What is the Best Grass for a Lawn? A Complete Guide to Top Choices

What is the Best Grass for a Lawn?

When it comes to choosing the best grass for a lawn in Australia, there are several factors to consider.

With so many grass varieties and lawn types available, making the right choice can make all the difference in establishing a beautiful, healthy lawn that suits your lifestyle and local climate.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best grass types for NSW, including drought-tolerant, shade-tolerant, and low-maintenance options, to help you create the perfect lawn.

Warm Season vs. Cool Season Grasses

Australia’s varied climate means that both warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses can thrive, depending on your location.

Each type of grass species has unique characteristics that affect its suitability for different regions.

Warm-season grasses

Warm-season grass varieties are well-suited for NSW’s warmer climate and are often used in coastal areas and regions that experience drought conditions.

These grasses, including Buffalo grass, Zoysia grass, Kikuyu grass, and Couch grass, thrive in full sun and withstand extreme heat. Their resilience and drought tolerance make them the top choice for Australian lawns.

Warm-season types also have winter dormancy, so they may turn a purple, blue or brown colour in the cooler months, but their durability in hot weather is unmatched.

Cool-season grasses

For cooler climates and shaded areas, cool season grasses like tall fescue can be a better option.

While they are not as drought-tolerant as warm-season turf, they maintain green coverage in winter, making them ideal for lawns in cooler areas of Australia such as Tasmania.

What is the Best Grass Type for a Lawn?

Each of these types of grass provide distinct benefits; from drought and wear tolerance to shade and salt resilience. While they’re all different, you’ll find the best match for your unique needs and lifestyle.

Choosing the right grass for your lawn depends on factors like shade tolerance, maintenance needs, and resilience to foot traffic.

Whether you’re looking for low maintenance with Sir Grange Zoysia, the all-weather resilience of TifTuf Bermuda, or the adaptability of Sir Walter Buffalo, these grasses offer excellent options for creating a beautiful, enduring lawn.

Here’s a closer look at some popular warm-season grass varieties for Australians.

Grass variety 1: Soft-leaf Buffalo grass

DNA Certified Sir Walter Buffalo Grass

DNA Certified Sir Walter Buffalo Grass is a premium soft-leaf buffalo grass renowned for its versatility and superior shade tolerance.

With a broad leaf blade, it offers a lush, soft texture that’s gentle underfoot and is visually appealing for any home lawn.

This grass is drought-tolerant and resilient, making it ideal for Australia’s dry, hot climate.

Sir Walter Buffalo also has a deep root system, allowing it to thrive in both full sun and shaded areas – making it a top choice for many Australian lawns.

For those looking for a beautiful lawn with relatively low maintenance, this variety provides high wear tolerance, making it perfect for families or home lawns with moderate foot traffic.

[Find out more about DNA Certified Sir Walter Buffalo turf]

Grass variety 2: Zoysia grass

Sir Grange Zoysia

Sir Grange Zoysia is a premium Zoysia grass known for its high drought tolerance and very low maintenance needs.

Originally developed for golf courses, this grass has gained popularity in Australian lawns thanks to its durability and fine grass blades.

Sir Grange is highly salt-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for coastal areas and sandy soils. Additionally, it has a unique growth pattern that requires minimal mowing and fertiliser – making it ideal for homeowners who prefer a low-maintenance lawn.

Although Sir Grange Zoysia performs best in full sun, it also has moderate shade tolerance, giving it flexibility in different yard settings.

[Find out more about Sir Grange Zoysia turf]

Grass variety 3: Couch grass

Nullarbor Couch

Nullarbor Couch is a highly resilient Couch grass variety that thrives in full sun and withstands high traffic areas.

This grass type is often found on sports fields, golf courses, and even horse racing tracks due to its high wear tolerance and exceptional drought tolerance.

Nullarbor Couch has a fine leaf blade and dense coverage, creating a lush, green look, but it requires frequent mowing and fertilisation to maintain its appearance.

While this variety is low shade tolerant and performs best in full sun, its durability and toughness make it one of the most popular choices for large lawns or areas that get a lot of foot traffic.

[Find out more about Nullarbor Couch turf]

Grass variety 4: Kikuyu grass

Eureka Kikuyu

Eureka Kikuyu is a fast-growing grass variety well suited for Australian climates and lawns that require robust, quick-growing grass.

