Best turf to buy in spring

Spring is the perfect time to rejuvenate your yard with a lush, spring lawn. Choosing the right grass now means it can establish quickly and be well-rooted before the summer heat arrives.

On the Sunshine Coast and in Gympie we enjoy a subtropical climate – warm summers and mild winters – so warm season grasses are ideal. These grasses thrive in the hotter months.

Soils around the Sunshine Coast and Gympie vary widely – from sandy coastal soils to reactive inland clays. It’s important to choose a turf variety suited to our local soil and weather conditions.

Best Variety of Turf for Spring Installation

Augusta Zoysia

Augusta Zoysia is a fine-textured lawn grass that handles both shade and drought exceptionally well. Its deep roots keep it green through dry spells, and because Augusta grows slowly and produces minimal thatch, you’ll spend far less time mowing than with other grasses.

Empire Zoysia

Empire Zoysia has a lush blue-green colour and fine texture. It’s highly drought tolerant – it can even survive long dry periods by going dormant. It also has good shade tolerance. Empire’s slow, dense growth creates a strong turf, and overall it provides a thick, low-maintenance lawn that holds together well under tough conditions.

Nara Native Zoysia

Nara Native Zoysia is an Australian native turf known for staying green year-round. It’s extremely drought-tolerant, recovering quickly from hot, dry weather. Nara also handles up to about 50% shade and even salty coastal breezes. This low-maintenance grass forms a deep, tight turf that can withstand heat, humidity and wear from families or pets.

Palmetto Buffalo

Palmetto Buffalo is a soft-leaf Buffalo grass that thrives in heat. It’s very drought tolerant and holds its rich green colour even in winter. Palmetto also outperforms many buffalo varieties in partial shade. Its broad leaves feel soft underfoot and the grass recovers quickly from heavy use, making it a favorite for homes with active kids or pets.

Sapphire Buffalo

Sapphire Buffalo is a premium Buffalo variety bred for Aussie lawns. It has exceptional drought and shade tolerance – even thriving in deep shade (up to 70% shade maintains its colour). Sapphire’s fine, emerald-green leaves look luxurious, and it remains lush in challenging conditions. It’s also hard-wearing and quick to repair, creating a durable, low-maintenance lawn.

Sir Walter Turf Buffalo

Sir Walter Buffalo is one of Australia’s most popular buffalo grasses. It adapts easily to sun or partial shade and, once established, requires very little water. Its broad, soft leaves are gentle to walk on, and this turf tolerates heavy foot traffic better than most other buffalos. It establishes fairly fast, so you can have a thick, green lawn in just a few weeks.

Wintergreen Couch

Wintergreen Couch is a fine-blade Couch grass that forms a dense, smooth lawn. It loves sunshine and has excellent drought tolerance. Wintergreen stays green into winter (hence the name) and is soft underfoot compared to coarser couch varieties. Even if it browns a bit in frost, it bounces right back when warmer weather returns.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Turf

Climate

On the Sunshine Coast and in Gympie, the subtropical climate means warm season grasses are typically the best choice. These grasses actively grow in our warm soil.

In fact, warm-season grasses resume vigorous growth once soil temperatures rise above about 14–15°C. Planting in spring takes advantage of these warming soils and any rainfall, giving turf a full summer to develop deep roots. So when choosing turf, remember our long hot summers and mild winters – select varieties proven for this weather.

Soil Type

Local soil varies a lot in our region. Coastal areas often have sandy, low-fertility soil, while inland or elevated pockets can have heavy clay. Before laying turf, test or assess your soil type. Most warm-season turfs prefer well-drained soil.

Sandy soils drain quickly and warm up fast but may need extra nutrients. Heavy clay holds water and can become waterlogged; in these areas choose grasses tolerant of poorer drainage. Working in organic matter and levelling the ground will help any turf root in more effectively.

Shade Tolerance

Some yards have shady spots, and grasses vary in how well they handle shade. Buffalo grasses (like Sir Walter or Sapphire) are among the most shade tolerant turf varieties. They can thrive on as little as 3–4 hours of direct sun, so they’re good under trees or shaded patios.

Couch grasses generally need more sun – typically at least 5–6 hours of sunlight to perform their best.

Many Zoysia types (like Augusta or Nara Native) also do well in light to moderate shade. When choosing a grass, match its light needs to your yard’s conditions. For example, we often recommend Sapphire or Sir Walter for areas under trees, and couch or kikuyu for full-sun lawns.

Usage and Foot Traffic

Consider how you use your lawn. If you have an active family or pets, you’ll want turf with good wear resistance. Buffalo varieties (like Sir Walter and Sapphire) have thick, broad leaves and above-ground runners, making them tough against traffic.

They withstand moderate play well, though they spread more slowly to repair. Couch varieties also handle traffic and recover very quickly due to their strong runners.

