Couch, Zoysia or Buffalo: Which Grass Type Is Right for You?

Choosing the right grass for your lawn can feel like a challenge, especially when Couch, Zoysia and Buffalo grasses all look so lush and inviting. These three warm-season varieties are popular thanks to their aesthetics and adaptability to our climate, but they each have unique strengths and quirks to keep in mind.

We’ll break down the differences between Couch, Zoysia and Buffalo grass types, explore which environments they thrive in and share practical tips to take care of each. If you want a lawn that looks great year-round with minimal fuss, keep reading and discover which option is the best fit for your yard.

How to Tell Couch, Zoysia and Buffalo Apart

Before getting into the climate and maintenance factors, let’s look at what these grasses actually look like. Each has its own texture, colour and growth pattern, which can help you decide based on appearance and how you plan to use your lawn.

Couch Grass

Couch has fine, pointed blades and a light green colour. It spreads quickly and aggressively through stolons (above-ground runners) and rhizomes (underground stems), making it a popular choice for full sun, high-traffic areas.

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia is known for its very fine blades and dense, carpet-like appearance. It’s a darker green than Couch and Buffalo, with a soft texture. Zoysia spreads via both stolons and rhizomes, and sits somewhere between Couch and Buffalo in terms of leaf thickness.

Buffalo Grass

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 Conditions Does Each Grass Prefer?

Now that you can spot the difference, let’s talk about where each grass performs best.

Couch Grass

Couch thrives in full sun and warm conditions, making it ideal for sunny yards. It can handle heavy wear, such as from kids, pets or sports, and has a fast recovery rate when damaged. While it tolerates light shade, it won’t thrive in areas without plenty of sunlight.

Zoysia Grass

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

Buffalo grass is one of the most widely grown in lawns in Australia. It loves the heat and does best in full sun, but it’s the most shade-tolerant of the three. It also has excellent drought resistance, particularly in heavier clay soils. However, it may not perform as well in high rainfall areas and can take longer to fully establish.

Maintenance Tips: Keeping Each Grass Type Healthy

Every grass variety has its own needs when it comes to mowing, watering and general upkeep. Here’s what you need to know before you choose:

Couch Grass (e.g. Nullarbor Couch)

Mowing: Aim for a height of 25–40 mm. For a manicured look, you can opt to keep it shorter, but always use sharp blades to avoid damage.
Watering: Moderate watering is enough, with extra care in summer.
Fertilising: Fertilise regularly to encourage growth, but be careful as it can spread aggressively into garden beds if not managed.
Other care: Regular edging and weed control are essential to keep it tidy and prevent it from taking over other areas.

Zoysia Grass (e.g. Sir Grange or Zoysia Australis)

Mowing: Mow every 5–10 days at 12–25 mm. A reel mower will give the best results and reduce tearing.
Watering: Needs about 25 mm per week, though it depends on 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.
Other care: Light dethatching or aeration in spring is helpful. Keep an eye out for pests like white grubs.

Buffalo Grass (e.g. Sir Walter DNA Certified)

Mowing: Needs to cut higher than the others: 25–50 mm in sun, 50–70 mm in shade.
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.
Other care: Less thatch than other types, so dethatching isn’t often needed. Just watch for pest and disease issues in wet or humid conditions.

Still Not Sure? Think About How You’ll Use Your Lawn

Sometimes the decision comes down to how you live. If your yard is a kids’ playground or a dog’s racetrack, Couch might be your best bet. Want something soft and slow-growing that looks lush but doesn’t need weekly mowing? Zoysia could be for you. Need a hardy, all-rounder lawn that handles shade and heat easily? Buffalo grass is a great choice.

On the other hand, if you’re a lawn enthusiast interested in a hybrid option, TifTuf Bermuda (a type of Couch) offers great colour and durability. However, it can be a little trickier to maintain and isn’t for everyone.

See and Feel the Difference In-Store

Still unsure? Come check out our turf display in-store, where you can see, touch and compare each variety in person. Our expert team can help match the right turf for you, and when you’re ready to roll out your new lawn, we’ve got you covered as we deliver turf 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, it becomes easier to find your perfect match. Whatever you’re looking for, 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!