Warm Season Grasses
Warm season grasses can cope with extended dry periods and need less water in summer than cool season grasses. Other considerations when looking at water efficient grass selections are native grasses, water efficient lawn care and even artificial turf.
Warm Season Grasses Video
Warm Season Grasses
Warm season grasses come from the warmer parts of the world and are therefore better able to cope with high temperatures and survive extended dry periods. Virtually all lawn grass species need some supplementary water to survive drought, although some can rejuvenate quickly after these conditions. This is an important consideration in choosing a lawn grass, along with toughness, wear-capacity, and suitability for the site's soil conditions.
The lawn grasses can roughly be grouped into cool season and warm season grasses. There is a rule of thumb that warm season grasses (Couch, Buffalo, and Kikuyu) use much less water than cool season (Rye and Fescue). Estimates of the savings range from a 30% to a 60% reduction in summer water use.
Warm season grasses can turn yellow and go dormant in winter but will flourish in summer. Cool season grasses do better in winter but usually need more water to stay alive in summer (hence the name).
Buffalo Grass Stenophyllum secundatum
- Warm season turf grass
- Produces vigorous, fleshy runners
- Dense, coarse foliage
- Best used in warm, sunny locations with good drainage
- Reasonable tolerance to drought once established
- More shade tolerant than the other warm season grasses
Commercial versions:
- Sir Walter Buffalo
Price range:
- Around $11/sqm in a rolled-out turf form
- Your turf supplier will recommend soil preparation and early care.
Couch Cynodon dactylon
Features:
- One of the easiest turf species to grow
- Best in sunny locations
- Produces vigorous runners over warmer months
- Has good tolerance to drought once established
Caution:
- In cooler climates Couch will often die back over winter but recover once the warmer weather begins
- Like many spreading grasses it can be very invasive.
Commercial versions:
- Santa Anna
- Legend
- Conquest
- Grand Prix
Price Range:
- Around $7.50/sqm
Kikuyu Grass Pennisetum clandestinum
Features:
- Very tough African grass
- Highly tolerant of car and dog traffic
- Highly tolerant of high heat and drought conditions
Caution:
- Extremely vigorous growth
- Requires regular maintenance
- Can become a potential weed if positioned in a low traffic or unsuitable area
Commercial versions:
- Common Kikuyu
- Village Green
Price range:
- From $7 to $9/sqm