Which Turf Variety is Right for My Yard? The Ultimate SE Queensland Guide

It's the question we get every day, multiple times a day: Which turf variety is right for my yard?

Whether you're tossing up between buffalo or zoysia, you've narrowed it down, or you don't even know where to begin - today we're running you through it all. By the end, you should have all the facts to see which grass has your name on it. 

The Turf Varieties In Question

Here at GoTurf, we're part of Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) - Australia's largest network of turf specialists. There's a lot more to grass than meets the eye, and LSA operates the most extensive turf grass research and development program in Australia. Based on this research and developments, here's what we know and what we grow in our pocket of Australia:

• Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo Grass

• TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda

• Sir Grange Zoysia

• Zoysia Australis

• Nullarbor Couch

Coming 2026: Stampede Hybrid Buffalo (not available yet, but we should all be excited)

Quick Answer: Our Top Picks for SE Queensland

Now we service Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Wide Bay and Greater Brisbane. All of the grasses we're talking about today are grown right here in the Glasshouse Mountains, and we're all about warm-season grasses: Couch, Buffalo, and Zoysia, because they can withstand the QLD heat. Our turf varieties are grown from this region, for this region.

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo: The easy choice, only needs 3-4 hours of sunlight daily

TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda: Tough as boots, an absolute drought warrior and only Smart Drop certified grass in the world

Sir Grange Zoysia: The low-maintenance, luxurious one. Once established, it can handle full sun and has a high drought tolerance. 

Zoysia Australis: The shade hero, it may be new, but it's stealing all of our turf-loving hearts

Nullarbor Couch: Can look fantastic, but you have to care; this is a high-maintenance choice. If you want it, we've got it, but today we'll focus on the low-maintenance options.

For the shortcut? Take our quiz at goturf.com.au. For the full breakdown? Keep reading.

Meet Your Turf Varieties

Okay, now you know which grasses are on the table for discussion, let's take a fine-tooth comb through them.

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo - Australia's Number 1 Buffalo Lawn

Does it even need an introduction? We all know it, we all love it. But here's the key - you want the DNA-certified kind to ensure you're getting the real deal. At GoTurf, we have the original breeder guarantee as part of the Lawn Solutions Australia Group.

The facts:

• Thrives with just 3-4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Self-repairs quickly (bye-bye bare patches)

• Drought tolerance that'll make you proud

• A low-allergenic lawn enjoyed by kids and pets

• Features a tight growth habit that resists most weeds

• A fast-establishing deep root system sustains a lush appearance under low-rainfall conditions

Perfect for: First-time turf buyers, busy families, anyone who wants a sure thing

Zoysia Australis - "The New Kid on the Block"

We're yet to hear a bad word about Australis. As the newest name on our list (until Stampede makes its debut), it might not be one you've heard of, but it sure should be.

The facts:

• Can be left unmown for up to 12 months (maximum height: 60-80mm)

• Excellent shade tolerance where other grasses falter

• A strong root system means less watering stress

• Medium-textured with a beautiful blue/green leaf

• Can stand up to the wear and tear of family and pets

Perfect for: Busy households chasing a low-maintenance, good-looking buffalo alternative

TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda - "The Smart Grass"

If you know one thing about TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, let it be this: drought tolerance. It's currently the one and only grass in the world to be Smart Drop certified, and that's a major deal. Smart Drop Certification is a handy tool to help us identify the most water-efficient products available. With over 25 years of independent trials demonstrating TifTuf's superior drought resistance, this is the top choice for water-conscious shoppers.’

The facts:

• Establishes roots in as little as 7 days (up to 75% faster than other varieties)

• Superior wear tolerance and rapid recovery

• Has a fine leaf texture and a beautiful bright green hue

• This turf variety requires less time, effort, and resources to maintain its beautiful appearance

• Sporting complexes use the Tuf stuff

• Good resistance to common pests and diseases

Perfect for: Families with pets and kids, hot and dry climates, high-traffic areas and water-conscious folk

Sir Grange Zoysia - "The Show Stopper"

While this one sets the golfing green standard, Sir Grange also doubles as a show-stoppingly stunning backyard choice. Sir Grange is a low-maintenance grass that requires fewer nutrients, meaning you can kick back and relax while it takes care of itself for the most part.

The facts:

• Often needs little to no fertilisation at all

• Fine leaf texture with bright green colour

• It's adaptable to various mowing heights, meaning you can change up the look

• Excellent shade tolerance and drought resistance

• Does not need to be mowed as regularly as other varieties

Perfect for: Those wanting a hardy yet lavish lawn, a real conversation starter

What Are We Actually Looking For in Grass Types?

So, beyond the above - what are we even looking for when selecting a turf variety?

Sunlight Situation

All grass needs some sunlight to survive, but there's a big difference between blazing sun all day and sky-high trees casting shade.

Full sun (6+ hours): TifTuf needs around 5-6 hours of direct light per day to thrive. Sir Grange, Sir Walter DNA Certified, and Zoysia Australis all thrive with full sun to heavy shade.

Shady spots (3-4 hours a day): Sir Walter DNA Certified, Zoysia Australis, and Sir Grange are your answers - they all need a minimum direct sunlight of 3-4 hours of direct sunlight. Just note, Sir Grange requires more sun during establishment.

