Know Your Grass? How to Choose Correctly for Your New Garden Project
There is something very inspiring, familiar and calming about a typical suburban Australian lawn. It's not clear where this tradition originated, but in modern day society you can expect to see a verdant, green covering outside the majority of homes in your neighbourhood. Consequently, if you've just finished a home construction budget on a new plot of land, it's your turn next to get some landscape supplies. What type of lawn would work best here?
Your Choices
As you may know, it's very important that you choose the correct species of grass based on your geographical location and overall exposure. Many of the favoured products are meant to work in the typically harsh climate found here, but some are more tolerant than others.
Partly Clear
If you live near to the ocean, then you may need to choose Sapphire Buffalo or Palmetto, especially if you have some mature trees that cast a long shadow. These two grasses can tolerate a lot of salt in the air and are good in windy conditions as well.
Sunny Days
On the other hand, if you don't have any trees and you can expect your garden to sit in full sun during the height of the day, then you could choose a native turf from the Zoysia family. Once again, this one is tolerant of salt if you live by the coast.
Open to Abuse
Is your lawn intended to be a playground or is it something that you will simply sit and admire? If it is to be the former, you will need to choose a turf that can put up with this abuse and will once again need to choose between sun and full shade. Matilda Buffalo or Sapphire are great for kiddie playgrounds in shaded areas, while Kikuyu is the alternative.
Maintenance Issues
Of course, you may not be the outdoor type and would like to get something that is low maintenance. If you hate the idea of pushing a lawnmower or clipping the edge of your creation, then you can choose Palmetto Buffalo or Zoysia to put your mind at rest.
Other Choices
There are a number of other "subspecies" available that may work equally as well in your location. After all, you may have a lawn that is in partial sun in a windy locale, subject to a lot of foot traffic and also subject to long periods of neglect. In this case, what type of grass should you choose? To effectively narrow down your choice, have a word with your landscape supplier as soon as possible.