The Best Lawn Grass for Backyards

Determining what is the best turf for backyard lawns is a bit like asking, “How long is a piece of string?” Every home is different. This guide walks you through the key things to consider when choosing instant turf for the perfect backyard lawn and crowns champions across multiple categories.

Factors in Choosing the Best Grass for Lawn Installations

Before jumping into specific turf types, let’s break down the critical factors that will guide your decision.

Sunlight Levels

Often, the most critical factor. Like any plant, all grass species need sunlight to grow via photosynthesis, but their requirements vary significantly between varieties. There are some that simply won’t survive on less than 6 hours of full sunlight a day. Observe how much sunlight your yard receives throughout the day, factoring in any seasonal changes, to assess how much sun your lawn will receive overall.

• Full Sun – 6+ hours of direct sun. Ideal for most grass varieties, especially sun-loving grasses like some types of couch grass and Kikuyu.
• Partial Shade – 3–6 hours of direct sun, or consistent filtered/dappled light. Requires shade-tolerant varieties like Buffalo grass and Zoysia.
• Heavy Shade – Less than 3 hours of direct sun. Very challenging for most types of grass; specific shade-tolerant grasses like Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo are your best bet here – though even these may struggle. Keep in mind that heavily shaded lawns will grow more slowly and won’t handle wear as well.

Lawn Use – Showpiece or Playground?

How will you use your lawn? An ornamental front yard has different needs than a backyard that hosts regular games of backyard cricket or energetic pets.

• High Traffic Areas – If your lawn needs to withstand heavy foot traffic, prioritise grass varieties known for high wear tolerance and rapid self-repair, such as TifTuf Bermuda or Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu.
• Low Traffic / Ornamental – If foot traffic isn’t a major concern, such as in front yards or decorative areas, then you can choose whichever turf you prefer, as long as it suits the other site conditions.

Look and Feel

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but you might want to consider:

• Leaf Texture – Do you prefer the finer blades of couch grass or Zoysia grass, or the lusher, wider blades of soft leaf Buffalo grass like Sir Walter?
• Colour – Like fine wines, premium turf types have their own subtle colour variations, spanning from the yellow-tinged emerald tones of Eureka Kikuyu through to the verdant dark green colour characteristic of Sir Grange Zoysia.
• Density – A dense turf creates a more carpet-like feel. Choices like TifTuf or Zoysia are great for this effect.

Other Considerations

• Allergies – Some people (and pets) are sensitive to grass pollen, suffering symptoms like hayfever or itchy skin. Varieties, including Sir Walter DNA-Certified Buffalo and Sir Grange Zoysia, are known for being low-allergenic due to minimal seed head production. Kikuyu, on the other hand, can produce more, especially if not mown regularly.
• Maintenance Level – Be realistic about how much time you’re willing to spend on lawn care. Some grasses need frequent mowing (Kikuyu, TifTuf), while others are genuinely low maintenance (Sir Walter, Sir Grange). Consider fertiliser and watering needs too.
• Extreme weather conditions – Australia’s climates vary widely. Consider your local climate – do you get severe frosts (common in southern/alpine areas) or extended hot dry spells? It’s so important to choose the best turf for the variable Melbourne climate when the weather demands resilience for both frosts and drought.

Sir Walter is a great all-rounder who can handle extreme heat and cold. Although a warm-season grass type, it keeps its colour well during the winter. RTF Tall Fescue is a cool-season grass that maintains steady growth and evergreen colour, keeping a healthy lawn look year-round in chilly climates.

What is the Best Turf for Australian Lawns? Breaking Down Our Top Picks

Based on the factors above, here are our recommendations on the best grass for lawn use across common conditions and user profiles.

Best Overall – Sir Walter DNA-Certified Buffalo Grass

For a reliable, great-looking lawn that ticks most boxes for Australian homeowners, Sir Walter Buffalo turf is hard to beat. It blends ease of care with robust performance in as much as 70 per cent shade coverage and wide-ranging soil types. A true Aussie all-rounder, it can withstand heat and cold, drought and flooding rains – all while requiring minimal upkeep. You beauty!

Why it wins:

• Excellent balance of shade tolerance (best in class for warm season grasses) and full sun performance
• Good drought tolerance thanks to its deep root system
• Good wear tolerance for typical family use
• Great low-maintenance option (less mowing and fertilising)
• Soft leaf feels great underfoot
• Low-allergenic

Honourable Mention – TifTuf Bermuda offers higher wear and drought tolerance if you get at least 4 hours of full sun a day and don’t mind more regular mowing.

