Keeping a healthy, green lawn in Australia isn’t just about mowing once in a while. Different grass types need different care, and our harsh summers, cool winters, and unpredictable rain mean timing matters. Whether you’ve got Kikuyu, Couch, Buffalo, Zoysia, or Tall Fescue, this guide will give you everything you need to keep your lawn thriving year-round.
The 5 Most Common Lawn Types in Australia
Australia’s most popular lawns fall into two groups: warm-season grasses (Kikuyu, Couch, Buffalo, Zoysia) and cool-season grasses (Tall Fescue and blends). Here’s a quick breakdown:
Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum)
- Bright green, hardy, fast-growing, and perfect for high-traffic areas.
- Mowing: 25–40 mm (1–1.5 in), weekly in summer.
- Fertiliser: Scotts Lawn Builder + Grub & Insect Control, Yates Dynamic Lifter, Amgrow Lawn Food.
- Herbicide (bindii, clover, broadleaf): Amgrow Bin-Die, Munns Buffalo, Bindi & Broadleaf Weed Killer.
- Watering: Deep soak weekly in summer, every 2–3 weeks in cooler months.
Couch (Cynodon dactylon)
- Fine-leaf, soft, fast-spreading turf common on sports fields. Loves sun, hates shade.
- Mowing: 15–30 mm (0.6–1.2 in), weekly in summer.
- Fertiliser: Scotts Lawn Builder Extreme Green, Amgrow Couch & Buffalo Fertiliser, Seasol Lawn Starter.
- Herbicide: Amgrow Bin-Die, Bow & Arrow Herbicide.
- Watering: Every 7–10 days in summer, monthly in winter if dry.
Buffalo (Stenotaphrum secundatum)
- Broad-leaf, shade-tolerant, soft-leaf varieties are family-friendly. Grows slower, so less mowing needed.
- Mowing: 35–60 mm (1.4–2.4 in), every 2–3 weeks in summer.
- Fertiliser: Scotts Buffalo Slow Release, Sir Walter Fertiliser, Yates Dynamic Lifter.
- Herbicide: Amgrow Buffalo Lawn Weeder, Munns Buffalo Weed Killer.
- Watering: Weekly in summer, every 2–3 weeks in cooler months.
Zoysia (Zoysia japonica)
- Slow-growing, soft, weed-resistant once established. Great low-maintenance option.
- Mowing: 20–40 mm (0.8–1.6 in), every 2–3 weeks in summer.
- Fertiliser: Scotts All Purpose Slow Release, Amgrow Lawn Food, Seasol Lawn Starter.
- Herbicide: Bow & Arrow Herbicide, Amgrow Bin-Die (light use).
- Watering: Every 10–14 days in summer, rarely in winter.
Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
- Cool-season grass, broad-bladed, stays green year-round in southern states. Grows in clumps, not runners.
- Mowing: 40–60 mm (1.6–2.4 in), every 1–2 weeks in spring/autumn.
- Fertiliser: Scotts Lawn Builder for All Lawns, Yates Dynamic Lifter, Munns Golf Course Green Fertiliser.
- Herbicide: Amgrow Bin-Die, Bow & Arrow Herbicide.
- Watering: 2–3 times per week in summer, weekly in cooler months.
Warm-Season vs Cool-Season Lawns
Here’s a simple way to remember the difference:
- Warm-season grasses (Kikuyu, Couch, Buffalo, Zoysia) thrive in the Aussie heat but slow down in winter. They often need scalping or dethatching in spring to freshen up.
- Cool-season grasses (Tall Fescue and blends) stay green all year in southern states but struggle in summer heat unless watered well. They prefer higher mowing and don’t respond well to scalping.
Yearly Lawn Care Schedule
Looking after your lawn isn’t just about mowing and watering — tasks like fertilising, dethatching, aerating, and top dressing make all the difference. Here’s a seasonal breakdown for both warm-season and cool-season lawns.
Warm-Season Lawn Schedule (Kikuyu, Couch, Buffalo, Zoysia)
| Season | Watering | Fertilising | Mowing | Dethatch / Scalp | Aerate | Top Dress | Weed Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 1–2x per week | Nitrogen-rich fertiliser | Weekly | Light scalp/dethatch (except Buffalo) | Core/spike if compacted | Light top dress | Broadleaf spray |
| Summer | 2–3x per week | Mid-summer feed or liquid fertiliser | Weekly (Buffalo/Zoysia every 2–3 wks) | – | – | – | Spot spray bindii/clover |
| Autumn | 1x per week | Autumn fertiliser | Fortnightly | Light dethatch if needed | Core aerate | Top dress uneven spots | Apply pre-emergent for winter weeds |
| Winter | Minimal | Winter fertiliser (low N, high K) | Monthly | – | – | – | Wintergrass & broadleaf control |
Cool-Season Lawn Schedule (Tall Fescue, Ryegrass, Bluegrass)
| Season | Watering | Fertilising | Mowing | Dethatch / Scalp | Aerate | Top Dress | Weed Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 1–2x per week | Spring fertiliser | Fortnightly | – | Core/spike if compacted | Top dress | Broadleaf spray |
| Summer | 2–3x per week | – | Fortnightly | – | – | – | Spot spray bindii/clover |
| Autumn | 1–2x per week | Autumn fertiliser | Fortnightly | – | Core aerate | Top dress | Pre-emergent for winter weeds |
| Winter | 1x per week (if dry) | Winter fertiliser (higher N than warm-season) | Every 2–3 weeks | – | – | – | Spot treat winter weeds |
Pro Tips for a Healthy Lawn
- Water deeply, not often: Shallow daily watering weakens roots. A deep soak once or twice a week is far better.
- Feed the soil, not just the grass: Adding compost or using organic fertilisers helps long-term health.
- Don’t mow too short: Scalping stresses most lawns. Keep blades higher in shade or heat.
- Know your grass type: Buffalo doesn’t like scalping, Couch loves it, and Tall Fescue hates it.
Final Word
A great lawn doesn’t happen overnight — but with the right care at the right time of year, any Aussie lawn can stay green, lush, and ready for backyard cricket. Stick to the schedule, feed it when it’s hungry, water it when it’s thirsty, and you’ll have the best-looking patch on the street.