Known for its vigorous growth, Eureka Kikuyu quickly establishes a dense turf that can withstand moderate foot traffic, making it ideal for family lawns or larger properties.

While Eureka Kikuyu requires regular mowing and maintenance due to its rapid growth, its resilience and affordability make it a popular choice for home lawns.

This grass type thrives in full sun and performs well in coastal and sandy areas, thanks to its moderate salt tolerance.

[Find out more about Eureka Kikuyu turf]

Grass variety 5: Bermuda grass

TifTuf Bermuda Grass

TifTuf Bermuda Grass is an advanced Bermuda grass variety that stands out for its exceptional drought tolerance.

This grass was bred for resilience, capable of withstanding full sun, high temperatures, and dry conditions, making it ideal for lawns across NSW.

TifTuf has a fine leaf blade, offering a dense and vibrant green lawn that can endure extreme heat with minimal watering once established.

While TifTuf Bermuda Grass has low shade tolerance, it excels in sunny areas and is well-suited for high-wear environments, making it a favourite for sports fields and home lawns that require superior quality and durability.

Its unique drought resilience and high wear tolerance make it a great grass choice for Australian lawns looking for long-term performance with low water needs.

[Find out more about TifTuf Bermuda turf]

Key Factors in Choosing the Right Grass

When choosing which is the best grass type for your lawn, you should consider a few factors including your climate, lifestyle and more.

Soil type and condition

Different grass species require different soil types and conditions to grow well. For instance, Zoysia and Kikuyu perform well in sandy soils, while Buffalo grass adapts to a range of soil types.

Testing your soil type can help you determine the best grass variety for a healthy lawn. You may also wish to adjust your soil type before installing your lawn to give it the best start possible.

Climate and Drought Tolerance

NSW’s climate can be unforgiving, especially in areas prone to drought conditions.

Drought-tolerant grass varieties such as Sir Grange, TifTuf Bermuda and Sir Walter are highly suitable for this region, with deep root systems that help them thrive with minimal watering.

Look for grass types with high drought tolerance to ensure your lawn stays green even during dry spells.

Shade and Sun Requirements

If your lawn area is shaded, opt for a grass variety with good shade tolerance, such as DNA Certified Sir Walter Buffalo Grass.

For full sun areas, consider Nullarbor Couch or Eureka Kikuyu grass, which require more sunlight and have low shade tolerance.

Understanding the sun exposure of your lawn will help you choose a variety that suits your yard’s unique conditions.

Maintenance Needs

Your lawn’s maintenance requirements depend on the type of grass you choose. For those who want a low-maintenance lawn, Sir Grange Zoysia grass or DNA Certified Sir Walter grass are ideal options.

On the other hand, if you don’t mind regular upkeep, Nullarbor Couch or Eureka Kikuyu grass provide lush, dense coverage that requires frequent mowing and care.

Establishing Your New Lawn

After selecting the best grass type for your lawn, proper lawn care is essential to maintain its quality and appearance. Here are our top tips for establishing a new lawn.

• Prepare the soil so that it’s suitable for the grass type you’re installing. A good quality top soil or lawn starter fertiliser can also go a long way to giving your new lawn a great start. Additionally, preparing your soil leads to good drainage for a healthy lawn.
• Drought-tolerant grasses still need regular watering during establishment. Adjust watering according to drought conditions and your grass variety’s requirements.
• Make sure to following the mowing and fertilising advice for your new lawn. While you may be tempted to start mowing early, wait until the roots have established. Regular fertilisation throughout establishment also promotes a lush, green lawn for years to come.

Finding the Right Grass for Your Lawn

With so many grass varieties available, choosing the right grass for your lawn can feel overwhelming.

However, creating a beautiful, healthy lawn that withstands foot traffic, drought conditions, and varying soil conditions is achievable with the right preparation and grass selection.

Whether you choose a tough, drought-tolerant Zoysia or the shade-loving soft leaf buffalo, investing in the right grass for your Australian lawn will ensure years of enjoyment and a superior lawn quality that withstands NSW’s unique climate.

If you’re still unsure about which grass type is best for you, get in touch with our friendly team who can guide you through the process.