Couch lawns like TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda are a favourite for many Aussie homes, particularly for high wear areas, and for those who want a more manicured look. In this blog, we take a look at how to best care for and maintain a couch lawn.
Skip to: How Often Should I Mow My Couch Lawn? Should I Fertilise My Couch Lawn? How Much Water Does a Couch Lawn Need? What Weed Killer Can I Use on a Couch Lawn? How Much Sunlight Does Couch Grass Need?
How Often Should I Mow My Couch Lawn?
Couch lawns are faster-growing grasses and will require more frequent mowing compared to other turf types like buffalo and zoysia grasses. Couch grasses are mown shorter than other turf types, ideally between 5 to 30mm.
As couch grasses are faster growing, you will need to ensure you are mowing regularly. This is particularly the case throughout the warmer months when the grass is growing at its fastest.
The frequency you need to mow at will be dependent on the temperatures in your region. However, as a general guide, it is best to ensure you are mowing frequently enough so that only one-third of the leaf is removed with each pass.
Throughout the warmer months of the year, if your lawn is growing too fast to keep up with, we recommend using a plant growth regulator (PGR) like Primo HG or Primo Maxx. A PGR will help slow down your lawns vertical growth. This will also help divert it into lateral growth, helping your lawn become thicker.
Should I Fertilise My Couch Lawn?
Generally, couch grasses like TifTuf won’t require as much nitrogen as other grasses like kikuyu or buffalo grass may need.
If you are using a liquid fertiliser like Exceed, we recommend applying 4 times a year, once in spring, summer, autumn and winter.
If you are using a granular fertiliser like our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser or ProPlus Mini Prill, as there will be more nutrients supplied over a longer period of time, you will only need two applications per year. Once in spring and again in autumn.
How Much Water Does a Couch Lawn Need?
Once a couch lawn is fully established, it will only need watering on an as needed basis. Usually, rainfall will be able to cover your lawns water requirements. However, if you are going through a dry period, your couch lawn may need additional water to help keep it in good shape.
Some tell-tale signs that a couch lawn needs watering include:
- Wilting leaf
- Leaf is losing colour
- If lawn is looking dry or crusty in hot weather
- When walking on your lawn and a footprint is left behind on the grass, your lawn is likely lacking water
When watering your lawn, it is best to do so in the morning before the heat of the day. Avoid late afternoon/night, as this can lead to fungal issues.
What Weed Killer Can I Use on a Couch Lawn?
The vast majority of weed killers available on the market are safe for use on couch lawns. However, it is always best practice to read the label before use.
If you do have a QLD Blue Couch lawn, it will be more sensitive to particular herbicides, so you will need to be careful to fully read the label instructions.
How Much Sunlight Does Couch Grass Need?
Couch grasses are sun loving turf types and will need an absolute minimum of 6 hours of direct light per day to thrive. If your couch lawn gets less than this, you may need to give any surrounding trees and shrubs a prune back. This will help allow more light back to the lawn.
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs.
