If you need Perth turf for a new build, or even just want to give an old space a bit of a refresh, you may be considering what turf is right for you. With so many turf varieties out there, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to understand what turf will work for your soil, yard and lifestyle. This blog outlines the different considerations you might have when deciding on a turf type, and which turfs we recommend for each requirement.
Climate and Sun Exposure
Living in Perth, your turf will need to withstand intense summer heat. Turf that requires little watering and is durable and drought-tolerant. Turf varieties like Wintergreen and Kikuyu turf are ideal. Their deep root systems are vigorous and extend farther than other varieties searching for available moisture to survive during extended periods of hot, dry weather. It is good to consider how much wind carrying salt particles your turf will encounter. An ideal turf variety for many Perth homes, for those by the coast or with pools, is Matilda Soft Buffalo, as this turf variety copes extremely well in such environments. All turf varieties growing in Perth will benefit from the use of soil wetting agent during the warmer months when evaporation is increased.
Knowing how much sun your turf needs to thrive, as well as how much sun the intended turf area receives, is also key in choosing the right variety.
This table will help you to understand the different sun needs of the different turf varieties:
| Turf Variety | Matilda Soft Buffalo | Sir Walter Buffalo | Wintergreen | Windsor Green | Carabooda Kikuyu |
| Sun Exposure | Part Shade / Full Sun | Part Shade / Full Sun | Full Sun | Full Sun | Filtered Sun / Full Sun |
Lawn Usage
If you live in a Perth home with a family, children, or pets and you intend using your grass area for recreational activities, Carabooda Lawn as a turf producer for 40 years enjoys assisting all Clients on how to look after the lawn they purchased. We are aware of the challenges to keep a new lawn healthy and looking its’ best here in Perth with often extreme weather conditions. It’s imperative to choose a turf variety that is highly durable and resilient. Turf varieties that will withstand consistent use include Wintergreen, Windsor Green and Carabooda Kikuyu especially when evaporation rates are higher that the volume of water being applied due to water restrictions. In such cases, regardless of the turf variety you have, Carabooda Lawn would highly recommend using soil wetting agents during the warmer months. Turf varieties such as Wintergreen and Windsor Green are durable and ideal for families with children and pets. Carabooda Kikuyu was bred for sporting activities, schools, parks and rural properties with maintenance staff or heavy duty mowers as it grows fast.
If your lawn will be an ornamental fixture in your yard, you might look at getting a turf that has a broader leaf to cope with shade and is easy to maintain such as Matilda Soft Buffalo or Sir Walter Buffalo. These turf varieties look lavish and pristine and are a popular choice when considering selling your property.
Soil Type
In Perth, most housing is situated on the Swan Coastal Plain, meaning the soil type in your garden will most likely be sandy and free draining. Wintergreen and Windsor Green are both turf varieties which thrive in sandy soil and love the summer heat. They establish deep root systems and can reach moisture more effectively than shallower turfs like buffalo varieties which require good moisture sitting in the top soil profile.
If you live in a more rural area, your soil might be more clay-like. If this is the case, Carabooda Kikuyu handles temporary water-logging and can recover quickly from wear. Matilda Soft Buffalo is also adaptable to many soil structures.
Maintenance Preferences
Depending on your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences, some turf varieties may not suit your needs. If you do not have the time or are not home often enough to consistently maintain your turf and mow regularly, turf varieties such as Matilda Soft Buffalo or Sir Walter Buffalo would be good choices to match your lifestyle. Whereas, if you enjoy regularly tending to your garden and landscaping, faster-growing turf like Carabooda Kikuyu or Windsor Green might be a better choice. You can mow these varieties harshly during the warmer months and they recover well whereas buffalo varieties need leaf coverage to protect the plant structure from extreme sun as they grow horizontally and only have shallow roots. Always adjust mowing heights gradually when growing buffalo varieties of turf and avoid putting the plant into shock.
Weed-resistant Turf
Choosing weed-resistant turf is a great preventive measure against grass damage and a sure way to reduce your need for expensive chemical treatments, particularly in Winter when other turf varieties cannot compete with the weeds. Carabooda Kikuyu grass is a fantastic weed inhibitor due to its highly competitive growth habit. This turf fights weeds off on its own, meaning that you are spending less time, effort and money spraying harsh chemicals. However, you will need a good mower as Kikuyu grows very fast.
Still Unsure What Turf is Right For You?
It can be overwhelming to decide which turf type is right for your property. As the preferred supplier of Turf in Perth, here at Carabooda Lawn, we will work with you to help you choose what is best. Stocking a variety of Perth turf at our turf farm and delivering throughout WA, we will assist you in choosing the perfect turf for your residential or commercial project.
Contact our team of experts at Carabooda Lawn to discuss your options for a variety of lawns today.
