The 5 most common types of grass in Australia

And how to identify and maintain them.

Did you know that there are different types of grass in Australia? And not just around the country, but around the world too? Whilst most people can identify various flowers, plants and shrubs by their more obvious difference in features – grass doesn’t typically get a second thought (unless you’re trying to grow it). 

A short history of grass 🌿

There are around 1000 different types of species of grass in Australia, which are well adapted to the harsh and varying climate and low-fertility soils, and play an important part in maintaining ecosystem health. Due to generations of agriculture, much of the native grass has changed in diversity. 

When it comes to our back-gardens, we have many hybrids of grass, some upgraded to make for easier lawn care and softer play underfoot. Many aren’t native, and were introduced from other countries as they are easier to grow, maintain and acclimate to our suburban lawns, offices and sports fields. 

So, here are the 5 most common types of grass in Australia, how to spot them and how to maintain them…

1. Buffalo Grass
   (Buchloe dactyloides)

Buffalo grass is the most common type of grass and is likely in your backyard. Not only is it easy to maintain; it’s durable, easy to grow and now has a softer feel and look. It was introduced to Australia in the early 1900s and is a turfgrass originally from North America. 

Identify it by its wide leaf blade (below).

If you grew up here, you might remember this grass in your back garden being thick and scratchy – making you feel itchy after playing barefoot. Thankfully, this is the older variety – the new variety now has a much softer touch, and is known as ‘Soft leaf buffalo’.

The Benefits: It looks lush, green and soft. It can tolerate up to 70% shade, is low maintenance and very water-efficient. Also a warmer season grass and tolerates drought better. 

How to maintain: Mow buffalo grass every 7-10 days in the hotter months and every 3-4 weeks in the cooler months. When it comes to length, cut it to a height of around 25mm – 50mm and increase to between 50mm – 70mm in shaded areas. (This leaves a longer leaf blade which absorbs more sunlight and allows the lawn to stay healthy with less light). 

2. Couch Grass
   (Cynodon Dactylon)

Couch grass (pronounced cooch), commonly known as bermuda grass in the US, is a high drought and wear tolerant grass type originating in the Eastern hemisphere. Typically best suited to golf courses, parks and sports fields for its high wear and stress tolerance, couch grass needs plenty of sunlight and can be mowed quite short. 

Identify it by its fine leaf blade and dark green colour (below).

The benefits: High drought tolerance, perfect for golf courses and sports fields, wear resistant and perfect for warmer seasons. Can withstand the sun for a long time but does need a minimum of 5-6 hours sunlight (not so great in the shade). Tough all rounder. 

How to maintain: Keep the length cut between 9mm and 36mm on your home lawns (recommended under 25mm for best appearance). Make sure to fertilise throughout the year and weed regularly to prevent a build up that can quickly affect your lawn.

3. Kikuyu Grass

Kikuyu grass (pronounced kuh-koo-yoo) is an invasive and hearty grass, originating in East Africa. It’s suitable for most climates and a large range of weather conditions, and can be found on racecourses, parks and fields. 

Identify it by its deep green colouring and flat leaf blades, (4-5mm wide) and pointed tips (below).

The benefits: All rounder, grows fast and spreads wide. Great for many climates and weather conditions, thrives in the sun (not so much shade), is deep rooted and strong. Good drought tolerance.

How to maintain: Mow every 7-10 days during summer months at an average length of 35mm – 40mm. Water only when necessary, like with areas of the grass drying out. Avoid watering in winter. Scalp kikuyu grass in Spring for best results.  

4. Zoysia Grass 

Zoysia grass is another high wear, drought tolerant (notice a pattern here?) tough grass type. Originating in South East Asia, zoysia is a grass great for the warmer seasons and can tolerate some cold as well. 

Identify it by its fine leaf which grows up to 5mm wide and 40-50mm long. Soft to touch. (below). 

The benefits: Grows slower than other grass types, meaning less mowing & maintenance. Tough, tolerates warm weather and some colder weather. Good for warm, subtropical and tropical climates. Requires less watering. 

How to maintain: Mow to a length of between 35 to 45mm every 3 – 4 weeks (or more if necessary depending on growth). Dethatch towards the end of winter and reduce watering during winter. 

5. Fescue Grass

Fescue grass or ‘Tall Fescue Grass’ is a cool season grass commonly found in South Australia. Originating in Europe, this grass grows dense and coarse with a deep root. Fescue grass can withstand stress and poor soils better than other grass types, and tends to grow better in cooler climates. 

Identify it by its wide leaf blades and oval shaped pointed tips and awns (below).

The benefits: Can be disease resistant, tolerates cooler temperatures, and has a deep green colour that can thrive all year round (if in the right conditions). 

How to maintain it: Mow this grass every 5 – 7 days at an average length of 20 – 40mm. Water weekly (if dry conditions) and weed regularly as prone to dandelion growth. 

So there you have it! That’s 5 of the most common grass types found in Australia, as introduced for its purpose as suburban lawns, sports fields, playgrounds, golf courses and grazing pastures. 

If you’re in the Blue Mountains region (Australia), and need some maintenance for your lawn and garden, then contact us today. We can help identify your grass type and maintain it for you! 

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Written by Ellie, Everclear Lawns and Gardens.

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Sources
With thanks to the following for the information:
Lawn Solutions Australia
Agriculture Victoria Government
My Home Turf
Pennington

Disclaimer: Though we always offer advice in our blog posts, we encourage all readers to conduct their own research and consider different solutions based on their own gardens and eco-systems, including environment, geographical location and laws of the land they reside on. In short – we take no responsibility for the outcomes of your garden based on the advice published.