The Right Turf for the Right Job — A Guide to Queensland Lawns

Choosing the Right Lawn for Your Queensland Garden

Queensland’s climate is as diverse as its backyards — from the humid coasts to dry inland areas. Whether you’re chasing a shady retreat, a kid-friendly play space or a low-maintenance green carpet, the type of turf you choose makes all the difference.

In this guide, I (Nigel, your friendly neighbourhood horticulturist) will walk you through the best turf varieties for Queensland and when to use each one.

1. Sir Walter Buffalo Grass

Queensland’s climate is as diverse as its backyards — from the humid coasts to dry inland areas. Whether you’re chasing a shady retreat, a kid-friendly play space or a low-maintenance green carpet, the type of turf you choose makes all the difference.

Key strengths:

• Excellent shade tolerance (as little as 3–4 hours of sun)
• Soft, lush feel — kid and pet friendly
• Drought-tolerant and hardy
• Low allergenic

Considerations:

• Slower to repair under heavy wear
• Needs dethatching occasionally

Ideal for:

Shady gardens, coastal areas, backyards with kids and pets

2. Green Couch Grass & Oz Tuff Couch

Best turf for sunny yards and sports loversBest turf for sunny yards and sports lovers

Key strengths:

• Dense, fine-leaf “golf course” look
• High wear tolerance and fast repair
• Thrives in full sun

Considerations:

• Needs at least 6–7 hours of sunlight
• Can invade garden beds without edging
• Requires regular mowing

Ideal for:

Shady gardens, coastal areas, backyards with kids and pets

3. Empire Zoysia & Nara Native Zoysia

Best turf for low-maintenance lawns

Key strengths:

• Low maintenance (slow growth = less mowing)
• Moderate shade and drought tolerance
• Soft underfoot and pest resistant

Considerations:

• Slow to establish initially
• Slower to repair from wear

Ideal for:

Busy homeowners, coastal properties (Nara tolerates salt), low-traffic lawns

4. Queensland Blue Couch

Best turf for classic Queensland looks

Key strengths:

• Unique soft blue-green colour
• Soft texture and fine leaf
• Drought tolerant

Considerations:

• Poor shade tolerance
• Less hardy under heavy wear
• Can brown in winter

Ideal for:

Sunny, well-drained lawns; heritage-style homes

Quick Comparison of Queensland Turf Types

Which Turf Is Best for Your Yard?

Still unsure which way to go? Here’s my quick advice:

• Shady yard? Go with Sir Walter Buffalo.
• High foot traffic? You’ll want Green Couch.
• Low maintenance? Empire or Nara Zoysia is your mate.
• Heritage home or showpiece lawn? Queensland Blue Couch is a stunner.

Need more help? Give us a call — I’m always happy to chat lawns and help you get the right green carpet for your patch of paradise.

If are looking to get your garden set up, contact Nigel Arnold, our professional horticulturalist, today to discuss customised, cost-effective garden solutions. We pride ourselves on working with our clients to create green spaces that are designed with your needs and space in mind.