If the building is just over and you look at a patch of bare earth where your lawn of choice would be, you have come to the right spot. For new grass for a brand-new block, or just after a renovations & extensions project, choosing the right grass type is vital to form a lovely-yet-hard yard that stands against the varying weather.
In this post, we look at top grass choices for Australian conditions – everything from the climate to soil and maintenance. Along with super-useful hints, I’m going to throw in tips and suggestions to help you – the whole thing is going to be a down-to-earth, matey conversation. Well, let’s get started turning those post-construction bare grounds into a plush green paradise!
Understanding Your Local Climate and Soil Condition
Before getting on to the details of grasses, it is important to get a grip on your local setup. After a construction operation, your soil may have turned out to be compacted from all those tradies’ utes and machinery or just deficient in nutrients, so building a strong base is key.
Locate your climate zone first. Australia has a tropical climate in North Queensland and the Northern Territory; a subtropical climate along the east coast; a temperate climate in the south, such as Victoria and Tasmania; a Mediterranean climate in parts of Western and South Australia; and finally, an arid climate in the outback. Tropical areas have hot summers with high humidity and wet seasons, while temperate zones experience cold winters and mild summers. Subtropical and Mediterranean localities stand somewhere true between hot, dry summers and wet winters.
Soil testing is a wonderful feel-good idea for you to try. From your local Bunnings or nursery you might find a kit that checks pH, nutrients, and soil type. Most grasses grow well in soils that are slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 6.0 to 7.0, and proper drainage to avoid waterlogging. If the post-construction dirt turns out to be heavy clay dug by deliberating machines or too gritty-fine sand, just mix in some good flow compost or gypsum. Aerate the soil before planting to disperse deep compaction-aiding root penetration and quick settling. Matching your grass to the climate and soil saves you headaches, such as bare patches or fungal issues, also saving some bucks.
Top Warm-Season Grasses for Hotter Climates
The warmer parts of Australia, such as Queensland, Northern Territory, and Northern New South Wales, experience very hot summers and mild winters, thereby recommending warm-season grass. These guys do all their growing in the heat, go slightly dormant through the cool months, and are champions of drought and sun tolerance.
- Kikuyu grass is a plant of many talents for such regions. Tough as boots, it rapidly spreads via runners to fill up the bare patches from construction in a jiffy and is an apt counterpart for family backyards or areas for play. Keep this point in mind to put in edging right upon installation to keep it at bay. It is planted in spring for fast establishment, and then you would be gifted with a dense, greener carpet.
- Another good one for hot and dry places is carpet grass, aka Bermuda. Setting rapidly from either seeds or turfs, it builds a fine-textured lawn that braves grit and wears very well – if left with a yard that sees heavy traffic because of your build! Being drought-tolerant after establishment, it relishes the sandy soil commonly found on coasts. Peak for hybrids such as Santa Ana for that softer feel underfoot.
- The species that is more tolerant of a bit of shade would be Zoysia grass. Empire or Palisades varieties provide dense, soft cushioned mats with slow growth, requiring less mowing for very busy families. It is also salt-resistant, suitable for coastal properties, and can withstand drought spells. Plant with plugs after construction for cheap planting, and of course, bind with mulch to hold on to moisture during the first weeks.
Grasses for Temperate and Cooler Climates
Down south in Victoria, Tasmania, or cooler parts of South Australia, where winters can be pretty cold and summers reasonably moderate, you’re going to want your grasses to cope with frost and variable weather. These often tend to comprise warm and cool types so that they stay green year-round.
- Buffalo grass, such as the popular Sir Walter variety, is a staple here. It is shade tolerant up to 70% – a great feature for yards with new trees or structures after construction – and stays green through winter with little care. It is soft with broad blades that feel nice on bare feet and resists weeds well.
- Tall fescue is wonderful in temperate climates because its deep roots access water readily, and therefore the necessary constant watering is lessened. Tall fescue forms clumps, giving a natural look, and tolerates light shade, ideal post knockdown and rebuild where soil can be disturbed. Combine it with ryegrass for faster covering; the mix will hold up against a few rounds of footy or kiddies running about without going thin.
- Queensland Blue Couch would be the perfect alternative for the milder southern spots bordering on subtropical systems. Its almost blue-green tinge imparts a rather unusual vibe to its watering ease and drought resistance, with a slow establishment time. Slowly establishing but great for low-activity grounds.
Options for Transitional or Varied Climates
In those zones in between, like certain parts of New South Wales, Western Australia, or the arid interior, where the weather swings from hot and dry to being cooler and wet, there come versatile types of grasses. Buffalo and Zoysia often fit the bill, but here are a few more to consider.
In dry or semi-arid zones, really native choices like buffalograss (personally, I would not confuse it with buffalo) can work well in conscience-keeping. It does not need much water and can grow in bad soils – the very epitome of a green landscape, after all. Being quite slow-spreading in nature, it can be well-suited for larger blocks where low maintenance is wanted.
Couch and Kikuyu do fine with the Mediterranean climate of wet winters and dry summers, but if you want to, you can mix them with fescue for the wintry colour. Take into consideration the microclimate of your yard and designate the sunny area for Couch and the shady areas for Buffalo so that a patchwork lawn perfectly suits you.
All things considered, these grasses are flexible, but always consider water restrictions and invasive species in your local council area.
Preparing and Planting Your New Lawn
Once grass has been selected, let’s get to putting it in. Post-construction, clear rubble and level the site to avoid bumps that make the grass grow unevenly. Prepare the soil properly, so till in some organic matter to a depth of around 15-20cm, which should be a friendly root environment for your grass.
You could consider seeding, which is more economical but slower; however, instant turf sells for more but gives quicker results. Plant it in spring or summer if it’s a warm-season grass, while the cool-season type will be a good candidate for autumn planting. Water deeply enough for the roots to develop, but do not overwater; at least keep it moist and not soggy.
For the smart gardener: a good idea would be to install an automatic irrigation system linked to weather apps to conserve water in drought-prone Oz. Be alert for weeds; a light layer of mulch will suppress these weeds until your turf is set.
Your Way to Lawn Perfection
There you go – your hand-tailored guide to the best grass types for the new lawn after building. Kikuyu might suffice up north; Buffalo is generally considered more “reliable” down south, with the ultimate decision being made depending on location, life, and soil. Some preparation and patience yield a star-quality turf.