Best on a Budget – Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu

When toughness and value are top priorities for sunny yards, Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu delivers exceptional durability without the premium price tag. It establishes quickly, creating a dense lawn fast.

Why it wins:

• Excellent value for money
• Exceptional wear tolerance and rapid recovery make it ideal for very high traffic areas
• Thrives in full sunlight and handles heavy rain well
• Strong stem growth provides durability

Honourable Mention – TifTuf Bermuda turf is also relatively cost-effective and offers better drought tolerance, though Kikuyu repairs slightly faster.

Best for Allergy Sufferers – Sir Walter Buffalo

If allergies are a concern for your family or pets, choosing a lawn known for low pollen and seed head production is essential. Sir Walter Buffalo stands out in this category.

Why it wins:

• Produces very few seed heads (a common allergen source)
• Consistently recommended as a low-allergenic grass type
• Its soft leaf is non-irritating

Honourable Mention – Sir Grange Zoysia also produces minimal seed heads and has fine, soft leaf blades that feel great underfoot.

Best Grass Type for Active Users – TifTuf Bermuda Grass

For backyards that play host to frantic footy games or dynamic doggos, you need turf that can handle the pressure. TifTuf Bermuda was bred for this, and is the ideal choice for active families in lightly shaded to full sun backyards.

Why it wins:

• Incredibly wear-resistant with exceptional tolerance for heavy foot traffic
• Fast-repairing nature due to vigorous runner growth
• Maintains density under pressure
• Extremely low water needs mean it stays strong even under drought conditions or fast-draining sandy soils
• Can be mown super low (as short as 3mm on some golf courses’ greens), meaning homeowners can turn backyards into sports fields

Honourable Mention – Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass offers slightly faster repair but isn’t quite as drought-tolerant.

Best ‘Lazy Lawn’ (Low Maintenance) – Sir Walter Buffalo

Not in love with those gardening gloves and want a beautiful lawn without dedicating every weekend to it? Sir Walter Buffalo fits the bill for an easy-care yet attractive home lawn.

Why it wins:

• Requires significantly less mowing than faster-growing grasses like Kikuyu or TifTuf
• Lower fertiliser needs
• Good drought tolerance suited to dry climates, meaning less frequent watering once established
• Natural density helps suppress weeds

Honourable Mention – Sir Grange Zoysia requires even less mowing and fertiliser but needs good drainage and is slower to establish/repair.

Best For Pool Surrounds – Sir Grange Zoysia

Creating a sophisticated look around pools or in feature lawn areas requires specific characteristics. Sir Grange Zoysia offers a premium, fine-leafed aesthetic combined with practical benefits.

Why it wins:

• Very fine, dense leaf creates a premium, carpet-like appearance
• Good salt tolerance makes it suitable near salt-chlorinated pools
• Low maintenance in terms of mowing/fertilising keeps it looking neat
• Good performance in full sun to partial shade

Honourable Mention – TifTuf Bermuda also has a fine leaf and excellent wear tolerance, making it another good option, especially if faster repair is needed.

What About Cool Season Grasses? Introducing RTF Tall Fescue

While warm season grasses dominate most Australian lawns, cool season grasses like RTF Tall Fescue offer unique advantages, particularly for staying green through the cooler months. If you live in the south or an alpine area with a colder environment, it’s worth considering this option.

• Role & Benefits – RTF Tall Fescue maintains its deep green colour through winter when warm season types show winter dormancy. It has good shade tolerance and handles cooler climates well. Its deep root system offers reasonable drought tolerance for a cool-season variety. Self-repairing rhizomes give it better wear characteristics than older fescues.
• Considerations – It generally requires more water during hot, dry summers than drought-tolerant warm-season grass varieties. It may struggle in extreme heat compared to Buffalo grass, Bermuda grass, or Zoysia. Best suited for areas with moderate foot traffic or consistent moisture.

Making Your Choice & Next Steps

Choosing the best lawn grass involves balancing your priorities, including sun exposure, usage, maintenance preferences, desired look, and budget. Hopefully, this guide has helped clarify which turf variety might be right for your needs. Remember that proper site preparation before you lay turf is crucial for establishing a healthy lawn, regardless of the grass type you choose. Ongoing lawn care, including appropriate watering, mowing, and fertilising, will ensure your turf thrives for years to come. Read more about installing your new lawn with natural turf here.

Still unsure? Call our team to discuss your ideal lawn turf on 1800 622 455, or use our handy turf selector tool to choose the right grass for your needs.

