Now that the warmer weather has arrived it means Australians all over the nation are heading outdoors and enjoying their backyards. But is your lawn up to scratch?
According to Turf Australia, 82 per cent of Aussies have backyards, but only 30 per cent of homeowners know how to care for their grass.
"You don't need a green thumb or long hours in the yard to make your lawn the envy of your neighbours," says landscaper, horticulturist and TV personality Jody Rigby.
"Thankfully, warm-season grasses like Buffalo, Couch and Kikuyu all vary in maintenance requirements so you can choose a grass that suits your lifestyle," she says.
These grasses may sound familiar, but according to Anthony Muscat, owner of turf farm Greener Lawn, they have all dramatically improved.
"A lot has changed in the past 30 years with the varieties of grasses," he says.
"For example, the new soft-leaf Buffalo is much softer, grows better in the shade and is easier to mow," says Muscat, whose turf business is based in Sydney's Dural area.
With Australia's dry climate, Turf Australia says that the main concern for homeowners is drought-resistant grasses, followed by wanting a hard-wearing grass.
Today's varieties have different features and maintenance levels, according to how fast they grow and their tolerance to shade and family wear and tear.
Muscat says many customers have the notion that grasses are a water guzzler, but he says the new varieties only need a watering once a week, a lot less than plants.
Factors to think about when choosing the right grass for your home include humidity and shade levels, water restrictions, garden size and soil type.
Both Muscat and Rigby stress the importance of visiting a turf centre in your local area and speaking to the experts.
With such varied climes in Australia, there's different lawns for every area. A lawn in Canberra is going to be completely different to that in Broome, says Muscat.
"Before you lay a lawn, think about what you want to use if for," says Rigby. "Is it just to look good? Will you have kids or animals running over it? Then visit a local turf grower because they will choose a grass based on those answers - you can't go wrong," she says.
Apart from looking good, grass also has environmental benefits such as filtering air and water, acting as a natural form of pollution control. Grass also reduces carbon dioxide and cools surrounding areas, keeping your property cooler in summer.
"A lush lawn is the perfect way to get kids out in the backyard to enjoy the sunshine and away from the TV and computer games this summer," Rigby adds.
If your lawn is looking a little tired Rigby says there are quick ways to give it a boost. She says aerating it can help - either using a pitchfork, hiring an aerating machine, or even wearing a pair of high-heels (but not your Manolo Blahniks) or the specially designed studded shoes.
She also suggests mowing the lawn less often in summer because the longer leaves keep the roots cooler.
With all the recent rain over the country, it might not be necessary this year but Rigby also suggests using a wetting agent is also a good booster for lawns in the hot weather.
FACTBOX
COMMON GRASS TYPES
The wide variety of warm- and cool-season grasses have different attributes with relation to drought, disease and pest resistance. Growth speed and heights also vary, impacting on the level of maintenance required and desired look.
- Couch grass
A warm-season grass with many varieties, Couch is one of the most popular grasses across Australia. It has low growth and high tolerance to drought and salt, with varying tolerance to shade.
- Buffalo grass
No longer scratchy and hard; new soft-leaf varieties are more comfortable to relax on. It is a warm-season grass with strong self-repairing attributes and shade tolerance and is considered low-maintenance in comparison to other grass types.
- Kikuyu grass
Also a very popular warm-season grass choice due to self-sufficient, drought tolerant qualities, affordability and durability. Grows vigorously and requires frequent mowing throughout spring and summer.
- Fescue grass
This cool-season grass is usually grown from seed and lacks the regeneration qualities of warm-season grasses. Fescue is a thirstier grass type, requiring regular watering to remain lush and green.
FACTBOX
LAWN INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
It doesn't take much to ensure your lawn or grassed area looks its best year-round. Spring is the best time to do an annual health check on your existing lawn, but new turf can be laid in all seasons.
Lawn installation
1. When choosing new turf, consider how it will be used and choose a type that suits the climate and level of maintenance you're prepared to give. Talk to an expert about the right laying method.
Mowing
1. Early in the season, warm-season lawns (Buffalo, Kikuyu, Couch) require only a light trimming of grass leaf-tips. Heavy mowing can leave you with a brown lawn for a few weeks.
2. For cool-season grasses (Fescue) allow the grass to grow to approximately 2.5cm to let the light and warmth penetrate the root zone and reduce moisture loss.
3. Be prepared for more frequent mowing in summer.
Aerating
1. Soil compaction, caused by heavy use by people and vehicles, can make a lawn unhealthy and prone to weeds.
2. If you can't insert a garden fork into the soil to half way down the tines, the lawn is compacted.
3. For small lawns, work the garden fork back and forth at 10cm intervals to open up the soil. On larger lawns it may be worthwhile using a coring or aerating machine (available for hire) to do the job quickly and thoroughly.
Weeds
1. Most types of grasses grow slowly in winter, giving weeds, such as dandelion, clover, cat's ear and bindii, the opportunity to grow strongly.
2. If you only have a few weeds, it's easy to dig them out by hand. For more severe weed problems, talk to a gardening centre for weed control options.
Fertiliser
1. Light, slow-release fertiliser at the start of spring gives best colour and helps your lawn reach its peak for summer.
2. Spread fertiliser evenly and follow up with a good, deep watering.
By Julia Carlisle
