Choosing the right turf variety for your Melbourne garden makes the difference between a lawn that thrives and one that struggles. Melbourne's climate, with hot dry summers and cool wet winters, suits several turf varieties, but each has different strengths when it comes to shade tolerance, traffic handling, and maintenance requirements.
Sir Walter Buffalo
Sir Walter is the most popular turf variety in Melbourne and for good reason. It handles shade better than most warm-season grasses, stays green through winter, and is soft underfoot. It repairs well from damage and is relatively drought tolerant once established.
Sir Walter is our most commonly installed turf variety. It suits most suburban backyards, handles kids and pets well, and looks good year-round with moderate maintenance. It does require regular mowing during the growing season to keep it neat.
Kikuyu
Kikuyu is a vigorous grower that establishes quickly and handles heavy foot traffic well. It is the most affordable turf variety and is often the best choice for large areas where budget is a consideration.
The downside of Kikuyu is its aggressive growth habit. It will spread into garden beds, under fences, and anywhere else it can reach. It requires regular mowing and edging to keep it under control. Kikuyu also goes dormant and turns brown in cold winters, though it recovers quickly in spring.
Couch varieties
Couch grasses like Santa Ana and Stadium provide a fine, dense lawn that looks stunning when well maintained. They are excellent for full-sun areas and handle heat and drought well. Many sports fields and golf courses use couch varieties.
The trade-off is higher maintenance requirements. Couch grasses need regular mowing, fertilising, and watering to look their best. They do not handle shade well and can thin out under trees or beside buildings. For homeowners who want a premium-looking lawn and are prepared to maintain it, couch is a great choice.
Want help choosing the right turf for your garden? We can advise during a site visit.
Book a Site VisitSite preparation is everything
Regardless of which turf variety you choose, the preparation work determines the result. We remove existing vegetation and debris, import quality topsoil if needed, grade the area for proper drainage away from buildings, and compact and level the surface before laying.
We also install irrigation where needed to ensure your new lawn gets adequate water during the establishment period. A properly prepared and watered lawn will establish within 2 to 4 weeks in Melbourne's warmer months.