Choosing the right grass for your lawn can feel a bit like trying to pick a favourite child… except greener, slightly scratchier and much more likely to die if ignored. Between Couch, Zoysia and Buffalo grasses, it’s no wonder people get stuck.
These three warm-season legends are popular across Australia thanks to their ability to handle our climate, but each one comes with its own strengths, quirks and occasional attitude problem.
So let’s break down the differences between Couch, Zoysia and Buffalo grasses, look at where they thrive best and share practical tips to keep them looking sharp. If you’re chasing a lawn that turns heads year-round without turning into a full-time job, keep reading. Your perfect match is closer than you think.
Before we get into climate and maintenance, let’s talk about appearances. After all, if you’re going to stare at your lawn every weekend like a proud parent, you may as well love what you’re looking at.
Each grass has its own texture, colour and growth habit, which can make it easier to choose based on both looks and how you plan to use your lawn.
Couch has fine, pointed blades and a light green colour. It spreads quickly and aggressively through stolons (above-ground runners) and rhizomes (underground stems), which basically means it doesn’t ask permission; it just moves in. This makes it a top pick for full sun and high-traffic areas where durability matters.
Zoysia is known for its very fine blades and dense, carpet-like appearance. It’s a darker green than Couch and Buffalo and has a soft texture that looks like it belongs outside a luxury resort. Zoysia spreads via both stolons and rhizomes and sits somewhere between Couch and Buffalo in terms of leaf thickness.
Buffalo has broader, softer blades with a slightly bluish-green colour. Its texture is more open and upright, which gives it a fuller appearance from a distance. It spreads mainly through stolons and is one of the most shade-tolerant warm-season grasses available, which is great news if your yard doesn’t get blasted by sunlight all day.
Now that you can spot the difference, let’s get into where each grass actually performs best because even the prettiest lawn won’t last long if it’s stuck in the wrong conditions.
Couch thrives in full sun and warm conditions, making it perfect for bright, sunny yards. It can handle heavy wear from kids, pets or backyard sport and bounces back quickly when damaged. While it can tolerate light shade, it won’t thrive without plenty of sunlight. Couch is basically a sun-lover with a high-energy personality.
Zoysia is suited to warm climates (21–32 °C) and does fairly well in partial shade. It’s slow to establish, but once settled, it’s drought-tolerant and handles foot traffic nicely. It’s a great low-maintenance option for those who want a beautiful lawn without frequent mowing.
Buffalo grass is one of the most widely grown lawn varieties in Australia, and it’s not hard to see why. It loves the heat and performs best in full sun, but it’s also the most shade-tolerant of the three. It has excellent drought resistance, particularly in heavier clay soils. That said, it may not perform as well in high rainfall areas and can take longer to fully establish, so patience is key.
Every grass variety has its own needs when it comes to mowing, watering and general upkeep. The good news is none of them require you to become a full-blown turf scientist…but a little know-how goes a long way.
Here’s what you need to know before you choose.
Mowing: Aim for a height of 25–40 mm. If you want that neat, manicured look, you can keep it shorter, but always use sharp blades to avoid damage. Couch loves a haircut, but not a hack job.
Watering: Moderate watering is enough, with extra care in summer.
Fertilising: Fertilise regularly to encourage growth, but be careful, Couch can spread aggressively into garden beds if it’s not managed. It’s the type to overstay its welcome.
Other care: Regular edging and weed control are essential to keep it tidy and stop it from taking over your whole yard like it pays rent.
Mowing: Mow every 5–10 days at 12–25 mm. A reel mower will give the best results and reduce tearing, which keeps it looking smooth and healthy.
Watering: Needs about 25 mm per week, though this depends on your soil and weather.
Fertilising: Apply fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn using moderate nitrogen levels. Avoid overdoing it, as excess nutrients can lead to thatch. Zoysia loves attention, but not too much.
Other care: Light dethatching or aeration in spring is helpful. Keep an eye out for pests like white grubs, who will happily treat your lawn like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Mowing: Needs to be cut higher than the others: 25–50 mm in sun and 50–70 mm in shade. Buffalo likes a bit more length, and honestly, it pulls it off.
Watering: Infrequent but deep watering is best. After laying turf, a 20–30 mm soak is essential for proper root development.
Fertilising: Needs less frequent feeding than Couch. A slow-release fertiliser every couple of months can help maintain colour and strength without pushing it too hard.
Other care: Buffalo produces less thatch than other types, so dethatching isn’t often needed. Just keep an eye out for pest and disease issues in wet or humid conditions.
Sometimes the decision really comes down to how you live. If your yard is a kids’ playground or a dog’s personal racetrack, Couch might be your best bet. Want something soft and slow-growing that looks lush but doesn’t demand weekly mowing? Zoysia could be the one. Need a hardy, all-rounder lawn that handles shade and heat without having a meltdown? Buffalo grass is a great choice.
On the other hand, if you’re a lawn enthusiast who enjoys the finer things, TifTuf Bermuda (a type of Couch) offers excellent colour and durability. Just be aware that it can be a little trickier to maintain and isn’t for everyone. It’s the high-performance sports car of the turf world.
For more information on taking care of your yard, check out the Queensland Government’s advice on waterwise gardening.
If you’re still tossing up between Couch, Zoysia and Buffalo, don’t stress, you’re not alone. The best way to decide is to see and feel them in person.
Come check out our turf display in-store, where you can compare each variety side-by-side. Our expert team can help match the right turf for your space and lifestyle, and when you’re ready to roll out your new yard, we’ve got you covered with turf delivery 6 days a week.
Choosing between Couch, Zoysia and Buffalo doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you understand the appearance, preferred conditions and care needs of each grass type, it becomes much easier to find your perfect match.
Whatever you’re chasing, you’ll find the right fit with the varieties we stock at Australian Landscape Supplies.
Visit us in-store or browse our range online today!
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