When you are residing in Australia, where hot weather prevails throughout most of the year, choosing the appropriate grass type for your lawn is a crucial choice. A better grass type not only performs well in the sun but also needs less maintenance and water, giving you a lush evergreen oasis that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. With so many options to select from, each having a unique set of features, this guide will help you weigh the pros and cons of the most popular warm-season grass types so that you can make an informed decision for your home.
Popular Warm-Season Grass Types
Australia has been fortunate in having a diverse range of warm-season grasses that are optimally suited to its climatic conditions. Of the three most common, these are Buffalo, Kikuyu, and Sir Walter. All of the species have their advantages and have conditions, which are suited to a different state and way of living.
Buffalo grass has been popular with Australian homeowners due to its dry climate-resistant, robust quality. Its broad leaves and thick texture provide good cover that feels pleasant to tread upon, but nonetheless not lacking in toughness.
Kikuyu is also another widely used variety, especially for large outdoor areas. Kikuyu grass is highly invasive, giving instant repair after damage, and is known to look emerald green all year round, even during the hottest summer days.
Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo Turf is a premium variety of Buffalo grass, bred specifically to offer superior-quality characteristics, including enhanced shade tolerance. Top-shelf grade sold, Sir Walter is fast becoming popular because it can thrive in any soil and light condition.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Grass Species
With Buffalo, Kikuyu, and Sir Walter competing against each other, maintenance, watering, and hardness are overriding factors.
Buffalo grass is low-maintenance for individuals who desire a hassle-free lawn. It is not as much work to mow, resistant to disease, and less thirsty than other varieties. But it can have slower growth rate and may not tolerate deep shade well.
Kikuyu, on the other hand, is one of the quickest-growing warm-season grasses. Its intense growth will spread widely over large areas and is therefore well suited for large gardens or city spaces. Hard and durable as it is, Kikuyu habits are also a liability. Left to itself, it will take over garden beds and spaces nearby and needs to be regularly cut so as to keep it in check. Kikuyu habits also need extra watering to retain its lush appearance over Buffalo.
Sir Walter is an excellent compromise for most individuals. Bred as a top-shelf Buffalo cultivar, it is more shade-tolerant and performs better in circumstances where Buffalo would not. It is soft on the feet and rich in colour, a very popular choice among those with children. But these premium attributes do come at a premium price initially, which might not be in everyone’s budget.
When choosing between these types of grass, it’s generally a case of personal needs. Do you want a fast-growing grass that will also recover quickly? Kikuyu might be your best option. Do you need a low-maintenance, soft grass that will be shade-tolerant occasionally? Sir Walter is the winner.
Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Lawn
Choosing the best grass type for your Australian lawn is making decisions between your needs and the specific conditions in your outdoor environment. For the homeowner who needs low maintenance and water consumption, Buffalo grass may be the answer. When heavy usage demands fast recovery, Kikuyu is the answer. And for those looking for a premium, versatile option with high shade tolerance, Sir Walter stands out as a top contender.
By choosing the right grass for your property, you’ll create a lush, resilient lawn that not only thrives year-round but also welcomes every barefoot step.
