How to Choose the Best Type of Grass for Your Lawn

Thinking about a new lawn? Whether you're starting fresh or replacing patchy, tired turf, the first step is choosing the right type of grass for your climate, lifestyle and backyard.

With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when your local conditions play such a big role in how well your lawn will grow.

But don’t worry – we’re here to help you find the best match for your yard. From the best grass for Queensland lawns to shade-friendly turf for Victorian gardens, let us break it down step-by-step in this turf guide for the Aussie homeowner.

Know Your Climate

Australia’s climates vary dramatically, and so do the grasses that thrive in them. Start by understanding which category suits your region best:

Warm-season grasses love the heat and bounce back well from dry conditions. These are ideal for Queensland and the warmer parts of NSW. Popular options include:

Sir Walter Buffalo Grass: Soft and shade-tolerant.
Sir Grange Zoysia: Drought-tolerant and low maintenance.
TifTuf Bermuda Grass: Fine-bladed and fast-growing.
Nullarbor Couch Grass: Fine-textured and resilient.

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo - Image from Lawn Solutions Australia

Cool-season grasses grow better in temperate, frost-prone regions like Victoria and southern NSW. They handle cold snaps better and stay greener through cooler months. Currently, our selection focuses on warm-season varieties, which are well-suited for most Australian climates.

RTF Fescue - NSW & Vic only - Image from Lawn Solutions Australia

Not sure how much you need? Try our Turf Calculator and order the correct amount the first time. Simply add your address into the search bar and start measuring!

Assess Your Sunlight

Sunlight is one of the most important and often underestimated factors when it comes to lawn health. Some grasses thrive in full sun, while others are better suited to shady spots under trees or beside structures. Take a day to observe how the light moves across your lawn and note which areas get consistent exposure.

Full sun (6+ hours per day): For yards with strong sunlight, Kikuyu, Couch and Buffalo are great options. These varieties flourish in open spaces, grow quickly and recover well from wear.
Partial shade (4–6 hours per day): If your lawn sees dappled light or shade during parts of the day, consider Zoysia or Sapphire Soft Leaf Buffalo, both of which are known for their ability to stay green with less sun.

Sir Grange Zoysia featured in the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show - Image from Lawn Solutions Australia

Match to Foot Traffic

Lawn durability often comes down to how your space is used. If you have an active yard with kids and pets, you will need something hardy over a lawn designed for quiet weekends and low foot traffic

High-traffic areas: For busy, well-loved lawns that see activity from kids, pets or entertaining, choose grasses like Soft Leaf Buffalo, Zoysia or Kikuyu. These are designed to recover from wear and stand up to rough use without compromising on coverage or appearance.
Low-traffic areas: If your lawn is for light use or purely visual appeal, you can opt for finer, softer varieties. A fine-bladed Couch brings a clean, manicured look, while a soft Buffalo offers comfort with less upkeep.

Tiftuf Hybrid Bermudagrass - Image from Lawn Solutions Australia

The key is to strike a balance between how your lawn looks and how it performs. Picking a variety that matches your level of use will ensure it stays looking good longer.

Know Your Maintenance Style

Lawn care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some homeowners love the routine of regular mowing and fertilising, while others prefer a lawn that keeps itself looking good with minimal effort. Being honest about your time and energy for lawn upkeep will help you choose a turf you’ll enjoy, not avoid.

Minimal upkeep: Go for grasses that naturally grow more slowly and hold their shape without constant trimming. Zoysia is drought-tolerant, holds colour well and grows at a slower pace, reducing how often you need to mow. Buffalo also offers a comfortable surface with only moderate maintenance required.
Hands-on lawn care: You might be drawn to fast-growing options like Kikuyu or Couch. These are vigorous growers that deliver a lush, green finish, but they also demand more attention. Expect to mow regularly, edge neatly and feed often to keep them looking their best.

Eureka Kikuyu - Image from Lawn Solutions Australia

Whatever turf variety you choose, understanding the maintenance commitment upfront will help you avoid surprises and set your lawn up for long-term success.

Consider Local Conditions

Your lawn’s success depends on more than just climate – your soil and site conditions matter too.

Soil type: Clay soils tend to hold water, while sandy soils drain quickly. Do a pH test and amend accordingly with organic matter or soil conditioners.
Water access: In areas with frequent water restrictions (common in parts of Queensland and Victoria), drought-tolerant grass like Zoysia or Buffalo is a smart pick.
Frost risk: For colder areas, RTF Fescue or hardier warm-season types with light frost resistance can cope better with winter chills.

Zoysia Australis - Image from Lawn Solutions Australia

Popular Grass Types

Here’s a quick look at some of Australia’s favourite lawn varieties:

Ready to Refresh Your Lawn?

Matching the right grass to your local environment, lifestyle and yard conditions is the first step toward a lawn you’ll love long-term. From low-maintenance grass for busy families to grass that needs regular TLC from an avid gardener, we’ve got the range and the know-how to help you choose with confidence. Explore our turf varieties today!