Best Lawn Grass FAQs

I asked a relative what is the best turf and they said couch grass – is this true?

Your relative remembers correctly! For a long time, couch grass (also commonly known as Bermuda grass) was the ‘green and gold standard’ for durable Australian lawns, prized for its fine leaf and ability to handle heavy foot traffic in full sun. However, while still tough in sunny spots, traditional couch grass varieties can struggle significantly in shade, require frequent mowing to manage their stem growth and prevent spreading, and often brown off completely during winter dormancy.

Thankfully, modern turf breeding offers fantastic alternatives that often better suit Aussie backyards. Grass varieties like Sir Walter Buffalo provide excellent shade tolerance and are genuinely low-maintenance. Advanced Bermuda grass cultivars like TifTuf deliver incredible drought tolerance far beyond other grasses from the couch family. And Zoysia grass, such as Sir Grange, offers a fine-leaf look with minimal upkeep. These newer grass types generally provide a better balance of year-round performance, appearance, and easier lawn care compared to traditional couch for most home lawns.

What are the advantages of instant turf over lawn seed?

Instant turf gives you a beautiful lawn immediately, ready for light use, much faster than waiting for seeds to germinate and grow. It provides guaranteed coverage with your chosen turf variety, reducing initial weed problems and patchy results common with seeding. Enjoy a mature, healthy lawn in days, not months!

What are the best drought-tolerant varieties for full sun?

For full sun areas demanding high drought tolerance, TifTuf Bermuda is an outstanding choice, requiring significantly less water once established. Sir Grange Zoysia also boasts excellent drought resistance. While Sir Walter Buffalo and Eureka Kikuyu handle dry conditions well, TifTuf and Sir Grange Zoysia generally lead for water efficiency in sunny spots.

TifTuf vs Santa Ana

Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, homeowners and professional greenkeepers alike have held one variety of couch grass – Santa Ana turf – in especially high regard. This fine leaf and high-wear grass type was unlike any other previously seen, and quickly gained an unrivalled reputation as a leading option for turfing school ovals, sports fields, cricket pitches, golf courses and big Aussie backyards.

But then the 1990s rolled around. While most people would probably mention notable 90s inventions like the laptop and DVDs, did you know it was a boom time for the development of next-gen turf grasses? This included Sir Walter DNA-Certified Buffalo and TifTuf Bermuda. While Sir Walter DNA Certified is a buffalo grass and one of Australia’s most popular home turf choices, a battle was underway for couch supremacy. In our Santa Ana vs TifTuf face-off, we look at why this scientifically engineered couch grass is often the best choice for sporting, commercial and residential lawns.

Set on Santa Ana Turf? Melbourne Lawns are often Better Off with TifTuf Bermuda

For decades, when Victorians thought of a tough, sun-loving lawn, Santa Ana couch (also marketed and sold through Lawn Solutions Australia members as Nullarbor Couch) was the undisputed champion. Its resilience made it a staple for everything from the family backyard to community sports fields. But turf science doesn’t stand still, and next-generation Bermuda grass varieties like TifTuf Bermuda have emerged, bringing major improvements. While traditional couch grass still has its place, understanding the key differences can help you choose the truly best turf for your needs.

Unrivalled Drought Tolerance – TifTuf’s Water-Saving Edge over Santa Ana Turf

One of the most significant advantages TifTuf Bermuda offers over traditional Santa Ana/Nullarbor Couch varieties is its exceptional drought tolerance. In a city like Melbourne, which can experience prolonged drought conditions and water restrictions, this is a game-changer. Research, including studies conducted by institutions like Melbourne Polytechnic (as part of Lawn Solutions Australia’s R&D programs focusing on water efficiency), has scientifically demonstrated TifTuf’s superior ability to maintain its lush green appearance and health using significantly less water.

While Santa Ana offers good drought tolerance once its deep root system is established, TifTuf represents a new benchmark, staying vibrant with minimal irrigation even during tough drought periods, making it an excellent choice for water-wise backyards and commercial grounds. Read more about watering your instant lawn in our blog.

Made for the Shade – Tolerance of Lower Light Environments

Traditional Santa Ana turf is a true sun-worshipper, demanding full sun to thrive. This limits its suitability for many suburban Melbourne lawns or sports grounds dealing with fence lines, overhanging trees or other common shade challenges. TifTuf Bermuda, while still performing its absolute best with ample sun, shows significantly better shade tolerance than other grasses in the couch family. Its moderate shade tolerance means it will maintain impressive density and colour with as little as 4–5 hours of direct sun daily.