The Foot Traffic Factor

Think beyond today - if you're adding pets or have kids who'll be running around, plan for future wear and tear.

Heavy traffic heroes:

• TifTuf (sports field tough) - recovers fast from wear and tear, perfect for pets and kids

• Sir Walter DNA Certified would be next in line, tough enough for backyard footy games

• Sir Grange Zoysia is hardy and tough, with excellent self-repairing capability once the root zone is established

Maintenance Reality Check

You love the look, but if you can't maintain it, it won't look its best. Every turf needs care, but some require a whole lot less than others.

Sir Grange Zoysia - Maintenance Level: Very Low

Looking to spend more time enjoying, less time maintaining? Sir Grange is the answer to your very low-maintenance prayers, plus it requires fewer nutrients.

Stacked up to other grasses, Sir Grange does not need to be mowed as regularly, and it can be mowed at various heights to match your ideal design. Not to mention, it has minimal nutrient requirements, needing up to 75% less nitrogen than other common turf varieties. In fact, in many cases, it will require little to no fertilisation at all.

All things considered, Sir Grange's low maintenance and nutrient requirements make it an excellent choice for those seeking a beautiful garden with minimal upkeep.

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo - Maintenance Level: Very Low

If you're short of time but still want a picture-perfect lawn, Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo turf is for you. It features a tight growth habit that resists most weeds and can self-repair quickly, reducing the likelihood of bare patches from wear and tear.

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo grass also benefits from a fast-establishing deep root system that sustains a lush, green appearance under low-rainfall conditions. When it comes to Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, we all know it, we all love it, and we can all maintain it.

TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda - Maintenance Level: Low

TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda Grass can take root in as little as 7 days, up to 75% faster than other varieties with a fraction of the water. You're looking at excellent wear tolerance - it can take a beating from heavy foot traffic without apparent damage. It has a rapid recovery rate, and you can bank on it quickly repairing itself in case of minor wear or damage.

Even more so, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda lawns have good resistance to common pests and diseases, reducing the need for extensive pest control measures and chemical treatments. 

Zoysia Australis - Maintenance Level: Low

Zoysia Australis is an attractive all-rounder that's also quick to establish and requires minimal care. It can be left unmown for up to 12 months, reaching a maximum leaf height of 60-80mm, or can easily be maintained as a picture-perfect pitch with less-frequent mowing than other cultivars.

The strong root and rhizome system means that your Zoysia Australis lawn will stay lush and green without the need for a strict watering and fertilising schedule, making this one of the easiest turfs to care for.

FAQ: The Questions Everyone's Asking

Q: What's the best turf for shade in Brisbane?

A: Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, it only needs a minimum of 3-4 hours of direct sunlight.

Q: Which turf uses the least water in Queensland?

A: TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, it's the only Smart Drop certified turf globally, using a fraction of the water other varieties need and can establish with minimal irrigation.

Q: I want low maintenance, what's my best bet?

A: Sir Grange Zoysia is your answer; it needs up to 75% less fertiliser than other varieties, sometimes no fertilisation at all, and requires less frequent mowing.

Q: Got kids and pets, which turf can handle backyard footy and running around?

A: TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is built for this - same stuff they use on sporting fields, with rapid recovery from wear and tear and excellent durability.

Q: How quickly will my turf establish in SE Queensland?

A: TifTuf is one speedy choice (Sometimes taking as little as 7 days for roots to establish), while others typically take 2-3 weeks in our Queensland climate.

Make sure it's Genuine Sir Walter DNA Certified.

Now, we've touched only growing Sir Walter DNA Certified, but what does that mean, and why should you care?

Sir Walter DNA Certified buffalo grass is exclusively available from Lawn Solutions Australia. This means that only Lawn Solutions Australia-accredited turf suppliers grow and supply Sir Walter DNA Certified.

Anyone selling something that is called 'Sir Walter' that isn't accredited by Lawn Solutions Australia could be selling anything. There are no protections in place to stop them from selling any old buffalo (or any grass at all, for that matter) and calling it Sir Walter. Which is what many non-accredited turf suppliers are doing. Buffalo grasses can all look very similar (but behave very differently), so it is almost impossible to know for sure that the grass that is supplied is what they say it is.

That is, unless you go to a Lawn Solutions Australia accredited supplier, which we are and are very proud to be a part of at GoTurf. As a member of Lawn Solutions Australia, we submit samples of our turf for testing. These samples are tested alongside the original Sir Walter plant that has been kept pure without modification. This testing and accreditation provide the growers of Sir Walter with DNA Certification and an Original Breeder Guarantee.

Still unsure which turf is right for you? Come see for yourself.

Why not come down and have a look for yourself? We're your one-stop shop for buying, replacing or caring for your lawn. Our showroom at Brendale has a display area where you can see each variety, have a feel and ask our team (Kieran, Matilda and Brad) any questions you have.

Address: Unit 57/109 Leitchs Rd, Brendale QLD 4500

Ready to get started? Get your orders in now, or give us a call. Your perfect lawn is just a quick call away. 

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