These are the Best Types of Grass for Your Lawn

Charles Cline

By Charles Cline

Last Updated on February, 2025

Are you looking to spruce up your lawn? Are you bogged down by the varieties and not sure what type of lawn grass you want to get?

Well, keep reading to find out what grass type is best suited for you so you can enjoy your lawn’s beautiful expanse. 

Quick Summary

  • There are various warm and cool-season grasses suitable for lawns in Australia, each with unique benefits. Options like Buffalo, Zoysia, Couch, Kikuyu, and Bermuda are highlighted for warm climates, while Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue suit cooler climates.
  • Natural grass offers environmental benefits, including reducing soil erosion, managing water, supporting ecosystems, and providing cooling effects.
  • Selection depends on factors such as climate, soil type, intended use, maintenance level, and sun exposure. Homeowners should consider these factors to ensure a healthy, suitable lawn.

Types of Warm Season Grasses for Your Lawn

A close up shot of natural grass

Choosing the right lawn grass requires careful consideration of factors such as your garden condition, climate, soil type, and capacity as a gardener.

Your choices in grass types may vary depending on which part of Australia you live in. There’s also the choice between a seed-grown lawn or a turf-grown lawn. 

Soft Leaf Buffalo Grass

Soft-leaf buffalo is native to Australia and is a fan-favourite. This type of warm-season grass is durable and requires very little maintenance as the grass self-repairs rapidly, doesn’t require fertiliser to grow and is highly resistant to pests, so fewer chemicals are needed. 

Soft leaf buffalo grass is excellent for families with children or pets, as the grass blades are soft and inviting to play on. However, one thing to note about buffalo grass is its low shade tolerance. 

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass is known for its thick, dense turf that can withstand heavy foot traffic. 

Zoysia is a slow-growing grass variety that can provide an attractive lawn even in extreme heat all year round. It has a high drought tolerance relative to other turf grasses and is disease-resistant. 

Zoysia grass has a slightly wider leaf blade than couch grass, which tapers at the tip. This type of grass is great for coastal and dry climates or around swimming pools. 

Couch Grass

A close up shot of couch grass

Couch grasses are common for Australian lawns, and can withstand the full sun during hot summers. 

These types of grass are commonly known for being drought tolerant, minimally maintained, and resistant to disease. Their deep root system helps them stay green the whole year, providing a beautiful grassplot. 

Kikuyu Grass 

Kikuyu grass is a fast-growing type of grass native to East Africa. It is a popular choice for lawns because of its durability and ability to thrive in warmer and cooler climates.

These grass types are resistant to wear and tear, and perfect for high-foot-traffic areas. 

Kikuyu is the best grass for gardeners who are on a budget, as it is more affordable than other grasses. However, it requires more maintenance than buffalo grass. 

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass has pointed dark green leaves forming a thick, dense grass plot. It is usually found in sports fields because it is low maintenance and requires less water. 

Types of Cool Season Grasses for Your Lawn

Kentucky Bluegrass

A close up shot of kentuckey blue grass

Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that is known for its fine texture, deep green colour and dense sod. These grass varieties are rare in Australia due to higher maintenance and not being shade tolerant. 

Tall Fescue Grass

Fescue grass is a hardy, cool-season grass that is ideal for northern climates. Tall fescue is known for withstanding summers better than other cool-season grass varieties.

It has thick, coarse, deep green leaves with high wear tolerance compared to other types of grass. 

Tall fescue has exceptional drought tolerance, relatively low maintenance, and less temperature sensitivity than other turf varieties. 

Benefits of Installing Natural Turf

Natural lawn grasses are not only an attractive addition to the landscape, but they also provide several benefits to the environment.  They help break down organic chemicals, and reduce soil erosion, flooding, and noise. 

Natural turf also provides an ecosystem for smaller wildlife, both on the grass and in the sandy soil. Natural grass also creates a cooling effect in warmer weather and protects the ground from freezing during cold winters. 

How to Choose the Right Grass for Your Lawn?

A natural grass lawn with a driveway

Homeowners must consider a few factors before selecting a grass variety for a new lawn. 

The purpose of the grass is an important consideration. 

The local weather, temperature extremes, and drought conditions are essential to consider when determining whether the grass needs to be heat, cold, or salt tolerant.  

The level of maintenance needed is a factor you will need to consider given your availability, budget, and scale. Different soil types require different grass varieties; consider pH level, and drainage capabilities. 

Shade tolerance is how much sun exposure it can take. Buffalo grass can handle up to 70% shade compared to cool season grass. 

Relevant guides:

FAQs

The cost of turf in Australia ranges from $7 per square metre for Kikuyu grass to $26 per square metre for high-quality Zoysia varieties like Augustine grass.

The fastest to slowest growing order is Kikuyu, Couch, and Buffalo. 

Grass seeds may root better than turf, especially in shady or problematic areas, though they require more patience.

The best material for growing grass is well-draining soil with balanced pH, suited to the grass type.

Final Thoughts

Having a natural grass turf will make all the difference for our environment, from keeping soil healthy to protecting against flooding. 

The best lawn variety for you will depend on your climate, soil, and intended use. It is advisable to choose the appropriate grass type and provide proper care to maintain an attractive and healthy lawn. 

For best results, you can contact your local grower or professional lawn mowing service to keep your garden from looking its best all year. 

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