Choosing the right grass type is crucial to improving the look and feel of your home or venue. You want something resilient, low maintenance and aesthetically pleasing. The most popular type of grass for these purposes is couch grass, which is used widely in Australian homes, sports clubs and venues.
While you may not have heard of couch grass before, you certainly would have seen it out and about. If you’re in the market for an outdoor renovation or upgrade, you should consider getting couch grass. This blog post will provide everything you need to know about couch grass, including maintenance and tips.
What is couch grass?
Couch grass is a hardy, aggressive type of grass known for its robust spreading behaviour and is easily recognised by its shallow roots, it can grow in multiple types of soil and sustain itself during harsh drought conditions. Couch grass is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas as it is highly tolerant of foot traffic and can absorb considerable amounts of sunlight, heat and cold.
Despite its aggressiveness, couch grass is also beneficial as a palatable forage crop for livestock since grazing animals find it incredibly delicious. While couch grass may be a pesky nuisance to home gardeners, this versatile perennial offers many benefits when used correctly.
How does couch grass differ from other types of grasses?
Couch grass is unique and sets itself apart from most varieties due to its appearance, but it’s also considered a weed since it’s so successful at regrowing. Couch grass is highly drought-resistant, growing well in sandy or rocky soil conditions as long as they have some water or moisture. This makes couch grass an excellent option for parts of your lawn that are challenging to water regularly.
The grass grows more rapidly than traditional turf varieties and stays denser much longer after being mowed. However, couch grass needs to be treated like any other type of grass and should receive proper care, including fertiliser, aeration and plenty of water during severe stress.
What types of couch grass are there?
There are wide varieties of couch grass available for outdoor landscaping. All four couch grass have different characteristics, so it’s essential to do your research and pick the one best suited to your needs.
Nullarbor Grass
This couch grass is native to the Nullarbor Plain in Australia and is a very hardy, drought-resistant type of grass. It has an attractive deep green colour and is ideal for low-maintenance areas like sports fields or parks.
Queensland Blue Couch
Queensland blue couch is an active winter couch grass that grows best in full-sun locations. It has a grey-green colour and is remarkably tolerant to shade and drought.
Winter Green Couch
Winter green couch is a popular option for colder climates because it can remain green all year round. This type of grass needs regular mowing and fertilisation, but it’s worth the effort as it offers superior performance in cold and wet conditions.
Santa Ana Grass
Santa Ana couch is a warm-season couch grass that does best in warm climates. This type of couch grass has a bright green colour and is known for its low maintenance requirements as it can survive on minimal fertilisation.
What are the benefits of couch grass over other types of grasses?
Many homeowners consider couch grass an ideal option for a lush, green lawn. Its solid and deep roots make it more resilient and the grass is not prone to disease or insects like other grasses, making it easier to maintain.
Couch grass can be grown easily, and its hardy nature makes mowing much less frequent or necessary. This couch grass variety of grass also thrives in a wide array of soils and shaded areas, so there is greater flexibility when planting in different locations. The abundant benefits of couch grass make it a desirable lawn option.
How to grow couch grass
When planting couch grass, you must first consider the type of soil and location. The site should have adequate sunlight and good drainage for the plant to thrive. Once these conditions are met, you can begin preparing the ground by loosening it up with a shovel or rototiller and then spreading seeds evenly over the prepared space.
Water the grass as needed, keeping it moist until the seeds have germinated. Once they start to sprout, reduce your watering but continue to monitor it to ensure that the ground doesn’t dry out. It shouldn’t take long for the grass to fully grow.
How do you care for couch grass?
Maintenance couch grass is important in ensuring its longevity and healthiness. It’s best practice to water the grass regularly to ensure it always has enough moisture and to ensure the root system doesn’t become too dry. You should also avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot or crown rot in your grass.
If you want your couch grass to thrive fully, you should fertilise your lawn several times a year, applying high-nitrogen fertilisers in spring and summer; and a slow-release fertiliser in autumn or early winter. Attention to these details will help keep your grass healthy and looking its best.
Are there any drawbacks to growing couch grass in your yard or garden?
Due to its fast-growing nature, couch grass can become overly aggressive if it’s not regularly managed. If left unchecked, a single stem of couch grass can quickly spread its roots throughout your garden and strangle the rest of your plants that you may have cultivated with much greater effort. Also, because its stems extend to shallow depths beneath the ground using aerial roots, couch grass can be pretty tricky to get rid of without damaging adjoining plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does couch grass need special fertilisers or treatments during extreme weather such as drought and high temperature?
You may need to give your couch grass a helping hand during extreme weather conditions such as hot and dry spells. Applying a slow-release fertiliser or an organic compost will provide extra nourishment and help your lawn survive these trying times.
Can I grow couch grass in shaded areas?
Yes, couch grass is quite resilient and can be grown in shaded areas, although it may not look as lush or green compared to when it is grown in direct sunlight. You should still water and fertilise the grass regularly to ensure optimal growth and health.
Is couch grass good for lawn sports such as soccer?
Yes, couch grass is an excellent choice for lawn sports such as soccer. Its thick and deep roots make the grass durable against wear and tear, and it also provides cushioning, which is good for joint protection while playing.
Do I need to mow couch grass regularly?
No, couch grass requires less frequent mowing than other types of grass due to its slow growth rate. However, it would be best if you still mowed it once in a while to ensure that the grass maintains an even and aesthetically pleasing height. It’s also important to trim off any dead leaves or stems, which can quickly take over the lawn if left unchecked.
Is couch grass suitable for pets?
Yes, couch grass is an ideal choice for pet owners. Its thick and strong blades provide a comfortable cushion for your pets to walk or run on, and it’s also relatively resistant to tear or damage from paws or claws.
What is the best time to sow couch grass seeds?
The best time to sow couch grass seeds is typical during the early fall months, although you can also do this in late spring or early summer. Since it takes longer for the grass to grow fully, early autumn might be your best bet as it gives the grass plenty of time to take root and establish itself without having to deal with extreme weather conditions.
What is the best way to ensure that my couch grass grows evenly?
The key to achieving an even and well-maintained lawn of couch grass is by regularly aerating your soil with a garden fork or spike. This will help keep the roots healthy, promote even growth throughout your grassy area, and help with water absorption and drainage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, couch grass is an amazing type of grass that offers many benefits over traditional landscaping grasses. It is resilient, fast-growing, and versatile, allowing homeowners to enjoy a lush garden or lawn without the hassle of watering and cutting as other grasses require. If you’re looking for something hardy and beautiful to complete your yard or garden, consider giving couch grass a try.