An Action Star – Improved Wear Tolerance and Recovery

Both Santa Ana / Nullarbor Couch and TifTuf are renowned for their ability to withstand wear, a big part of why they’ve remained so popular for sports fields and active backyards over the years. Santa Ana offers good durability and recovers quickly from damage due to its robust roots, dense coverage and rapid growth.

However, Bermuda TifTuf often takes this a step further. Its remarkable blade density, exceptional growth habit and vigorous runners elevate its resilience to initial damage and ability to bounce back in record time.

Appearance and Lawn Quality – Finessing the Finer Details

Both grass types boast the desirable fine leaf blade characteristic of couch grasses, creating a neat, manicured look if mown correctly. TifTuf, however, boasts a lusher green hue and better year-round colour retention into the cooler months. Add faster “green up” capabilities following the winter dormancy, combined with its denser overall coverage, TifTuf is hard to beat for growers chasing that “thick green carpet” look.

Managing Maintenance – Mowing and Other Inputs

All couch turf, including Santa Ana/Nullarbor and TifTuf Bermuda, require regular mowing during their active growing season (spring through autumn in Melbourne) to look their best and prevent thatch build-up. Due to their fast-growing nature via runners, both can be invasive into garden beds if not edged properly. Find mowing tips to keep your lawn looking great here.

However, Bermuda TifTuf’s superior drought tolerance and more efficient nutrient uptake mean it requires less water and fertilisers than Santa Ana, making maintenance easier and less expensive, especially in drought conditions. Ask our team for advice on general lawn care hints and tips.

What is Couch Grass?

Couch grass, scientifically known as Cynodon dactylon, is a popular grass for warm climates that originally emerged in Africa. Widely used for residential lawns, parks, and sports fields across Australia, it’s characterised by its fine leaf texture, its ability to spread via both above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes (which gives it excellent wear recovery) and its preference for full sun.

Traditional varieties like Santa Ana have long been valued for these traits. TifTuf Bermuda represents a significant advancement in couch grass breeding, taking these inherent strengths and enhancing them, particularly in areas like drought tolerance and shade tolerance, setting a new benchmark for this grass type.

Want more advice on selecting turf for sports grounds, public spaces or your own backyard? Contact our experts on 1800 622 455 to discuss your needs.

TifTuf vs Santa Ana FAQs

Is Nullarbor Couch known as Santa Ana turf in Melbourne and wider Victoria?

Nullarbor Couch and Santa Ana are both well-known names for traditional fine-leaf couch grasses throughout Victoria, sharing very similar characteristics and performance. However, Nullarbor Couch is the certified, premium brand of the popular Santa Ana couch and is a widely trusted lawn variety. It’s a classic couch grass type, valued for its durability in full sun. The name “Nullarbor” itself evokes this sun-loving nature, deriving from Latin: nullus (none) and arbour (tree), referencing South Australia’s vast, treeless Nullarbor Plain.

Apart from being more drought-tolerant, what are the key advantages of TifTuf over other varieties of couch grass?

TifTuf is widely known for its unbeaten high tolerance to drought conditions, but it also excels in other areas compared to traditional couch grass varieties like Santa Ana/Nullarbor Couch. It provides noticeably better shade tolerance, surviving with less direct sun where other couch varieties might struggle. Its dense growth habit aids wear tolerance, and it recovers quickly from high use. Plus, TifTuf often maintains better colour through cooler weather and has a quicker spring green-up.

Which is more suitable for golf courses?

Both grass types are found on golf courses. Traditional couch grasses like Santa Ana, typically mown around 8-15mm, have long been a durable and popular choice for resilient tees and fairways. However, for putting greens, where an extremely low cut is needed for smooth ball roll and professional playing quality, TifTuf Bermuda demonstrates superior capabilities.

StrathAyr pioneered its use on greens at Nagambie Golf Course in Victoria (a state first). Utilising essential tools and techniques like rolling and the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) – which discourage excess vertical growth in favour of lateral spread – we engineered a professional-grade putting green using this widely available and highly resilient turf type, something previously unachievable with standard couch turf.

Best Shade-Tolerant Grass for Low-Light Lawns

A lush, green lawn can transform any backyard into an inviting oasis, but what happens when overarching trees, neighbouring buildings or the orientation of your house casts persistent shade? Many Victorian homeowners find their dreams of a healthy lawn challenged by low-light conditions. While all plants need sunlight, some turf types can thrive with surprisingly little. This means a shady spot doesn’t automatically rule out growing grass altogether. The key is choosing the right turf, specifically, shade-tolerant varieties designed to perform well even with limited sunlight.

