Australia’s warm climate and beautiful landscapes make it the perfect place to have a thriving lawn.
And knowing which type of grass is best for your particular area can be beneficial, as the wrong choice can quickly lead to an unruly, patchy mess.
With so many grass varieties available across Australia, ranging from hardy Buffalo grass to soft Kikuyu turf, there is something out there that’s right for everyone.
Common Warm Season Grasses in Australia
Australia is home to many natural grasslands and pastures, making it a haven for warm season types of grass.
These hardy grasses hold up to extreme temperatures, arid climates and conditions where other delicate cool season grasses may not thrive.
Couch Grass
Couch grass is a type of carpet grass that is commonly used in lawns. It is a tough, warm season grass that withstands heavy foot traffic and harsh conditions.
Plus, its deep root system helps it to stay green all year round.
Couch grasses are also known for being drought-tolerant and resistant to disease. These qualities make them an excellent choice for those wanting a low-maintenance lawn.
However, it’s still important to mow your lawn regularly, as couch grasses can be highly invasive.
Most popular couch grass variety: Nullarbor Couch grass or Bermuda grass
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass, sometimes called zoysiagrass, is another type of carpet grass.
It is known for its thick, dense turf and ability to withstand heavy traffic. Zoysia grass is also drought-tolerant and resistant to disease.
However, like most carpet grass varieties, zoysia grass requires regular mowing and can be difficult to remove if it creeps into other areas of your garden.
Greenest variety of zoysia grass: Emerald Zoysia grass
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass is a type of perennial turf grass native to Australia. It’s a hardy grass that can withstand hot, dry conditions and requires very little maintenance.
Buffalo grass is also one of the few types of grasses that don’t need fertiliser to thrive — although you may want to give it a little boost if your lawn is looking particularly patchy.
One thing to remember with buffalo grass is that it doesn’t tolerate shade well. So, if your garden is shaded for part of the day, this may not be the best option for you.
Best soft leaf buffalo grass: Sir Walter Buffalo grass or Sapphire Buffalo grass
Kikuyu Grass
Kikuyu grass is a fast-growing type of grass that originates from East Africa. I
t is a popular choice for lawns in Australia due to its hardiness and ability to thrive in both warm and cold climates.
Kikuyu grass is also known for its resistance to wear and tear, making it a good choice for high traffic areas.
Kikuyu grass is a good choice for those who want a lush, green lawn all year-round. However, it requires more maintenance than buffalo grass.
Most popular kikuyu variety in Australia: Kenda Kikuyu or Eureka Kikuyu grass
Common Cool Season Grass Varieties in Australia
Despite the scorching heat typically associated with Australia, some cool season grass varieties grow incredibly well here.
These grasses thrive both in dry and wetter climates as long as they receive minimal shade.
Kentucky Blue Grass
Kentucky blue grass is a type of cool season grass native to Europe and North America. It is known for its fine texture, dense sod, and deep green colour.
In Australia, Kentucky blue grass is rare due to its lower heat tolerance and higher maintenance requirements compared to other grasses.
However, it can be found in some cooler, shaded areas where it is used for high-end lawns, sports fields, and golf courses.
Kentucky bluegrass spreads through underground stems, called rhizomes, and produces a dense, interlocking mat of grass.
It requires regular watering, fertilisation, and consistent mowing height to maintain its appearance.
Not to be confused with: Blue Grass or Winter Grass!
Fescue Lawn Grass
Fescue grass is a hardy, multipurpose, cool season grass. It has a high drought tolerance compared to other types of grass, shades out weeds, and is low-maintenance.
Fescue grasses are much less temperature-sensitive than their turf grass counterparts, allowing them to flourish in winter and summer climates.
This robust, hardy grass survives long, hot summers, requiring significantly less water than other grass types.
Most common type of fescue grass: Tall Fescue Grass
Perennial Rye Grass
Rye grass is a cool season grass that grows best in cool, moist climates.
It forms a dense mat when growing and has a deep root system that helps it withstand drought and heat.
Rye grass is also resistant to wear and tear, making it a good choice for high traffic areas.
Unlike the other two cool season grass varieties highlighted, rye grass needs regular mowing to keep it under control. It is shade tolerant and also known for being disease-resistant.
Also known as: Sown rye grass
The Grass is Greener Down Under
The type of grass you grow will have its own characteristics and benefits, and the best choice for you will depend on climate, soil type, and intended use.
When it comes to maintaining a healthy and attractive lawn, it’s best to choose the right grass type and provide proper care and maintenance.
For best results, you can always call on a professional lawn mowing service — they can provide expert advice and support to keep your lawn looking its best all year round.
