Best Lawn Types For High Traffic Areas

Choosing a Lawn For High Traffic Areas

Choosing a new lawn type can be difficult, even after the beginnings of research - homeowners can quickly begin to see that each grass variety has it's strengths and weaknesses, and it's then up to the homeowner to evaluate just what will be the best lawn for their own home, and the needs which will be placed on the lawn.

One of these factors can be to choose a lawn type for high traffic areas. While we may not be expecting a game of footy in the backyard every weekend, the wear and tear which is placed on a lawn by an active young family, or having a section of lawn which is often used as a walkway, or having large dogs in the yard can place an enormous stress onto the grass.

In these situations we need to consider a grass type which will firstly tolerate the wear and tear, and then have the ability to quickly repair itself when it does get damaged. So let's take a quick look at the best lawn types for high traffic areas.

Kikuyu

While Kikuyu is not everyones favourite lawn, it's hard to beat when it comes to finding a grass which has the ability both withstand heavy wear and tear, and then to quickly repair itself from the worst possible damage being inflicted on it. For this reason Kikuyu is the number one choice for lawns which will be under the highest amount of traffic stress possible, this is most usually in yards where large, active and sometimes naughty dogs may reside.

Kikuyu is a grass which is soft, has a medium width leaf, and grows very fast, it will require more mowing of all the lawn types, and can overtake a garden bed in a matter of weeks if not regularly controlled.

If your yard isn't subject to this type of extreme activity, then one of the next grasses would be a better choice.

Under no circumstances should anyone be planting an old style Kikuyu lawn. The effects to the Australian environment have been horrendous for many decades. Always ensure to purchase a Male Sterile Kikuyu for any lawn uses.

Couch

Couch is another tough grass which is very good for heavy traffic area. It is very fast growing so it can repair quickly from almost any damage, and also has good wear and tear resistance.

Couch lawns have a fine leaf, and have masses of both underground and above ground runners which are best known for their ability to overtake gardens and becomes extremely difficult to get rid of when it becomes a weedy nuisance.

On the plus side, Couch grass can create a beautiful lawn when it is mowed regularly and is properly looked after with fertilising, regular de-thatching and a good supply of water.

Sir Walter

While Buffalo grass is not regarded for it's wear and tear properties, each of the cultivars of the new Soft Leaf Buffalo lawn types each have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Sir Walter has one advantage in that it grows quite quickly of all the Buffalo types.

While Sir Walter may not have very good wear and tear tolerance when compared to other grass types, it's fast growing speed does give it the ability to repair itself rather well after it does get damaged. Just be aware that this fast growth will usually mean more lawn mowing, which may not make it suitable for larger lawn areas.

Sir Walter should become an option when there is medium level traffic, it is not suitable for high traffic areas.

Zoysia

Here we have one of the better lawn types available, Zoysia which is often sold as Compadre, Empire or Empress turf has a fine leaf, a soft texture and feel, tolerates being neglected very well, yet can be one the most beautiful lawns when it is maintained properly. Zoysia is also a highly drought tolerant lawn type. And unlike Couch, it never becomes a weedy nuisance in gardens and never begins looking weedy if it's not cared for properly.

The strength of Zoysia when it comes to traffic areas is it's ability to withstand wear and tear extremely well. This is due to the high levels of Silica which is present in Zoysia, and which is not present in other grass types. But when it does get damaged, it's slower growth rate means it will be slower to repair itself.

This is the opposite of Sir Walter.

Zoysia should be considered when medium level traffic is to be expected in the lawn area, it will not be suitable for the highest level traffic.