This guide helps you see the sunny side of a shady yard. From choosing the right shade-tolerant turf to getting the most out of it. We’ll show you how to grow a lush shade-tolerant lawn, even in low light.

Shortlisting The Best Shade-Tolerant Grass Types

Selecting the right lawn variety is critical to the success of shaded lawns. While no grass will flourish in constant deep shade, several cultivars are specifically adapted to perform admirably in Victorian gardens where sunlight is at a premium.

Sir Walter Buffalo Grass

Sir Walter Buffalo is hands-down one of the best-performing warm-season grasses in lower light conditions. With its broad leaf and tight growth habit, this DNA-Certified shade-resistant turf can handle up to 70% shade while keeping its deep green colour. It’s an Aussie-bred variety developed to cope with our local conditions. This means it’s not made just for shade. Turf with the Sir Walter DNA-certified mark also offers very good drought tolerance and low-maintenance requirements. Whether it’s a courtyard that only gets a few hours of sun or a backyard with scattered tree cover, Sir Walter saves the day in many shady situations, giving you a lovely, lush lawn even without ample direct sunlight.

TifTuf Bermuda

If your shaded space still gets a decent dose of filtered or partial sunlight, TifTuf Bermuda could be the right choice. TifTuf’s fine texture, superbly drought-tolerant nature and quick green-up during the warmer months make it a tough performer. Add in high shade tolerance with as little as 4 hours of direct sunlight per day, and it’s a strong contender for those seeking a fine-leaf look for shaded areas.

RTF Tall Fescue

An excellent cool-season choice for challenging shady areas in Victoria, RTF Tall Fescue boasts strong shade tolerance. Though it thrives with more light, RTF is a strong performer in areas with just 3–4 hours of sun. Self-repairing rhizomes provide highly resistant wear tolerance compared to older fescues, while their deep root system aids persistence. This grass stays green longer through cooler months, offering turf cover where warm-season grasses often struggle with low light.

Understanding Shade Levels and Types

When assessing your site, it’s important to understand how much shade and the profile of light you’re dealing with. Not all shade is created equal, and the amount and type of light your lawn receives will significantly influence your choice of turf and its potential for success.

• Full Sun – Areas that receive 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day. These conditions are ideal – and often essential – for sun-loving grasses. Even shade-tolerant varieties will generally thrive in full sun, provided they’re well watered and protected from extreme heat.
• Partial Shade / Dappled Sunlight – These spots might get 3-6 hours of direct sun daily, or consistent, filtered light (such as the patchwork light from high, open tree canopies) for much of the day. Many shade-tolerant varieties can perform well here.
• Moderate to High Shade – Areas receiving only 2-3 hours of direct sunlight, or predominantly indirect sunlight or very filtered light. This is where only the most shade-tolerant grass types have a chance.
• Deep Shade / Low Light – Areas receiving less than 2 hours of direct sun, or constant heavy shade from dense trees or structures. Growing grass here is extremely challenging, and often, alternative landscaping solutions might be better.

It’s always smart to increase light levels wherever possible. One of the easiest ways to do this is by trimming back trees and shrubs that are blocking sunlight. You might be surprised at what a difference a few hours with a pair of secateurs or hedge clippers can make. Pruning foliage and removing a few low-hanging branches really is the low-hanging fruit of DIY shade reduction!

Measuring Hours of Direct Sunlight

To choose the right turf, observe your lawn at different times of the day and, if possible, throughout different seasons (as the sun’s angle changes during summer and winter). Note which areas get direct sun and for how long. Try using sun tracking apps or online tools to visualise sunlight across your lawn throughout the year. This can be helpful when selecting the right lawn type and understanding seasonal changes in light exposure.

Can Grass Grow Without Direct Sun?

All living plants need sunlight, but like indoor plants, some grass types can thrive on much less than others. Shade-tolerant varieties often achieve this through adaptations like broader, thinner leaves designed to more efficiently absorb sunlight to create energy to grow via photosynthesis. However, without sufficient light, your lawn has limited potential for healthy growth and can face a range of other issues:

• Reduced Photosynthesis – Less energy leads to weaker growth, thinner grass blades, and less dense turf.
• Elongated Growth – Grass may stretch (“get leggy”) searching for light, becoming weaker and more prone to disease. For fine-textured grasses like TifTuf, frequent mowing with a reel mower can help prevent this.
• Increased Moisture Retention – Shady areas tend to stay damp longer, encouraging fungal diseases and moss growth. Proper maintenance, including aeration and cultivating sandy soil prior to laying the turf, can help mitigate this.
• Reduced Wear Tolerance – Even shade-tolerant grasses handle foot traffic less effectively and recover more slowly in low-light conditions compared to full sun. If possible, it’s best to plan your garden design to avoid shady parts of the lawn becoming high-wear areas.