For very high traffic (sports or constant play), couch or kikuyu can be best.

Always match the grass’s toughness to how much wear your lawn will get.

Drought Tolerance

Warm-season grasses are generally better at handling dry conditions than cool-season types. Couch grass is very drought-hardy once established. Buffalo is also drought-hardy but might need a bit more watering in peak heat. For example, Sapphire Buffalo can survive extended dry periods with minimal water. Nara Zoysia and Palmetto Buffalo are also noted for extreme drought tolerance. When irrigation is limited, these varieties are safe bets.

Always give new turf a good watering until it’s settled, then let it grow on more natural rainfall if possible.

Maintenance Requirements

Some grasses are low maintenance and need less mowing or fertiliser. Buffalo and Zoysia types grow more slowly, so you won’t mow as often. For example, Augusta Zoysia’s slow growth means you only mow it a few times a year. Couch grows faster and may need weekly mowing in summer. Also consider that dense grasses shade out weeds; many Buffalo types suppress weeds naturally. If you prefer a hands-off lawn, choose a variety with slow growth and dense habit. Keep in mind your available time: a fast-growing couch requires more work than a self-contained Zoysia or Buffalo.

Establishment Speed

How quickly a new lawn fills in can matter. Couch grasses (and kikuyu) establish the fastest, often rooting within a couple of weeks. Buffalo is moderate; Sir Walter Buffalo often establishes in a few weeks too. Zoysia grasses like Augusta and Empire take longer to form a solid cover. If you need a quick lawn, couch or a hybrid buffalo may be best. If you have more patience and prefer a fine texture, Zoysia gives a lush result but will take a month or two to fully settle.

Spring Turf Preparation Tips

Soil preparation

Proper soil preparation is key for a spring lawn. Remove old grass, weeds, and debris, then loosen and level the topsoil. Work in organic matter or a starter fertiliser if needed, and ensure good drainage. A well-prepared, fertile bed allows new turf roots to establish easily and promotes a healthy, lasting lawn.

Timing of planting

Plant your new turf in spring when soil temperatures are consistently warm. The warmth of spring triggers rapid root growth, and any gentle rains help grass establish. In subtropical areas like ours, this usually means turf installation around mid-spring. Spring is widely considered to be the ideal season to lay turf, since rising temperatures and rain give the grass the best start. Avoid planting too late in the season (close to winter) so the turf isn’t rushed by cold weather.

Watering and fertiliser

Watering is crucial for establishing new turf. After laying the sod, water it immediately (within 30 minutes) and keep it consistently moist for the first few weeks. For example, water twice daily for 1–3 weeks until the grass has rooted. As the lawn establishes, switch to deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root systems. About 4–6 weeks after planting, apply a balanced lawn fertiliser to encourage strong, green growth.

Common Questions About Spring Lawns

When is the best time to plant warm season grass?
Late winter to early spring (in Queensland, around August–September) is ideal once the soil has warmed and frost risk is over. Warm-season grasses typically start active growth when soil temperatures reach about 14–15°C. Planting in spring gives the grass a full warm season to root in before cooler weather. In subtropical areas like the Sunshine Coast, planting can often begin as early as mid-August.

How can I tell if my soil is ready for new turf?
Look for signs of spring in your yard. If any existing grass or plants are greening and growing, the soil is likely warm enough. You can check with a soil thermometer – consistent readings above ~15°C indicate warm-season turf will grow. Also ensure the ground is firm and not waterlogged. Once days are warm and rain is possible, your lawn is ready to be prepared and planted.

Can I mix turf varieties?
While you can physically mix different grass varieties, it’s generally not recommended. Different turf types often have different sunlight, water and fertility needs. Mixing them can lead to uneven growth – one variety may thrive while another struggles. It’s usually best to choose one turf variety that matches your site conditions and use it consistently across your lawn. If your yard has very different areas (like full sun vs deep shade), consider planting those sections with two different single-variety turfs instead of mixing in one roll.

Ready to Grow Your Perfect Lawn?

At Roberts Turf Supplies we’re here to help you choose and establish the best turf for your Sunshine Coast or Gympie home. Our friendly turf experts can advise on grass types and supply quality rolls to suit your needs. Whether it’s a shady backyard, a sandy coastal plot or a high-traffic family lawn, we have the solutions to get it growing.

Got a question? Just call us—help is always at hand.

Call us today on 07 5478 9438

Visit our turf farms at:
Roberts Turf Supplies Sunshine Coast
520, Chevallum Road,
Chevallum, QLD 4555
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yRud5D78NqBZE1fs6

Roberts Turf Supplies Gympie
54 Wide Bay Hwy
Bellsbridge QLD 4570
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7ChiZSGzjoAPoFMh7