Yes, there is such a thing, and it’s not fake grass either! For the most part, these lawns require minimal watering and fertilising, and of course mowing. Continued work from turfgrass breeders (yes there is also such a thing as a turfgrass breeder) from around the world is leading to new-and-improved grass and turf-types that develop into lower-maintenance, reduced input and lower-growth and maintenance lawns. When it comes to considering a new lawn-type of this nature however, there are a number of factors to consider including shade-tolerance, resistance to wear and drought as well as the maintenance requirements; as some of these characteristics may not work for your circumstance. For example, a low-mow lawn probably won’t work with high-wear areas with pets and kids as the grass needs to have quick-recovery traits to be able to better-withstand the traffic and grow back and repair quicker. Finding the best lawn for your situation can mean making trade-offs. This may include things like the look and feel of the lawn you want to other characteristics that are important to you – like what the lawn might be mainly used for. It’s important to then look at what grass-types are appropriate for your climate and growing conditions. When considering a new lawn type it’s important to be aware of these things and a reliable local source like your closest Lawn Solutions Australia turfgrower or Lawn Solutions Centre can help in offering the right advice. For a quick overview of the most common turf-types and their maintenance requirements the following summary may help and for further detail check out the full tech specifications at the Lawn Solutions Australia specifications link at www.lawnsolutionsaustralia.com.au/grass-types
Zoysia Matrella
Zoysia Matrella varieties like Sir Grange are known to be very low in maintenance. This is mainly due to very slow growth patterns. Types of zoysia grasses can grow up to half as slow as couches and kikuyu’s, therefore resulting in significantly less mowing. Zoysia Matrella’s also require minimal water and have lower nitrogen requirements. Zoysia Matrella’s like Sir Grange also have great colour and very high shade tolerance.
Soft-Leaf Buffalo
Buffalo’s, similar to zoysia’s, are also very low maintenance turf varieties. They require less mowing then kikuyu’s and couches, and also require slightly less nitrogen. Premium types like Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo turf have extremely high shade tolerance, great colour and soft leaf making it the perfect choice in many modern landscaping situations.
Kikuyu
Kikuyu is a dense, rapid-growing lawn that has a vigorous growth habit allowing it to repair very quickly if damaged and is able to establish a strong, deep root base to help it stand up to the hottest summer days. Kikuyu does well in full sun, doesn’t handle shade all that well and requires more mowing and upkeep than most types due to its quicker growth.
Couch
Couch grasses, again due to strong growth habits, usually require more mowing and maintenance than other varieties. They are a shorter and finer leaf than most turf-types and can look amazing in the right situation. Couches can be also slightly more susceptible to weed infestation or growing into garden beds when not controlled regularly.
Fescue
Fescue lawns are very high in maintenance. Even though they do not require a lot of mowing, the water requirements (especially during summer) are excessive. Fescue also is considerably more prone to grub and fungal issues and will require more nutrients than other varieties. Lawncare doesn’t need to be difficult and simple hints from Lawn Solutions Australia and their network of member turf growers and Lawn Solutions Centres Australia-wide can help with products to keep your lawn in top condition this summer.
