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If you want a lush lawn and the lifestyle that comes with it, but aren’t keen on spending all your spare time working in the yard, you’ll want to choose a low maintenance grass variety. Victorian homeowners have a range of modern, selectively bred grass species that require minimal watering, less mowing and other inputs than traditional high maintenance turf types.
What to Look for in Low Maintenance Turf: Grass Type Characteristics
The dream for many is a beautiful, healthy lawn that more or less takes care of itself. While no turf is truly “no maintenance,” choosing the right grass variety can dramatically reduce the time and effort required. There are numerous benefits to a low-maintenance lawn, and they all stem from a few key features:
- Less Mowing: The most time-consuming task for any lawn owner. Naturally slow-growing varieties are able to maintain dense coverage with limited vertical growth, meaning you won’t spend every weekend pushing the mower.
- Minimal Watering: Drought-tolerant options help you save water and time, and can survive and thrive through hot, dry summers and water restrictions with little irrigation once established, thanks to their deep root systems.
- Low Fertiliser Needs: Some grass types are simply hungrier than others and require regular feeding to stay green. A true low-maintenance grass can maintain its health and colour with fewer chemical inputs.
- Natural Resilience: A lawn that is naturally pest-resistant and dense enough to choke out weeds saves you from constantly battling problems. High wear tolerance and the ability for quick recovery also mean less time spent repairing patches.
Our Top Picks for Low Maintenance Turf Types in Melbourne & VIC
From scorching summer heat to frosty mornings in the cooler months, Melbourne lawns face it all. Known for its varying weather conditions (four seasons in one day), the city demands turf varieties that can adapt quickly without constant attention. The good news is that several modern options are bred to thrive in these changing conditions while keeping your weekends free. Here are our top picks for Victorian homeowners chasing a lush look with less maintenance.
Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo Grass
The “Mow, Blow & Go” Turf
As the ultimate all-rounder, Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo is a prestige buffalo variety bred to withstand tough Aussie conditions without too much hassle or extra work required. This soft leaf buffalo grass is famously tough, reliable, and forgiving. Its key low-maintenance feature is its incredible resilience; it handles high traffic, has excellent shade tolerance, and chokes out weeds with its dense growth. For a busy family who needs a lawn that just works, Sir Walter is the proven performer.
Sir Grange Zoysia
High-End Aesthetic Appeal With Less Effort
If your priority is less mowing and a premium, manicured look, Sir Grange Zoysia is in a class of its own. Of all the zoysia grasses, it’s the king of slow growth, requiring up to 50% less mowing than other grasses. It’s also highly drought-tolerant and has very low fertiliser needs. While its slow growth means slower recovery from heavy damage, its day-to-day maintenance requirements are incredibly low, making it an excellent choice for ornamental areas offering low maintenance. Small backyard? Turf ideas include landscaped feature lawns broken up with pavers, or a ring of turf around a central circular garden bed.
Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu Grass
The Best Grass for Lower Maintenance on a Budget
For those who need a lawn that can withstand serious wear and tear, Premium VG Kikuyu grass is a solid option. It is also an affordable choice well-suited to covering larger areas in a cost-effective way. Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu turf has a vigorous growth habit and an ability for quick recovery, making it ideal for high-traffic areas with active kids and pets. While this rapid growth means more regular mowing during the warmer months, it’s the perfect choice if your main priority is a lawn that can handle anything you throw at it.
TifTuf Bermuda
The Lower Maintenance, Highly Drought-Tolerant Couch Grass
Originally bred for sports fields, TifTuf has gained popularity for home use over the decades. Its main claims to fame include its low-mow capabilities, rugged self-repair and world-leading performance under drought conditions. If your main goal is to save water and have a lawn that can handle hot, dry climates, TifTuf Bermuda is the ideal choice. This couch grass has an incredibly deep root system that has been proven to use 38% less water than other grass types. While its aggressive growth means it can creep into garden beds and needs frequent mowing in summer, its ability to thrive with minimal watering makes it a top-tier low maintenance turf grass that takes extended dry periods in its stride. It can also handle partial shade, making it a viable option for yards with as little as 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.
A Closer Look at 2 Legendary Low-Maintenance Grass Types: Sir Walter vs Sir Grange
For many homeowners, the choice for a low maintenance turf comes down to two of Australia’s favourite warm season grass varieties: the tough all-rounder, Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, and the sophisticated designer’s choice, Sir Grange Zoysia. They offer very different paths to achieving a beautiful, hassle-free lawn.