As a rule of thumb, most lawns need at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight daily (or significantly more consistent dappled sunlight) to maintain reasonable health. Consistently less than this makes growing grass successfully very difficult.

Conclusion

A shady site doesn’t have to mean a lawn is off-limits. By choosing the right turf, preparing your site and planning your layout, you give yourself the best chance of a successful shaded lawn.

Want more guidance? Call us on 1800 622 455 to chat with an expert or get a free quote.

Best Shade-Tolerant Grass FAQs

How do shaded lawns handle foot traffic?

Low-light lawns, even those featuring shade-tolerant grass types, generally handle foot traffic less effectively than those grown in full sun. Reduced sunlight means less energy for growth and repair, so it’s a good idea to avoid high traffic or activity in shadier zones.

How much light is really needed for shade-tolerant grass to grow?

The amount of light needed can vary depending on several factors, including the specific shade-tolerant grass type, the intensity of the light (e.g., morning sun vs. harsh afternoon sun), and overall lawn health. While some shade-tolerant varieties like Sir Walter Buffalo can manage with as little as 3-4 hours of sunlight or steady filtered/partial sunlight, most will perform better with a bit more. Be realistic about your light levels – no grass can flourish in full, constant shade.

Do shaded lawns need extra nutrients or different soil?

Turf living with significant shade can sometimes benefit from extra nutrients, but it’s more about balanced feeding rather than simply adding more fertiliser. Because growth is slower in shade, over-fertilising can be detrimental. Good soil preparation is key; a well-draining soil, perhaps amended with organic matter if it’s heavy clay or very sandy soil, helps roots thrive. Consider a soil test to check for any deficiencies. Always follow expert advice for fertilising shade-tolerant lawns.

How shade-tolerant are Zoysia grasses?

Zoysias are known for developing good shade tolerance, making them a popular choice for tricky lawns. While common varieties like Empire Zoysia can struggle to maintain density in lower light, Sir Grange Zoysia is the standout performer for long-term shade resilience once fully established. Initial sun exposure during the first few months is essential for developing the strong, deep root system required to later thrive with limited sunlight.

How do I manage weeds in shady areas?

Weeds can more easily gain a foothold in shaded lawns due to thinner grass. Maintaining a healthy lawn is the best defence: mow slightly higher in shade, water carefully to avoid constant dampness, and feed appropriately without overdoing it. Address existing weeds promptly through hand-pulling or careful spot-spraying with a suitable herbicide, particularly during spring and summer.

Are native grasses a good option for shady lawns?

Australian native grasses such as the Lomandra species (native to all Australia except Western Australia and the Northern Territory) and Kangaroo Grass (endemic to South Australia) are well-adapted locally, support fauna, and suit low-maintenance garden beds, with some tolerating shade.

However, for covering larger areas where a dense, resilient lawn is needed, specially bred shade-tolerant turf varieties are generally the better option. Native grasses typically have coarser blades and grow in clumps rather than spreading laterally. If you’re after a soft, consistent lawn that can handle foot traffic, a dedicated turf grass species is the way to go.

Best Turf For Dogs

A vibrant lawn is the pride and joy of many Aussie homes. More than a showpiece, it’s a place for the whole family to relax, play and entertain. But when your family includes an animal or two, your beloved patch of grass can face some unique challenges to its survival.

From wear and tear caused by games of fetch to unsightly grass burn from your pet’s toilet activities, a dog can quickly undo your hopes for a healthy lawn. But don’t worry, there are steps you can take when choosing, installing and maintaining your turf that can help keep both you and your four-legged friend happily enjoying your slice of grassy paradise for years to come.

Managing a Dog-Friendly Lawn

Opting for a generally resilient lawn grass is the first and perhaps most important thing pet owners can do to create a green space compatible with an active dog. A key factor when considering the best turf for dogs in Australia is wear tolerance, especially important if you have a big breed or hyperactive pup who likes to tear around the place. Beyond that, there are some specific challenges that cannot be addressed by any of the available lawn varieties.

