Small Yard, Big Impact: Smart design & choosing the right turf for small Queensland block

Dreams are large, but the yard is small? No problem. 

In our sunny home of Queensland, even the smallest block can become a magnificent outdoor space. At GoTurf, we're big believers that the square meterage of your property is no barrier to creating a beautiful and functional backyard. Today, we're here to help you make the most of every inch of your space.

First things first, and it's a point that's worth stressing for our space-savvy readers: selecting the right turf is absolutely key.

Whether you envision a lush green sanctuary for relaxation or a practical lawn for the family to enjoy, choosing a grass variety that thrives in your South East Queensland climate AND suits your lifestyle is critical.

What's the best grass for small spaces? 

Small spaces often come with their own unique challenges

• Limited sunlight: Buildings and fences can cast significant shade

• Higher foot traffic: Less space means concentrated wear and tear (especially with kids and pets)

The right turf variety can overcome these hurdles, creating a resilient and visually appealing lawn that complements your lifestyle. Without further ado, let's examine how these factors will influence the decision-making process.  

2 key considerations to make before picking the right turf for your yard 

1) Ain't no sunshine on my yard: Assessing sunlight

How much direct sunlight does your small yard actually receive? No guesswork allowed; we need to get specific with the sun's daily trip across your turf. We recommend a simple exercise to figure out the specifics: take photos of your yard at 2-hour intervals throughout the day. These visual snapshots will clearly depict the sun's patterns and the duration of direct sunlight in different areas. When assessing sunlight, please also cast your mind into the future. Consider any growing trees or potential developments next door that may alter the amount of sun your yard will receive in the future.

2) Putting your foot down: Considering foot traffic

It's a simple equation: smaller yards typically mean higher foot traffic, particularly for those frequented by beloved pets and kids. Your grass is likely to endure more foot traffic in a smaller area than a larger lawn, as there's less space to play with. So it's best to be realistic about how sturdy and fast-repairing your patch of turf needs to be to keep pace with your lifestyle.

Which grass is best for your small space in southeast Queensland?  

Now that you know the frequency of foot traffic and the amount of sun your lawn can lap up, the question is: which turf variety is up for the job?  

1. Sir Walter DNA Certified: The Queensland Family Favourite

Sir Walter DNA Certified is a great all-around grass for smaller spaces. It's a family-friendly favourite, with low-maintenance requirements and a beautiful, soft, broadleaf. It only needs 3-4 hours of direct light daily to thrive, with a shade tolerance of over 75%. Sir Walter DNA Certified is also a very versatile grass that's well-suited to our Sunshine State. 

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2. Zoysia Australis: The low-maintenance beauty

Another superb option to consider is Zoysia Australis, boasting a finer, more refined leaf texture and a beautiful blue-green hue. Zoysia Australis requires a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight a day, boasts an even lower mowing frequency than Sir Walter and has a low maintenance level. That being said, it can't compete with the wear tolerance of  Sir Walter DNA Certified  and  TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda . For those higher-traffic lawns, we recommend opting for one of these two options instead.  

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3. TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda: Sun-loving and sturdy

If you're blessed with abundant sunshine and expect your yard to endure significant traffic from active pets and children, TifTuf is the top choice. TifTuf has an excellent wear tolerance and a rapid self-repairing nature. Not to mention its superior drought tolerance (officially Smart Approved WaterMark certified) and its beautiful, fine leaves, which can also be maintained at a low height for a more manicured aesthetic.

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Now that you have your grass in the cart, how can you make the most out of the space?

Smart Design Tips for Small Queensland Backyards

Once you've chosen the perfect turf to lay the foundation, it's time to get creative.

Keep it clean: Regular maintenance is essential in a small space. Keep your area clutter-free, regularly mow your lawn at the correct height, and ensure trees and shrubs are well-maintained to prevent them from encroaching on the space.

Look upwards: Embrace the upward dimension. Consider using climbing plants, hanging baskets, and vertical planting boxes to add lush greenery without sacrificing valuable ground space.

Keep your turf tough: Set your new lawn up for success with the right lawn care products. We recommend a Scotts Lawn Fertiliser Spreader, a sprayer, Lawn Rescue 2L Hose On, GoTurf - All Rounder Fertiliser (4kg), Katek Super Cal, and HiCure Biostimulant. This combination will provide you with everything you need for a healthy establishment. And don't forget to apply your regular, seasonal fertiliser to maintain your lawn's health, colour, and resilience.

Find multi-functional furniture: Bulky furniture can overwhelm a small area. Opt for built-in benches along walls or fences to save valuable space, and consider multi-functional pieces like ottomans with hidden storage or coffee tables that can double as extra seating.

Delve into dwarf plants: Select smaller plants or dwarf cultivars of your favourite plants to keep them from taking over your space.

Find a focal point: Draw the eye and add a sense of depth by creating a clear focal point, such as a water feature, fire pit, or outdoor art.

Create an atmosphere with ambient lighting: Lighting can transform interiors and exteriors, so don't neglect the importance of selecting good lighting. Consider using string lights, path lights, and spotlights to create the right atmosphere and provide sufficient illumination.

All things bright and beautiful: Introduce a plethora of colours and textures through your plant, furniture, and decor selection that will reflect your style within a tight space.

Mirror, mirror on the outside wall: Consider placing outdoor mirrors as they reflect light and can create an illusion of more space.

In the zone: Even in a limited area, consider dividing your yard into separate zones for different activities, such as a reading nook, BBQ area, or dedicated kids' play area, to make the space feel more versatile.

Pathing the way: Even a narrow pathway can gently guide the eye and create a sense of journey and flow through the smallest of spaces.

Nobody puts a baby yard in the corner.

If there's one thing you take from this article, let it be this: Don't ever let a smaller block size dampen your outdoor living aspirations. There's no reason a small yard should hold you back from creating your dream one.

If you need help choosing the perfect turf variety for your unique yard, please don't hesitate to get in touch  with the GoTurf team today!

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