Mowing & General Upkeep
This is where Sir Grange truly earns its reputation. Thanks to its slow vertical growth, it requires up to 50% less mowing than faster-growing varieties like Sir Walter and many other varieties of turf. Its dense coverage also suppresses weed growth without needing to rely on pesticides. Sir Walter, by contrast, establishes rapidly and suppresses weeds early, but its vigorous growth means more mowing and upkeep are needed to keep it looking tidy in summer.
Winner: Sir Grange Zoysia
Durability & Recovery from Foot Traffic
While neither can match the extreme wear tolerance of some couch grass varieties, both are resilient and handle light foot traffic with ease. However, their growth habits create a key difference. Sir Walter spreads via above-ground runners, allowing it to recover quickly from damage, making it highly practical for active family backyards where you want to walk and play without worry. Sir Grange creates an exceptionally dense and robust turf that resists wear well, but its slower growth rate means self-repair after significant damage takes longer. For high-traffic homes, Sir Walter’s quick recovery is the practical choice.
Winner: Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo
Drought Tolerance
Both varieties are exceptionally drought-tolerant and well-suited to the Melbourne climate. Sir Walter has high drought resistance thanks to its deep root system. Sir Grange’s ability to thrive with less water is legendary, making it a smart choice for water-conscious homeowners, especially in areas with water restrictions. While both are excellent, Sir Grange has a slight edge in pure water efficiency once fully established.
Winner: Sir Grange Zoysia
Shade Tolerance
If you aren’t blessed with full sun all day long, rest assured, both Sir Grange and Sir Walter are considered to be shade-tolerant varieties. Sir Grange Zoysia has high shade tolerance, performing well with around 4-5 hours of direct sunlight. However, Sir Walter is the undisputed champion performer in shaded areas. Its broad leaf allows it to create more energy in less light, making it the top choice for yards with heavy tree cover or in the shadow of built structures.
Winner: Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo
Frost Tolerance: Who Handles the Melbourne Winter?
Both varieties handle the cold well, which is crucial for the local climate. Although neither are true cool season grasses, they both have unique characteristics that help them cope with frost. Sir Walter is known for its hardiness and will tolerate light frosts, though it can develop some browning after a heavy freeze. Sir Grange, however, truly excels in the cold. It was selected for its ability to withstand sub-freezing temperatures, allowing it to hold its deep green colour longer into winter. For looking its best during Melbourne’s conditions, Sir Grange has a clear advantage.
Winner: Sir Grange Zoysia
Tips for Keeping Your Lawn Care to a Minimum
Choosing a variety with low maintenance requirements is the first step. We can help you boost your home’s value fast with grass varieties that best suit your time schedule and your yard. These simple proper maintenance tips will ensure you spend more time enjoying your lawn and less time working on it.
Water Smarter, Not Harder
Most turf varieties benefit from deep, infrequent watering rather than a light daily sprinkle. This encourages the grass to develop a deep root system, making it more self-sufficient and drought-tolerant. Water early in the morning to minimise evaporation.
Mow High
Mowing your lawn a little higher allows the blades to absorb more sunlight and helps to shade the soil, which retains moisture and suppresses weeds. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade in a single mowing.
Feed Seasonally
A low-maintenance lawn doesn’t need much, but a seasonal feed can make a big difference. Applying a quality slow-release fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn will provide more nutrients to your lawn when they’re needed, keeping it healthy and resilient year-round.
Prepare Your Soil
Giving your new lawn the best start is crucial. Before laying turf, ensure you have at least 100-150mm of good-quality, well-drained soil that won’t become waterlogged after heavy rain. Get in touch with our team for advice on the best approach for different soil types, such as clay-heavy or sandy terrain.
A Note on Synthetic Lawn Alternatives
While artificial lawn companies market their products as needing little maintenance, it’s important for homeowners to consider the significant downsides. These plastic surfaces can become extremely hot in the summer sun, require regular chemical cleaning and brushing to stay hygienic, and have a considerable environmental impact. For a truly sustainable and enjoyable backyard, a modern, drought-tolerant natural turf often provides a more beautiful and genuinely low-maintenance solution in the long run.
Ready to Choose Your Perfect Low Maintenance Turf?
Creating a beautiful, lush lawn doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of hard work. By choosing one of these modern low maintenance turf types, any Victorian homeowner can achieve a stunning outdoor space that complements their lifestyle.
Speak to a Turf Specialist
Our friendly team is here to help you choose the perfect grass variety for your home, considering your specific soil conditions, sunlight, and lifestyle. Contact us today for expert advice and a free quote.
Check out our lawn care blog for more helpful tips and advice.
