Long before Sir Walter Buffalo Turf became a household name in Australia, buffalo grass was simply another lawn option — tough, hardy, and suited to warmer climates, but often coarse, scratchy, and not especially pleasant to walk on barefoot. Its performance in shade and during drought conditions was limited.
The turning point for buffalo grass in Australia came in the mid-1990s in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales. Here, turf grower Brent Redman, a second-generation farmer from Buchanan Turf Supplies, was experimenting with different varieties of buffalo grass on his farm. At the time, most turf growers faced common challenges with buffalo — slow winter growth, low shade tolerance, poor root systems, and uneven resilience across the country’s highly varied climates.
On Redman’s turf farm, he noticed something unusual. Among several buffalo varieties planted in a sample plot, a small area of grass stood out — it remained greener in winter, showed a stronger, healthier root system, and began progressively taking over the neighbouring turf. Redman saw exceptional potential in this “off-type” grass and began carefully propagating it to retain its unique characteristics.
This was the beginning of what would become Sir Walter — a soft-leaf buffalo grass that combined the durability Australia loves with a softness previously unseen in buffalo varieties.
The Name: What’s in a Name?
Once Redman and his collaborators realised this variety was something special, they needed a name that reflected its qualities. Initially, the abbreviation “WALT” was used, representing key traits of the grass:
- Winter Active
- Low Thatch
- Environmentally Responsible
To give it a sense of stature and to symbolise its quality — as well as to evoke a classic, proudly Australian identity — the prefix “Sir” was added. And so, Sir Walter Buffalo Turf was “knighted” with a name that would go on to become synonymous with premium lawn turf in Australia.
What Makes Sir Walter Special?
Sir Walter Buffalo Turf didn’t just grow — it thrived. Its appeal stems from a combination of traits that address the core challenges homeowners and landscapers face across Australia’s diverse climates:
Soft Leaf Texture
Unlike older buffalo types that were harsh underfoot, Sir Walter’s soft leaf blades offered a lush, comfortable lawn surface that was suitable for families, pets, and backyard play.
Seasonal Performance
Sir Walter was winter active, meaning it retained its green colour longer in cooler months compared with many warm-season grasses that turn brown or go dormant.
Shade Tolerance
Thanks to its broader leaf and robust growth habits, it performs well even with only three hours of sunlight per day — a big advantage in shaded backyards.
Drought Resilience
Developed in Aussie conditions, it showed excellent drought tolerance, helping lawns survive dry periods without constant watering.
Low Maintenance
Sir Walter is comparatively low maintenance, with low thatch and reduced pest and weed issues, saving homeowners time and money on lawn care.
Wear & Recovery
Its dense growth pattern makes it hardy under heavy foot traffic, and it can recover relatively quickly from wear, which is perfect for families with active kids or pets.
Rapid Rise to Popularity
Since its introduction to the market in 1997, Sir Walter Buffalo Turf has become a cornerstone of Australian landscaping. Its combination of toughness, softness, beauty, and adaptability saw it adopted by homeowners, landscapers, councils, and developers across the country.
Sir Walter’s success has been nothing short of extraordinary. It has become Australia’s best-selling buffalo grass, with over 100 million square metres sold nationwide — enough turf to cover millions of homes or stretch around Australia’s coastline multiple times.
This achievement makes Sir Walter not just a commercial success but a cultural one, with lawns full of rich green Sir Walter turf becoming synonymous with the quintessential Aussie backyard.
DNA Certification: Protecting the Original
As with any successful product, imitation followed success. Many turf varieties and suppliers claimed to offer “Sir Walter-like” or “same as Sir Walter” turf over the years. To preserve its integrity and help consumers know they were getting the real thing, the concept of Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo was introduced.
Under this system:
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Turf must be DNA tested to match the original breeder material developed by Brent Redman’s farm.
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Only accredited suppliers through Lawn Solutions Australia or other licensed growers are authorised to sell genuine Sir Walter DNA Certified turf.
This ensures buyers receive turf that lives up to the quality, performance, and resilience that made Sir Walter famous, backed by industry certification and often warranties.
Sir Walter Today: The Aussie Classic
Decades after its first discovery, Sir Walter remains the benchmark turf variety in Australia. It’s suited to a wide range of landscapes — from sunny suburban lawns to coastal gardens and even shaded courtyards. Its adaptability to soil types and environmental conditions, coupled with its family-friendly feel, continues to make it extremely popular with homeowners and landscapers alike.
Whether you’re in the coastal humidity of Queensland, the dry heat of inland NSW, or temperate regions in Victoria and South Australia, Sir Walter Buffalo Turf has proven its durability and charm across the Australian continent.
Why Australians Love Sir Walter Buffalo Turf
In summary, Sir Walter’s popularity comes down to a few core points:
- Soft, comfortable texture underfoot
- Green all year round, including winter
- High drought and shade tolerance
- Low maintenance and long-lasting
- Resistant to pests, weeds, and disease
- Backed by DNA certification and quality assurance
These qualities make Sir Walter not just a grass variety, but a long-term landscaping investment that enhances outdoor living spaces, adds aesthetic appeal, and boosts property value.
Ready to Transform Your Lawn?
If you’re looking for quality Sir Walter Buffalo Turf in Sydney, look no further than A View Turf — your trusted supplier of genuine DNA Certified Sir Walter lawns. With expert advice, reliable delivery, and turf that thrives in local conditions, A View Turf can help you create the lush, resilient lawn you’ve always wanted.
