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Lush green lawns make a world of difference to homes. They add street appeal, provide a place for kids and pets alike to run around and play host to many parties, family gatherings, and even barbecues with friends.
However, choosing the right lawn for your family can be a tricky endeavor. With so many different varieties of grass to consider, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. After all, how can you be sure to pick a lawn variety that will serve the whole family?
To ensure that you’re spending your money wisely, conduct some research. This way, you will be well versed in the different varieties of lawns and the turf types that can withstand everything your family and pets have to offer.
Popular lawn varieties
Each variety of lawns, whether planted from seed or from turf, comes complete with its own set of unique features. Some are hard wearing and low maintenance while others are a little more sensitive to human and pet traffic.
Buffalo
One of the most popular lawn varieties, Buffalo is known for being low maintenance. Featuring soft leaves and the ability to repair themselves, Buffalo lawns can withstand harsh, hot conditions. Another key feature is Buffalo’s ability to thrive without much water.
Kikuyu
Kikuyu varieties are known to be tough, hard wearing lawns. Dark in appearance, the finer leaf texture means that Kikuyu lawns can weather drought conditions, full sun, and even semi-shade.
Couch
A dense and fast growing grass, Couch blends are known to grow well in warmer areas. Able to tolerate full sun and semi shade, this hard wearing lawn is the perfect backdrop for a game of backyard sports.
Zoysia
With low water and maintenance requirements once fully established, Zoysia lawn varieties make for a great lawn. Featuring salt and drought tolerance, Zoysia can withstand the high heat and humidity experienced in coastal areas.
What to consider when buying turf
There are a lot of factors to consider when buying turf. As this is a significant investment, you want to make sure that the lawn you choose is able to adhere to your family’s lifestyle. Otherwise, your lawn could be dead or patchy in no time.
How will the lawn be used?
When choosing a lawn variety, the main factor to consider is if the lawn will be tough enough to meet the demands of your family’s life. Growing families with pets will need tough grass that can self repair quickly with little to no maintenance.
What kind of climate do you live in?
Matching a grass variety to the climate you live in is key to vibrant growth. Otherwise, areas prone to hot and dry summers will simply ruin grass that requires equal parts sun and shade and plenty of water.
Do you have time for maintenance?
Lawns need to be mowed just at the right time. Mowing when the grass is too short or too long can be equally problematic. With this in mind, you need to have the time to constantly change mowing patterns in order to make sure that your lawn can thrive.
How is your garden configured?
Some lawns need constant sunshine in order to reach their full potential. If your garden is configured for the maximum shade you may need to consider different lawn varieties that can actually withstand 70 or more per cent of shade per day.
What’s your soil type?
Every backyard will have different soil compositions. That’s why it’s best to test the soil with a pH test kit before planting a lawn variety that may need different soil conditions in order to thrive. Most lawns can grow in an environment with pH levels between 5.5-6.5.
Are water sources easily accessible?
Overwatering, as in watering every day, can be just as harmful as not watering your lawn. However, lawns still need water. To make the process easier, do you have an irrigation system or water source close by that can be used to water the lawn when required?
Planting your dream lawn
Lawns can be a great source of entertainment. Hours of fun can be had chasing pets around the garden. Young kids can learn how to kick a soccer ball on the lawn. Many family gatherings can be held on the green grass.
However, all these things are contingent upon choosing the right lawn variety for your family. Otherwise, you might pick a lawn that is too high maintenance for your lifestyle. Resulting in soccer lessons on dry and patchy lawns.
Taking the time to consider which lawn varieties meet the demands of your life saves a lot of time and heartache in the long run. Ensuring that your vibrant and lush lawn can be enjoyed by all for many years to come.