Couch vs Kikuyu vs Buffalo: Which Lawn Type Is Best for You?

Choosing the right grass type for your home can make a huge difference in how your yard looks, feels, and performs throughout the year. In Australia, three of the most popular turf types are Couch, Kikuyu, and Buffalo. Each of these grasses has unique characteristics, benefits, and maintenance requirements.

In this guide, we’ll compare Couch, Kikuyu, and Buffalo to help you decide which lawn is best suited for your climate, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Not all lawns are created equal. The type of lawn you choose will affect:

• How much time and effort you’ll spend maintaining it

• How well it handles wear, pets, and kids

• Its drought and shade tolerance

• The colour and texture of your lawn throughout the year

When investing in a new lawn, it’s important to match the grass type to your needs. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each.

Overview: Couch grass is a warm-season turf known for its fine leaf blade, vibrant green colour, and excellent growth rate. It’s ideal for homeowners who want a manicured look and are willing to stay on top of maintenance.

Pros:

• Beautiful fine texture and rich green colour

• Great for full sun areas

• Recovers quickly from wear and tear

• Handles low mowing heights

Cons:

• Doesn’t perform well in shade

• Needs regular mowing, edging, and fertilising

• Can become invasive if not managed

Best For:

• High-maintenance lawn lovers who want a polished appearance

• Homes with lots of sun and minimal shade

If you’re after a crisp, well-defined lawn and don’t mind a bit of upkeep, Couch is a great choice.

Overview: Kikuyu is a vigorous, fast-spreading grass type that thrives in most Australian climates. It’s bright green, coarse in texture, and extremely hardy, making it a popular option for high-traffic areas.

Pros:

• Grows fast and establishes quickly

• Very affordable turf option

• Excellent wear and recovery

• Drought tolerant once established

Cons:

• Requires frequent mowing, especially in summer

• Can spread aggressively into garden beds and paths

• Doesn’t handle shade well

Best For:

• Budget-conscious homeowners

• Families with pets or active kids

• Sunny backyards that get a lot of use

If you want a tough, low-cost grass that can take a beating, Kikuyu is a strong contender.

Overview: Buffalo grass feature a broad leaf blade and a soft, dense growth habit. They are slower growing than Couch or Kikuyu but much more shade tolerant and easier to maintain.

Pros:

• Excellent shade tolerance (ideal for 3–4 hours of direct sun)

• Requires less mowing than Couch or Kikuyu

• Soft underfoot and family-friendly

• Great year-round colour retention

Cons:

• More expensive upfront cost

• Slower to repair from wear

• Broad leaf may not suit some aesthetic preferences

• Limited herbicide options; if invaded by Kikuyu or Couch, removal often requires hand-picking or spot-painting with glyphosate

Best For:

• Homes with shady areas

• People who want a lower-maintenance lawn

• Families who value softness and comfort

Buffalo is the go-to grass type for many Aussie households due to its versatility and ease of care.

Northern Australia (QLD, NT, northern WA):

• Kikuyu and Couch both do well in full sun and warm temps.

• Buffalo is a good option in shady tropical yards.

Southern Australia (VIC, TAS, SA):

• Buffalo holds colour better in winter and tolerates cooler conditions.

• Couch may go dormant and lose colour.

Coastal Areas:

• All three grassescope well, but Kikuyu can be salt tolerant.

Dry Inland Areas:

• Couch and Kikuyu are both drought-hardy with proper watering.

Couch:

• Mow regularly (at least weekly in peak growing season)

• Edge and fertilise often

• Apply Pure Balance and Pure Iron+ for colour and density

Kikuyu:

• Mow often (every 5–7 days in summer)

• Use Pure Seaweed+ to boost resilience

• Stay on top of runners invading garden beds

Buffalo:

• Mow at least once a week in summer

• Use Pure Colour+ in winter for greener colour

• Great results with minimal inputs

When choosing between Couch, Kikuyu, and Buffalo grasses, consider how much sun your yard gets, how much time you’re willing to spend on maintenance, and how the lawn will be used.

Couch is great for detail-oriented lawn lovers. Kikuyu is perfect for families and pets. Buffalo suits shaded areas and those wanting an easier care lawn.

Whatever you choose, keep up a regular fertiliser and watering schedule, and your lawn will reward you with years of green, healthy growth.