Table of Contents
Natural turf should be selected for the growing conditions and the way the lawn will be used. Leaf texture and colour matter, but they are only part of choosing a lawn you can maintain.
Observe sunlight across the lawn area
Check where direct light reaches the proposed lawn and how buildings or trees change it through the day and across seasons. Varieties differ in their light needs. A shade-tolerant variety still needs enough light to grow and recover from wear.
Compare the current specification for the actual cultivar being supplied. General labels such as buffalo or couch cover more than one product and should not be treated as a performance guarantee.
Compare use and care
| Turf group | Consider when choosing |
|---|---|
| Buffalo | Leaf texture, the specific cultivar’s light requirements and expected wear |
| Kikuyu | Sunlight, vigorous growth, mowing and management of spreading runners |
| Couch and hybrid couch | Fine-leaf appearance, light, recovery and maintenance requirements of the cultivar |
Lawn Solutions Australia’s comparison of couch and buffalo explains differences in growth and shade tolerance. A supplier can help match a current product to the conditions at your property.
A permanent route to bins or a gate may be better handled by a path, leaving the lawn to serve its main use. That can reduce concentrated wear without changing the whole garden surface.
Prepare the growing area
Check soil depth, drainage, compaction and the finished level before turf is ordered. Old grass or unsuitable material may need removal, with preparation suited to the ground rather than a universal soil-depth rule.
Edges should connect to paths and beds at a useful level. Watering access also needs to be available when the lawn is laid.
A Glebe lawn renewal
In our Glebe project, the failed lawn was removed, the ground improved and Sir Walter buffalo laid through the established garden. It is a real example of renewing lawn without rebuilding every surrounding feature.
Plan for establishment
Follow the instructions for the turf supplied and adjust care to weather and soil moisture. New turf and established lawn have different needs. Protect the area while it establishes and confirm when mowing and regular use can begin.
Our natural turf service includes preparation and laying. Where light or use makes natural lawn unsuitable, compare artificial turf and other options before deciding.
