As experts in the lawn maintenance industry, we sure do have our preferences when it comes to finding the perfect lawn type that suits an outdoor space. When deciding on your lawn type, you aren’t only considering your garden’s conditions, but also who you are as a gardener and what capacity you have to tend to your lawn.
It might be worth starting to observe your outdoor space and think about the levels of sunlight the area receives throughout the year and the type of soil you’ll be laying onto it.
We thought we would refer to other experts in the field such as Market Development Manager of Turf Australia, Jenny Zadro, who prompts homeowners who are selecting a new lawn to ask themselves these five questions.
1. How much foot traffic does your lawn get?
2. Do you have pets?
3. Is the site shaded, or in full sun?
4. Do you live in an area with high rainfall or a drier climate?
5. What type of soil do you have?
Sound like a lot to consider? Don’t worry, we’ll walk through the most popular types of lawns used by fellow Aussies and break down the pros and cons of each. It’s a tough job but you’ll get into it!
Best for: families with children and/or pets
Soft leaf buffalo grass is known for its lush, soft, appearance, tolerating up to 70% shade. It is a warm-season grass that is also long-lasting and low-maintenance, making it quite an ideal all-purpose choice for Queenslander homes.
Pros
Provides a soft surface
High levels of disease resilience
Self-repairs rapidly – meaning less patches and dead-spots
Thick and broad leaf creates resilience toward weed growth
Cons
Requires a lot of water – Buffalo lawn is quite a thirsty grass type and will require deep watering.
Prone to thatch – Soft-leaf buffalos can become quite thickly thatched, and as we know a build up of thatch can prevent air, water, and nutrients from reaching the roots.
Best for: low-maintenance or busy homeowners
Zoysia grass is more dense and low-growing by nature; therefore, it suits foot traffic in heavy areas as it can withstand wear and tear better than other grass types. It’s ideal for coastal gardens, with dryer climates as it is a warm season grass that thrives under the sun!
Pros:
Grows slowly
Survives on little rainfall
Hardy – resistant to damage, heavy backyard use
Tolerant of shade
Cons:
Not ideal for cold temperatures (does not tolerate frost at all)
Drought tolerant
Takes longer to regenerate
Best for: families with children and/or pets
Couch grass is adaptable to different terrains and climates making it well-suited to the Queensland climate. It’s also considered to be a very hard-wearing grass as it tolerates high traffic and quickly repairs when damaged.
Pros:
Fine blades and rich green colour makes it aesthetically pleasing
Sun-loving – thrives in full sun and maintains its colour
Dense coverage and quick repair capabilities
Cons:
Limited shade tolerance
Aggressive growth and runners – can unwanted areas, if not kept in check
Requires maintenance to retain it – regular mowing in warmer months and fertilising in colder months
Now you’ve got all the info you need to make an informed decision about what lawn will best suit your property and needs. So what are you waiting for? Get onto it!
Still got questions? Get in touch with one of our friendly staff members today by contacting us or dropping by your nearest Bushranger dealer.
