The number of grass varieties that you can choose from can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right grass to cover your New Zealand lawn. Both types have their own pros and cons, and the most optimal option will be determined by:
- Your local conditions
- The type of soil
- Your intended use of the lawn.
This choice is the key to a beautiful, healthy outside world that you can enjoy throughout the year.
Tall fescue is one of the best alternatives to consider in cooler areas or regions with unpredictable conditions. The Plant Company is a good source of expert advice and quality grass varieties.
The Plant Company offers a broad range of advice and a huge variety of plants and seeds to enable Kiwi horticulturists to make knowledgeable decisions on how to plant beautiful and sustainable terrain. They have the experience of walking through the merits and demerits of various grasses.
Cool Season Grasses: The Classic Kiwi Choice
Most typical grasses in New Zealand lawns are known as cool-season grasses. They do well during the cool autumn and spring seasons and tend to be quite resistant to frost and low sunlight.
- Pros: They have a delicate, fine feel and bright green colour. They establish quickly from seed and are generally easy to maintain. Many varieties, such as fine fescue, are quite shade-tolerant.
- Cons: They are too drought-intolerant. They require frequent watering on hot summer days and may become problematic during prolonged heat waves.
Common species in this category are Perennial Ryegrass, which has outstanding wear resistance, and Kentucky Bluegrass, which grows into a dense self-recovering grass.
Warm Season Grasses: Tough and Sun-Loving
Warm-season grasses suit warmer, frost-free areas north of Hamilton or in coastal areas. They are bright in late spring and summer, and provide excellent drought and hard-wearing durability.
- Pros: These grasses are extremely resilient in full sun and use less water when established. They suit high-traffic locations.
- Cons: They are slower to form, may go dormant, and brown off during winter. They should also be mowed regularly during their active growth stage, as they are more sensitive to certain weed killer products; therefore, it is essential to choose them carefully.
Kikuyu is currently highly regarded, growing strongly and drought-resistant, and Couch Grass is another tougher choice in sunny situations.
Weighing Low Maintenance vs. Appearance
Much of it will be a decision between the practical and the aesthetic.
- Low-maintenance seekers may prefer hardy types such as tall fescue that is versatile, drought-tolerant, and simple to care for.
- Those who want the traditional, well-mowed “show lawn” may consider the fine texture of Bent Grass; however, it is much more demanding in terms of maintenance.
The ideal type of grass to use in your lawn is a matter of choice that takes climate and activity into account, as well as the amount of time you wish to devote to maintenance. Knowing the fundamental strengths and weaknesses of each one, you will be able to find a grass that will give your home a living and working backdrop in the years ahead.
