Greener on the Other Side? Choosing the Right Lawn Grass

There are many varieties of lawn grass to choose from when planning or renovating your garden. To the untrained eye, they may seem very similar, and it may be tempting to pick one at random to avoid the overwhelming choice. However, the choice doesn't have to be so difficult — nor should it be based on appearance alone. Here are some of the factors that you should be thinking about.

Shade and Sun

Nobody wants a patchy lawn, so it's important to consider how much shade your lawn will experience. Some types of lawn, such as Buffalo grass, are very shade-tolerant and will grow happily in any light conditions. However, varieties such as Kikuyu grass will be unhappy in these conditions, and you'll be left with an uneven lawn. Assess the space you're filling for its light conditions ahead of time and you won't get any such nasty surprises.

Maintenance

Some people are happy to spend a lot of time taking care of their garden, and others may prefer to look, but not touch. There are options for both groups of people and everyone in between. Couch grass, for example, is fast-growing and will require a lot of mowing and fertilising. On the other end of the spectrum is Zoysia grass. It is slow-growing, requires very little fertiliser, and can be left entirely to its own devices in cooler seasons. As such, to get the best out of your lawn, it's best to consider how much time you're able and willing to commit to it.

Wearability

Many gardens are just there to look pretty — but households with young children and pets may experience a little more tough love. Fast-growing and strong types such as Couch grass and Kikuyu grass will repair and recover from problem patches quickly, why is why they are often preferred for lawns in parks and schools. However, more ornamental or slow-growing types may struggle to keep up appearances.

Weather Conditions

If the area you live in is prone to drought or cold at various times of the year, your lawn should be ready to adapt to those conditions. Local sellers will be able to give you great advice about which grasses are likely to grow best. Kikuyu grass, in particular, is exceptionally drought-resistant and will ensure you have a full lawn no matter how dry conditions get.

Of course, your aesthetic preferences should come into play too, but keeping these key considerations in mind will lead you to green, vibrant and happy grass. To learn more about the types of lawn available to you, contact a professional.