Successful turf installation in Melbourne requires an understanding of the unique climatic conditions of Melbourne’s South East.
If you’re looking to install turf at your Melbourne property, make sure you consult a professional landscaper how can talk through the available options, your needs and provide the best turf solution for your long-term property and lifestyle goals.
Things To Consider Before Turf Installation Melbourne
Other than looking pretty, here are some things you must consider before turf installation in Melbourne.
Weather: Melbourne is unpredictable when it comes to weather, so your chosen turf should be able to handle hot summers, chilly winters, and sudden rains.
Soil Quality: Before choosing a turf, have some expert turf installers check your soil PH levels so they can recommend which turf type will go best with the soil you have.
Sunlight: Some grasses love the sun, while others can thrive in shaded conditions. Notice how much sun your garden gets, and then decide on a turf that can thrive in that sunlight.
Watering Needs: Go for drought-resistant varieties if you’re looking for lower maintenance and water bills.
Budget: Choose the turf that falls in your budget range, and don’t forget to factor in the maintenance and upkeep costs in the long run.
Popular Turf Types for Melbourne's South East
Your lawn is more than just a patch of green. It’s an extension of your home, a playground, a relaxation spot, and a hangout place for your friends and family. Choosing it wisely will set the tone for all these activities. Here are the most popular types of grass for Melbourne’s South East:
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass is native to Australia and has beautiful wide-leaf grass with a dark green colour. It looks luscious and soft and has a bit of a coarse texture. It is a great option with the following characteristics: .
- Drought Tolerance: Buffalo grass is a great drought-tolerant turf, so if you don’t want to shoot your water bill, this one is for you.
- Shade Tolerance: With a 70% shade tolerance, this is suitable for gardens with trees or structures that cast shadows.
- Low Maintenance: It is very weed resistant, and its deep root system can draw water from deeper into the soil, requiring less frequent watering.
- Soft Texture: This turf has a soft leaf texture, which is comfortable underfoot and great for walking.
- Pest Resistance: Buffalo grass is relatively resistant to many common lawn pests.
- Costly: With so many pros, the turf isn’t cheap. High-quality buffalo grass can be more expensive compared to some other turf varieties.
- Thatch Build-Up: Buffalo grass can develop thatch (a layer of organic material between the grass and soil) more quickly than other grasses.
Kikuyu Grass
Kikuyu grass is known for its fast-growing nature, and its deep root system can quickly cover an area where it’s planted. With a coarse texture, Kikuyu grass is best suited for high-traffic areas.
- Drought Tolerance: Thanks to its deep root system, Kikuyu can thrive on low water since it absorbs water from the underground water table.
- High Traffic Tolerance: Its tough leaves and deep roots make it an excellent choice for areas with heavy foot traffic, like sports fields or parks.
- Quick Recovery: Kikuyu grows quickly, so even if a patch gets damaged, it can recover faster than many other grass types.
- Affordability: It is more affordable than other turf types regarding upfront payment and regular upkeep.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Kikuyu requires relatively little care, especially in suitable climates.
- Invasive Nature: Kikuyu can invade garden beds or neighbouring lawns if not managed.
- Cold Sensitivity: Kikuyu tends to brown and might even go dormant in colder climates during winter.
Couch or Bermuda Grass
Often called couch grass, Bermuda is a fine, soft, textured turf that is best suited for outdoor seating areas and walking patches. It is:
- Sun Tolerant: Bermuda turf thrives in sunny areas, so if your garden receives a lot of sunlight, this is for you.
- Disease Resistance: Less prone to many common turf diseases compared to some other grass types.
- Suitable for Walking: Because of its soft texture, Bermuda is great for walking barefoot or on walkways.
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia is a perennial grass that thrives in the summer or late spring seasons. It has various popular varieties that can be used in different weather, water, or sunlight conditions.
- Soft Texture: Zoysia turf has a soft texture and is not irritant to the skin at all. Which makes it suitable for barefoot walks.
- Low Maintenance: You won’t see bald spots with this one because Zoysia is highly resilient to droughts and wear and tear.
- Slow Grower: Zoysia turf takes a while to spread and take root in your garden. So, if patience is your virtue, then Zoysia turf can be very rewarding.
Professionals In Turf Installation Melbourne
While these are not the only turf types used in homes and gardens in Melbourne’s South East, these are definitely some of the more popular ones. With so many options available, it can often get overwhelming to choose the one that is best suited for your garden. That is why it is best to call us to get that sorted for you. Our professionals will not only help you choose the best turf for your garden but also install and maintain it for you.