How to choose the right grass variety for your climate

January 3, 2025

Starting a new garden or upgrading your backyard? Let’s talk about the foundation of it all – your grass. It’s easy to overlook, but trust me, the lawn is the unsung hero of any outdoor space. After all, nobody ever raved about hosting a barbecue on patchy soil or brittle, sunburnt turf. But here’s the kicker – picking the wrong grass for your local climate is like trying to grow bananas in the desert. It’s not going to end well. Let’s break this down, so you can make the best choice for your little patch of paradise.

Why Climate Matters More Than You Think

Think of grass as a picky eater. It thrives when it gets the right mix of sun, water, and temperature. Plucking a random bag of grass seed off the shelf without knowing how it’ll behave in your climate? Risky business. Will it resist your region’s dry spells or crazy summer heat? Will it handle frosty mornings or heavy foot traffic from the kids (or your overly enthusiastic dog)? These are the questions we need to answer before diving in.

Cool-Season vs Warm-Season Grasses

Now, here’s a fun fact: grass falls into two main categories – cool-season and warm-season. Stay with me, it’s simpler than it sounds!

Warm-season grasses love heat. They thrive under sunny skies and are perfect for areas with long, warm summers. Think varieties like Kikuyu, Buffalo (a crowd favourite!), or Zoysia. They’re lush, hardy, and can tolerate a bit of dry weather.
Cool-season grasses, on the other hand, prefer milder climates and can handle cooler temperatures. Ryegrass and fescues fall into this group. They do their best work in areas where winters are chilly but not extreme.

Take note: blending these types in unpredictable climates isn’t uncommon. It’s a handy trick to extend your lawn's nice green look all year round.

Five Simple Steps to Find Your Perfect Match

1. Study Your Surroundings

First, get the scoop on your local climate. Are you in an area with long, dry summers? Or do you find yourself battling chilly winters? Next, consider your yard’s layout. Lots of sun, deep shade, or a mix? Certain varieties thrive in full sunlight, while others, like Buffalo grass, do better in shady spots.

2. Think About Maintenance

If lawn mowing isn’t your idea of a great weekend, go for a low-maintenance option. Kikuyu is like that high-energy friend who grows quickly and looks lush, but it’ll keep you busy with mowing. Zoysia, on the other hand, is more laid-back and grows slower – less work for you!

3. Factor in Foot Traffic

Do you have kids, pets, or love throwing backyard cricket matches? You’ll need grass that can handle being trodden on. Couch grass and Kikuyu are your durable, tough-love choices. They bounce back from wear and tear like champs.

4. Check Water Needs

If your area’s known for water restrictions or you don’t have much time to water regularly, look for drought-tolerant varieties. Buffalo and Zoysia grass are great options here. They'll stay healthy without guzzling water like a thirsty camel.

5. Local Advice Is Gold

Not sure where to start? Ask for advice from your nearest garden centre (psst, we’re right here!). We’ve been helping people match their grass to their gardens for years. We’re basically turf matchmakers. If there’s one thing we know, it’s how to pick grass that thrives where you live.

Common Grass Varieties and Their Perks

Here’s a quick breakdown of some popular types, so you can see how they stack up:

Kikuyu: Fast-growing, budget-friendly, and perfect for sunny yards. Needs regular mowing due to its wild growth streak.
Buffalo: Great for shaded lawns and soft underfoot. Bonus: it's drought-tolerant and kid-friendly.
Zoysia: The chill cousin of the grass world. Slow to grow but requires less mowing and watering.
Couch: Hardy and ideal for high-traffic areas. A good pick if you’re constantly entertaining outdoors.
Ryegrass: Best for cooler regions. Offers a rich, dark green colour but may need reseeding every now and then.

The Grass Is Always Greener – When You Choose the Right One

A healthy, thriving lawn isn’t out of reach. With the right grass variety, you’ll be well on your way to creating an outdoor space that’s lush, inviting, and low-fuss. All it takes is knowing your climate and your own needs. Ready to roll? Come see us at Strathalbyn H Hardware’s Garden Centre. We’ll help you find exactly what you need to make your lawn the star of your outdoor space.

Happy gardening, and hope to see you soon! Cheers, Candeece