Before we delve into the various grass types suitable for creating a wear-resistant space, let’s take a closer look at the main issues, examining their causes and some management strategies you can use.

Playing Ruff – Damage From Foot/Paw Traffic

One of the biggest issues dog ‘parents’ face is good old-fashioned wear and tear. That constant running, jumping and scrambling during games of fetch, tug-of-war can be tough on even the most resilient grass types. If you thought kids could do some damage, imagine the impact of four fast-moving paws instead of two feet, not to mention if you have a large or especially strong breed like a German Shepherd or a Staffy.

Signs of this include thinning grass, bare patches and even noticeable ruts/divots in your turf. They may first show up along shady fence lines or high-traffic corridors. Effects are exacerbated if your pet runs amok after heavy rain or watering (not to mention the annoying muddy footprints inside your house).

How to manage paw traffic damage:

Short of limiting your hound to low-impact exercise on the lawn, or banning it entirely from the area, the best thing you can do is pick a high-wear variety like TifTuf Bermuda or Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu. While these are among the most robust lawn turf for dogs available, keep in mind that the fast-repairing nature of even these most resilient varieties will be limited for a lawn in shaded areas.

Compacted Soil

All that heavy foot traffic doesn’t just affect the surface vegetation; it also squashes the soil underneath. It restricts water, air and nutrients from reaching the roots, weakening your turf and slowing recovery. This hidden stress weakens the turf, making it less able to recover from damage and more prone to other problems. You might notice water pooling after rain or your lawn struggling to stay green despite your best efforts.

What you can do about canine compaction:

Compacted soil is a common problem even for pet-free lawns and can be treated effectively with aeration – essentially creating channels in the soil to increase air and water flow. Done either with a pitchfork or a specialised core aerating tool, it’s optimal to schedule it before the peak growing season as part of a larger lawn renovation regime.

The Digging Dilemma

Some dogs are notorious excavators, especially terriers bred to dig into the earth in chase of vermin. Other pets, like cats, are also known to dig the occasional hole, particularly along the edges of lawns. Whether your pooch (or pussycat) likes to bury their favourite chew toys, chase a scent, cool down, or simply burn off some energy, those holes can obviously cause significant lawn damage.

Holes in your yard? Here’s what you can do:

Unfortunately, no turf is “dig-proof,” but some grass varieties do have better self-repairing properties than others, meaning they can repair quickly, provided the hole is filled (and the dog doesn’t dig another one).

Yellow or Brown Patches? Dog Urine Might be the Culprit

You’ve put great care and effort into choosing premium instant turf, preparing your site, laying the turf and nurturing it through the establishment period. After a month, you are the proud owner of a beautiful new lawn, and it’s time to let everyone enjoy it. But what are these nasty discoloured patches popping up around the yard, usually appearing as circles up to about a foot in diameter?

If this describes your experience, we feel for you. Dogs love a good lawn, seeing it as a welcome new addition to their domain, but you know how dogs like to mark their territory. Unfortunately, dog wee is high in nitrogen and salts. While a little nitrogen is good for turf (it’s a key component of fertiliser), too much of this good thing will burn the grass. Similar damage can occur if you apply too much lawn food when fertilising.

Answering a ‘burning question’ for dog owners…

So what can be done about this irritating issue? Well, turns out urine burns are common enough to have spawned several products and strategies to stop dog urine from causing such chaos. Most can be classed as preventative measures, aimed at stopping your dog from doing their business on your lawn in the first place. Others aim to lessen the potency of their pee to mitigate the burning effect.

Preventative Measures:

• Training your dog’s toileting behaviour: Encouraging your dog to pee in designated areas like garden beds. Combined with regular walks to lessen the chance of lawn mishaps, you can avoid them going to town on your lawn. There are special sprays available for purchase that claim to mimic the pheromones in dog urine, which can be sprayed on the specific zone/s you’d like your doggy toilet/s to be.
• Using strong scents: Canines have a very keen sense of smell, and reportedly don’t like going to the toilet on surfaces that smell bad to them. Some lawn owners have reported using acidic substances like citrus oil sprays, coffee grounds or vinegar to discourage their dogs from doing number 1s on the grass. Keep in mind that too much acidity can also be bad for your soil, so test in moderation before ramping up the dose.

