Understanding the basic care needed by grass species can help you have a lawn that looks good all year ’round.  

Across Australia there are huge variations in soil types and climatic conditions, but a bit of information can go a long way.

Let’s explain the few main grass types to assist you in choosing the species that best suits where you live.

The most popular lawn species include:

Kikuyu: this is an invasive grass that recovers well from drought conditions.

This species is ideal for the home gardener who doesn’t have too much time for lawn care.

Remember kikuyu is invasive and will quickly get into garden beds.

Hybrid couch (Santa-Anna): a fine-textured grass with good colour.

This species needs de-thatching to stay in peak condition. It takes a bit more work to keep it looking fantastic, but it’s really worth it.

Buffalo: slow growing, but rich green in colour. There are new varieties of buffalo which are able to withstand wear and tear. Buffalo has some shade tolerance, but always remember no turf grows in the dark.

These three species are known as summer grasses because they grow well during the warmer months but they will become dormant during the winter.

- by Glenn Moreland and Deb Delahunty (Wodonga TAFE)

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