovative turf is slated for an initial rollout in September across New South Wales and Queensland, with South Australia and Victoria to follow in the New Year.
This comes as recent research from Money.com.au reveals the average Australian is willing to pay an additional $21,860 for a property boasting manicured lawns or high-quality landscaping.
“This is significant for us because we’re finally bringing out a grass that we believe will perform better than Sir Walter in a lot of instances,” Mr Rogers stated.
He said a major differentiator for Stampede is its natural colour.
“Buffalo grasses are green, but you need to buy quite a bit of fertiliser to really get that deep, rich green that a lot of people are after,” Mr Rogers explained.
“The great thing about Stampede is that it has that colour naturally. So customers are going to save a lot of maintenance and a lot of input as it also holds its colour during the winter months, and that’s where it really stands out.”
According to Joe Rogers, technical manager at Lawn Solutions Australia, the Stampede Hybrid Buffalo’s key selling point is its drought and general-wear resistance.
He added that Stampede’s dormant period is considerably shorter than other grasses, meaning homeowners will enjoy a more natural green lawn with minimal input.
Another crucial advantage is its impressive lateral growth, which contributes to its vigour, allowing it to handle wear and self-repair effectively.
“A big issue a lot of yards have at the moment is they have shade thanks to trees, fences, and next-door neighbours’ houses, but it’s also the place where kids play and dogs run around,” Mr Rogers noted.
“Shade and wear combined is a very hard environment for turf grass to survive in, but with Stampede, it’s a soft leaf buffalo, so they are shade tolerant by nature, which makes it a really good option for backyards that are busy but also have shade.”
The reduced need for fertiliser is a also major cost-saving benefit, especially given recent market fluctuations.
It’s rich green colour will also excite lawn enthusiasts.
“Fertiliser has gone up 150 per cent, 200 per cent in some markets, so reducing the requirement of fertiliser is a good thing, but also reducing the requirement of water,” Mr Rogers highlighted.
Regarding availability, Mr Rogers explained that building turf stock takes time, as it relies on natural growth.
“Stock will come online through the Lawn Solutions Australia network of turf farmers in spring this year. So initial rollout will happen in September in New South Wales and Queensland, and more likely in early 2027 in Victoria and South Australia, as turf takes a little longer to grow down there,” he said.
Lawn enthusiast Harry O’Brien. Picture: Alan Barber
While it will eventually be available widely in major retailers like Bunnings and nurseries, the initial release will be exclusively through the Lawn Solutions Australia network.
Pricing for Stampede will be comparable to other soft leaf buffalo grasses on the market, with customers expecting a slight uptick of $0.50 to $1 per square metre on what they currently pay for varieties like Sir Walter DNA Certified, which typically costs between $13.50 and $16.50 per square metre.
The ‘Green Premium’ Across Australia
When it comes to turf obsession, Tasmanians appear to be leading the pack, with the Money.com.au survey revealing they are willing to pay the most for pristine lawns or landscaping, at an average of $24,890.
This “green premium” varies across the country, with homebuyers in New South Wales ($22,980), Western Australia ($22,440), and South Australia ($21,920) also showing a strong inclination.
Conversely, those in the ACT ($21,050), Victoria ($20,900), and Queensland ($20,850) were willing to pay slightly less.
Source: Money.com.au
Nick Burgess, Property Expert at Money.com.au, highlighted the significant impact landscaping has on perceived property value.
He noted the rise of “lawn porn” online, which shapes buyer expectations for the ideal Aussie backyard.
“Lush, well-maintained lawns and gardens can translate into real dollars for property sellers,” Burgess explained.
“Homebuyers often form an emotional connection with outdoor spaces, picturing family activities.”
Burgess added that lawns are increasingly becoming a “status symbol,” particularly in a competitive market where street appeal is crucial.
For owner-occupiers, a finished outdoor space with a neat lawn means less immediate work, making them more inclined to stretch their budget.
The research also found that Baby Boomers were willing to pay the steepest ‘lawn premium’ at $23,580, followed by Millennials ($22,870), with Gen Z and Gen X willing to pay less.
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