
Couch vs Kikuyu vs Buffalo: Which Lawn Type Is Best for You?
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Time to read 4 min
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Time to read 4 min
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.
Beautiful fine texture and rich green colour
Great for full sun areas
Recovers quickly from wear and tear
Handles low mowing heights
Doesn’t perform well in shade
Needs regular mowing, edging, and fertilising
Can become invasive if not managed
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.
Grows fast and establishes quickly
Very affordable turf option
Excellent wear and recovery
Drought tolerant once established
Requires frequent mowing, especially in summer
Can spread aggressively into garden beds and paths
Doesn’t handle shade well
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.
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
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
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.
Kikuyu and Couch both do well in full sun and warm temps.
Buffalo is a good option in shady tropical yards.
Buffalo holds colour better in winter and tolerates cooler conditions.
Couch may go dormant and lose colour.
All three grassescope well, but Kikuyu can be salt tolerant.
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
A: Buffalo lawns offer the best shade tolerance, thriving with as little as 3–4 hours of direct sun daily.
A: Buffalo lawns are generally the lowest maintenance, requiring less mowing and fertilising than Couch or Kikuyu.
A: Couch and Kikuyu both recover very quickly thanks to their aggressive growth, making them great for high-use areas.
A: It’s not recommended. Different growth habits and maintenance needs can make mixed lawns uneven and hard to manage.
A: The Pure Lawn Tips Mix is a good all-around fertiliser mix that is good for all of these grass types.
Couch is perfect for sunny areas and homeowners who enjoy a manicured, high-maintenance lawn.
Kikuyu is a fast-growing, budget-friendly option that handles heavy traffic well.
Buffalo is shade-tolerant, soft underfoot, and requires less maintenance.
Match your lawn choice with your lifestyle, budget, and yard conditions for the best results.
Regular care, fertilising, and mowing keep any lawn variety looking its best.
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.