Cool climate grasses (Winter grass)

There are quite a few cool climate grass varieties that you likely grow, have considered growing or don’t even know your growing. Some popular options include Perennial Ryegrass, Fescues Grasses, Bentgrass, and Bluegrass. The following is a list of cool climate grasses and the ideal height to mow them.

Perennial Ryegrass

If left unattended, ryegrass can grow up to your waist! Mow it at around 5 to 5.5 cm during Spring and Autumn. In the summer however, allow it to grow a bit longer and mow it at around 7cm. The long blades act as protective shading during the summer period to protect the soil and roots from drying out. Even if they yellow off a bit more on the tips, it can still photosynthesise for basic sustenance until the cooler months arrive.

Due to ryegrass not being a spreading grass, an extremely short mowing strategy may cause extensive dead patches within the lawn. If this was to happen, a little bit of reseeding in those patches will fix the problem.

Fescue Grasses

Fescue grasses are not exceptionally fast growing, which means it won't require weekly mowing. It is important to keep in mind that Fescue grasses prefer to be cut relatively high, at 7 to 10 cm as cutting anywhere below that height can dry the turf out and cause thinning.

Its ability to withstand frosts make it the ideal candidate for Tasmania and Southern Victoria, and its ability to cope with extended dry spells also make it ideal for the Southern regions of Western and South Australia.

Bentgrass

One of the highest maintenance grasses available, Bentgrass must be mowed regularly, and watered intensely. It’s a great choice for those who are happy to fuss over their lawn and are looking for a lawn of beauty. This grass is designed to be mowed short, we’re talking 2.5 to 3.5 cm because it is intended to be a turf grass (it is a popular choice for golf courses). So a flat carpet-like look is not only desirable, but the best for this lawn type.

Bluegrass

Known to be a very nice looking lawn, it is also quite hardy and has the ability to repair itself very quickly. Best if mowed to 3 to 7 cm in height depending on the variety, bluegrass shouldn’t be shorter than the recommended height because it prevents photosynthesis from occurring. The grass doesn’t thrive or grow well if you cut this grass too short.

Warm climate grasses (Summer grass)

If you live in a warmer climate, you’ll most likely be growing the following types of grasses, such as: Buffalo Grass, Kikuyu, Durban Grass, Bahia Grass (Paspalum), Couch Grass, Queensland Bluecouch Grass and Zoysia Grass.

Buffalo Grass

The ideal mowing height is 3.5 to 6.5 cm for this short, broad leafed, warmer climate grass. During the warm season it can be mowed once every fortnight with very little maintenance required. During the cooler seasons it stays quite dormant and less regular mowing is required. It grows well with little assistance and doesn’t require the level of upkeep some other warm grasses do. Although it is classified as a warm climate grass, it is one of the most popular choices of turf Australia wide and if treated well, Buffalo grass looks great and feels beautifully soft.

The below image is of Sir Walter Buffalo. A Melbourne favourite.

Kikuyu Grass

This fast growing grass needs to be cut weekly or fortnightly, so keeping it at 2 to 4 cm in length would be ideal. It loves sunshine and is an invasive and aggressive grower. If left unattended it produces long runners and could easily escape into garden beds etc… so regular maintenance is a must. In saying that it is a great looking lawn, fights weeds, and is lovely and spongy under foot.

Durban Grass

Also known as ‘Sweet Smother’ grass, Durban grass requires less frequent mowing and looks great if left a bit longer. It is well known in Northern NSW and Queensland and is a very lucious and soft broad leaf grass.

Couch Grass

Along with buffalo grass, the best height for couch grass is 2 to 4 cms. It is low maintenance over Winter and only requires one or two mows throughout the season. Couch is a fine leafed grass and when cut short can also give you a beautiful flat finish. It is a good choice if you want a drought tolerant grass.

Queensland Bluecouch Grass

Native to Australia, the blue-green grass feels great under your bare feet. It’s great when mowed short, around 2 to 4 centimeters and is an ideal lawn for warm climate areas. If it is placed in a lot of sunlight, it will thrive.

Zoysia Grass
Native to South East Asia, this type of grass is ideal because it grows slowly and requires very little maintenance. Much like couch grasses, the length that works best for it is 2 to 4 cm. It’s a very plush grass that is a vibrant green color.

So there you have it!  Now you’re equipped with the right knowledge to understand what type of lawn would best suit the Australian climate you live in, the various grasses available and the best way to care and maintain your lawn. Why not make your lawn a real feature of your home and have the best lawn in your neighbourhood.