Remediative Measures:

• Get your dog to drink more water: The more hydrated your hound is, the more diluted their urine, meaning it won’t cause as much damage.
• Filter your dog’s drinking water: Tap water can contain damaging impurities, including ammonia, tin and other nitrates. Some owners take care to give their dog filtered water. There’s also a product called Dog Rocks, which are special pebbles that you place in their water bowl to remove these contaminants. In theory, the more pure the drinking water, the less potent the dog pee.
• Consider diet changes: Nitrogen is a natural by-product of protein digestion, so dog urine is inherently bad news for grass. Talk to your vet about whether you should experiment with lowering your pet’s protein intake to lessen the damage.
• Flush out the areas: Ultimately, if you let your dog roam free on a lawn, they’re likely to answer nature’s call sooner or later. If you happen to catch them in the act, the best thing you can do is water the area with a hose immediately. Make sure you irrigate the affected area deeply to dilute the urine, ensuring it penetrates to the roots to defuse as much damage as possible.

Choosing the Best Lawn Type for Tough Grass Your Furry Friend Will Love

Selecting the right product when it comes to lawn grass is the cornerstone of creating a backyard that both you and your pet can enjoy. Some grass varieties are simply built tougher for life with dogs, though factors like potential grass allergies for your pets or family can also influence your choice.

Generally speaking, lawns enjoying full sun will always be more resilient and better able to repair quickly from any lawn damage. Even grass types known for good shade tolerance will exhibit less wear tolerance if laid in heavily shaded areas. Let’s explore some of the best grass turf for dogs available from StrathAyr, perfect for the Victorian climate.

TifTuf Bermuda

TifTuf Bermuda has quickly become a go-to turf for challenging conditions, offering a remarkable combination of durability, good looks, and improved shade tolerance compared to other types of couch grass. It’s an excellent choice if your dog loves to play hard.

• Incredibly wear-resistant: Its dense growth and strong, deep roots create a tough surface that withstands the constant heavy foot traffic and energetic play of active dogs.
• Ability to quickly repair after damage: Recovers rapidly from trauma thanks to its vigorous growth habit and fast-spreading runners.
• Low allergy option: Typically produces little pollen, making it a better choice for family members or pets who may have sensitivities to some grass types.

Sir Walter Buffalo Turf

Sir Walter DNA-Certified Buffalo turf is a true Aussie icon, renowned for its low-maintenance and robust nature, making it a fantastic all-rounder for a dog-friendly lawn. Great underfoot (or paw) and equally comfortable in full sunlight or part shade, Sir Walter is hard to beat for Victorian homes (pets or no pets).

• High-traffic turf: Features dense coverage and robust root system to resist damage from general dog play and family activities.
• Regenerative abilities: Its spreading runners help to mend areas affected by wear, light digging, or occasional urine burns, maintaining a healthy lawn.
• Low-allergenic: Minimal seed heads and a soft leaf blade for minimal sensitivities.

Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu

If your dog is a high-energy champion of play and your backyard gets plenty of full sun, Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu is an incredibly robust contender. Its sheer toughness and rapid growth make it a prime candidate for withstanding the most energetic of pets.

• Extreme wear tolerance: Its dense, mat-forming growth creates an exceptionally tough surface that stands up to the most vigorous dog activity and high traffic.
• Excellent self-repairing: Even during winter dormancy, this Kikuyu cultivar maintains active growth, aiding year-round self-repair despite cooler temperatures and less sunlight.

Conclusion

With the right lawn turf for dogs and a few smart strategies, you don’t have to choose between a healthy lawn and a happy dog. With a bit of planning, you can absolutely create a beautiful lawn that keeps both you and your furry friends happy throughout years of outdoor enjoyment.

Want more help pet-proofing your lawn? Check out our turf selector tool or call 1800 622 455 to chat with an expert.

Best Turf For Dogs Australia FAQs

Is it OK for my dog to eat grass?

It’s perfectly normal for dogs to chew on grass, and it can sometimes aid their digestion. As most common residential varieties of natural grass are non-toxic, it’s not a cause for concern. The main consideration is ensuring any products used on your lawn, like fertilisers or pest controls, are also pet-safe and environmentally friendly.

Choosing naturally pest-resistant grass turf for dogs, such as Sir Walter DNA-Certified Buffalo, can reduce the need for chemical treatments. However, always follow the directions on the label and keep pets (and people) off the lawn for a day or two after applying any treatments.

What about artificial grass / artificial turf?

While synthetic grass might seem like a low-maintenance option, real turf for dogs often provides a better overall environment for dogs. Real grass stays cooler, offers a more natural feel that dogs love, and deals with waste more organically. Synthetic turf can get very hot in summer, may retain odours if not cleaned meticulously, and doesn’t offer the same sensory experience or sustainability benefits as a living lawn.