Finding the Right Grass for Your Lawn: A Complete Guide

When it comes to choosing grass for your lawn, there’s no one-size-fits-all option. Different turf varieties perform better depending on factors like climate, environment, shade, and how the lawn will be used. Some grasses thrive in full sun, others tolerate shade well. Some are ideal for heavy traffic, while others are better suited for pristine, manicured finishes.

Whether you’re selecting turf for your front yard, backyard, or even a golf course, understanding the specific traits of each grass variety will help ensure your lawn thrives after installation.

To make this easier, Turfco has created this comprehensive guide to help you choose the right turf for your home and lifestyle.

What Traits Should You Look for in Your Grass?

Which grass handles the most wear and tear?

If your lawn is destined to become a busy space — whether it’s kids running around, pets playing, or hosting backyard sports — durability is essential. You’ll need a turf variety with high wear tolerance and the ability to recover quickly from damage.

TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is an outstanding choice for high-traffic areas. It has a self-repairing ability that ensures the lawn bounces back quickly after wear and tear from pets and children. In addition to home lawns, TifTuf is trusted on sports fields and golf courses for areas like fairways and tees, where heavy foot traffic is constant.

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo is also a fantastic option for active yards. Known for its soft and lush appearance, it can withstand frequent backyard footy games without compromising on comfort or aesthetics.

Zoysia Australis is a hardy grass with excellent wear tolerance. Its dense growth and durable leaf structure help it handle regular foot traffic from kids, pets, and backyard activities. It bounces back well and keeps a healthy, attractive appearance, making it perfect for active areas.

Which grass is the most drought-tolerant?

Water restrictions and dry conditions are a reality for many Australian homeowners. That’s why selecting a drought-tolerant grass is often a smart investment.

TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is the leader in drought resistance. It is the only grass in Australia recognised with Smart Drop Certification, highlighting its low water requirements. TifTuf stays greener for longer during dry periods and needs significantly less water to establish and maintain compared to other varieties.

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo also stands up to dry spells exceptionally well. Its broad leaves naturally curl during hot weather to conserve moisture, then unfurl once rain or watering returns, helping it maintain a healthy appearance even in Australia’s harsh summer climate.

Which grass thrives in shade?

Not all lawns receive full sun all day. Trees, fences, or buildings can block sunlight, so it’s important to choose a grass that can thrive in shady conditions.

Soft Leaf Buffalo grasses, particularly Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, excel in these environments. They can tolerate 50 to 70% shade, which translates to around 3-4 hours of direct sun per day or dappled sunlight for the majority of the day.

Sir Grange Zoysia is another excellent option for shaded areas. Once established, it performs well even when sunlight is limited. Sir Grange will need at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is commonly used on shaded golf course holes where low light and reduced wear make it an ideal choice.

Zoysia Australis offers excellent shade tolerance, thriving with as little as 4 hours of sunlight per day. Its dense growth and medium leaf make it ideal for semi-shaded yards where it stays lush and green with minimal maintenance.

Which grass is low maintenance?

Sir Grange Zoysia has a slow growth rate, which means less frequent mowing compared to faster-growing grasses, and it naturally resists weeds thanks to its dense growth. Sir Grange offers versatility in its height, known as the “no-mow” grass. It can be left completely unmown and offer a striking appearance but can also be mown short & manicured. Combined with its ability to maintain colour and health with less fertiliser, it’s an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a lush, green lawn without the high upkeep.

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo is renowned as a low-maintenance lawn choice. Its excellent drought tolerance means it needs less frequent watering, while its dense growth naturally resists weeds. Supported by a strong root system, it thrives with minimal care and shows good resistance to common pests and diseases, making it an easy and reliable option for homeowners.

Zoysia Australis is naturally resistant to diseases, pests, and weeds, reducing the need for ongoing maintenance. It grows slowly, requires minimal fertilisation, and stays healthy with little intervention. For homeowners wanting a lush, green lawn without the hassle, Zoysia Australis is a true game-changer.

TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda has a natural resistance to pests, diseases, and drought. TifTuf is Smart Drop Certified for exceptional drought tolerance, requiring up to 38% less watering than other turf varieties, once established. It also needs less fertiliser than many other warm-season varieties. While routine mowing and maintenance are still important, TifTuf’s resilience and durability make it an ideal option for those seeking a lush, attractive lawn with minimal effort.

Which grass suits your lawn goals?

For a premium, manicured look:

Sir Grange Zoysia is a luxurious, fine-bladed turf variety with a deep green colour. This versatile grass was originally bred for the golf industry, and it adapts beautifully to home lawns seeking a lush, well-groomed finish. It can be mown short for a sharp, formal appearance or left slightly longer for a textured, natural feel.

For a bowling green finish:

TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda offers a dense, fine-leaf growth habit, making it perfect for frequent low mowing. Its durability and aesthetic appeal combine to create a stunning bowling green effect.

Sir Grange Zoysia also suits very low mowing. It can be trimmed down to as short as 6mm, forming a dense mat of dark green leaves. This makes it a popular choice for putting greens and golf courses, where its upright leaf structure keeps golf balls sitting on top of the grass rather than sinking in.

For a medium-leaf look:

Zoysia Australis has dark green, soft-to-the-touch leaves with a medium width and a dense, tight growth habit that creates a luxurious appearance. Its narrow, pointed blades range from light to emerald green and spread through both stolons and rhizomes, ensuring excellent coverage. As seasons shift, Zoysia Australis can also take on a striking red hue, adding unique beauty to your lawn year-round. Zoysia Australis is best mown anywhere between 20-50mm.

Eureka Kikuyu has a medium, bright green leaf, delivering a lush, uniform lawn. This combination of durability and eye-catching appeal makes Eureka Kikuyu for those seeking a resilient lawn. Eureka Kikuyu is best mown anywhere between 30-50mm.

For a broadleaf look:

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo is a soft-leaf buffalo and is renowned for its lush, dense growth and vibrant green colour. With broad, soft leaves and a tight growth habit, it forms a thick, lush lawn that not only looks great but also naturally helps prevent weeds from taking hold. Sir Walter Buffalo is best mown anywhere between 30-50mm.

In Summary

No two lawns are the same, and neither are grass varieties. The key to a thriving, beautiful lawn is choosing grass that meets your specific needs, from traffic levels and shade to drought tolerance and desired appearance. Whether you’re creating a backyard sports field, a lush shade retreat, or a high-end showpiece, there’s a turf option that’s perfect for you.

For expert advice and the best turf solutions, speak with Turfco and find the grass variety that will make your lawn the envy of the neighbourhood.