A healthy, green lawn starts with knowing what’s growing beneath your feet. Each grass type has its way of responding to Tassie’s changing seasons, and some lawn types need a little extra care in certain conditions. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to identify your lawn and give you useful tips to help it grow strong and look its best all year round.
Why Knowing Your Lawn Type Matters
When you know your lawn type, everything becomes easier. From mowing and watering to fertilising and treating dry patches, it all comes down to understanding your grass type’s needs. Proper care can help your lawn stay greener for longer, resist damage from foot traffic, and handle Tasmania’s mix of sunny days and frosty winters. Much of people’s frustration about their lawns comes from not understanding how to treat their grass type. It’s time to learn what grass you’re growing so you can see better results!
How to Identify Your Lawn Type
You don’t need special equipment to identify your lawn type. A quick look around your yard can tell you what you need to know, such as:
- Blade shape and width: Is it fine and wiry, or broad and flat?
- Leaf tip: Some grasses have rounded tips, while others are pointed or shaped like little boats.
- Texture: Some feel soft underfoot, while others feel coarse or springy.
- Colour: Look for bright green, dark green, or blue-green shades.
- Growth habit: Some spread fast with runners; others grow upright in clumps.
- Light preference: Does your lawn thrive in full sun or grow better in shaded spots?
Warm-Season Grasses
Warm-season grasses grow best from late spring through to early autumn. In Tassie, they can become pale or slow down in winter, but they’re generally tough and bounce back well when the weather warms up. Common warm-season types include:
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass has broad leaves, a deep green colour, and a soft, comfortable texture underfoot. It handles partial shade better than most, making it great for spots that only get a few hours of sunlight each day. Buffalo grass is popular around Tassie for its low maintenance and all-around hardiness. This grass type handles moderate foot traffic but can become patchy if spots are used too frequently, and can thin out over time.
Couch Grass
Known for its fine blades and soft, dense feel, couch grass loves full sun and grows quickly. It spreads using runners, which helps it repair bare spots easily. It’s a good choice for high-traffic areas, but you’ll need to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t creep into garden beds.
Kikuyu Grass
Fast-growing, bright green, and made for action. Kikuyu is a top pick for homes with kids and pets. It needs plenty of sun and frequent mowing, especially in the warmer months. Once it’s settled in, it can handle rough treatment and bounce back strong.
Zoysia Grass
This grass type grows more slowly but rewards you with a thick, neat lawn that’s easy to look after. Its blades are finer and do well in both sun and light shade. Zoysia lawns need less mowing than other warm-season grasses, which is great if you prefer a low-fuss option.
Cool-Season Grasses
Cool-season grasses grow well in Tassie’s lower temperatures and are better suited to shaded areas prone to frosty mornings in cooler climates. They stay green longer through autumn and winter and often need extra care during the hotter parts of the year. Common cool-season types include:
Tall Fescue Grass
With its wide blades and clumping growth, tall fescue is a solid performer in cooler spots. Its deep roots help it survive dry spells, and it keeps its colour well through winter. This type of lawn doesn’t spread by runners, so patching is done by overseeding.
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass pops up fast and feels lovely and soft underfoot. It’s often mixed into lawn seed blends and does well in spots that get shade. The blades have a slight shine underneath and keep a rich green colour.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass is not found in every Tassie yard, but it does appear in some seed mixes. It has a rich, dark green appearance and grows using underground shoots. It prefers open, sunny spaces but can struggle in deep shade.
What If My Lawn Is a Mix?
Good question! Many Tassie lawns are blends, and that’s completely normal, especially if your turf has been repaired over the years or grown from a seed mix. Different grass types in the same yard are a good thing. They offer a mix of strengths, from shade tolerance to drought resistance. You might notice certain parts of the lawn grow faster or stay greener longer. If that’s the case, treat each area based on how it behaves.
Tips for Lawn Care Based on Your Lawn Type
Warm-Season Grasses
Water deeply several times a week, rather than giving it a light sprinkle every day. Fertilise during spring and summer. Keep the mower blades sharp and avoid cutting too short.
Cool-Season Grasses
Mow a little higher to protect the roots and hold moisture. Keep the watering up during dry periods. Feeding in early autumn helps prepare the lawn for the cooler months ahead.
Mixed Lawns
Watch how different areas of the lawn react to sun, water, and wear. You might need to mow one section more often than another or adjust your watering to suit shady vs sunny spots.
Not Sure What Lawn You Have?
If you’re still unsure about your lawn type, we’re here to help. At Lawn Squad, we work with Tassie lawns every day, and we know how to spot what kind of grass you have and what it needs to stay in top shape. Contact our friendly, reliable team to discuss your lawn needs.
