Best turf to buy in summer

The best turf to buy in summer are mostly warm-season grasses that thrive in heat and humidity. On the Sunshine Coast and Gympie, our subtropical climate means summer lawns must endure heavy sun and occasional dry spells. Choosing the right grass now helps ensure a lush, green lawn all season long. Local turf experts know exactly which varieties handle our hot summers best. Our team at Roberts Turf Supplies can help with everything from turf selection to installation advice, making sure your new lawn gets off to a healthy start.

Best Variety of Turf for Summer Installation

Augusta Zoysia

Augusta Zoysia is a fine-textured lawn grass that thrives in warm, humid conditions. It handles both shade and drought exceptionally well: its deep roots keep it green through dry spells. Because Augusta grows slowly and produces very little thatch, you’ll spend far less time mowing in summer. This low-maintenance grass means more time enjoying your lawn and less time working on it.

Nara Native Zoysia

Nara Native Zoysia is a native Queensland turf known for staying green year-round. It’s extremely drought-tolerant, bouncing back quickly even after very hot, dry conditions. Nara also tolerates up to about 50% shade and even salty coastal breezes, making it versatile for many yard conditions. This tight, deep-rooted grass is low-maintenance and can withstand heat, humidity and heavy wear from family or pets.

Sapphire Buffalo

Sapphire Buffalo is a premium buffalo variety bred for Australian lawns. It offers exceptional drought and shade tolerance – remaining lush even in deep shade and dry conditions. Sapphire’s fine, emerald-green leaves look luxurious and stay green during the hot months. This hardy grass is quick to repair itself and can handle foot traffic, creating a durable, low-maintenance lawn that bounces back from summer use.

Wintergreen Couch

Wintergreen Couch is a fine-blade couch grass that forms a dense, smooth lawn. It loves full sun and has excellent drought tolerance, making it perfect for bright summer days. Wintergreen stays green into winter (as its name suggests) and feels soft underfoot. Even if it browns slightly in a cold snap, it bounces right back once warm weather returns, ensuring a consistently green lawn.

Empire Zoysia

Empire Zoysia has a lush blue-green colour and a fine leaf texture. It is highly drought tolerant and can even survive dry spells by going dormant until rain returns. Empire also has good shade tolerance, making it adaptable to different parts of the yard. Its slow, dense growth creates a strong, carpet-like turf. Overall, Empire provides a thick, low-maintenance lawn that holds together well under the rigors of summer heat and use.

Palmetto Buffalo

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

Sir Walter Turf Buffalo

Sir Walter Buffalo is one of Australia’s most popular buffalo grasses. It adapts easily to full 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. Sir Walter establishes fairly fast in warm weather, so you can enjoy a thick, green lawn in just a few weeks.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Turf

Climate

Our region’s subtropical climate means warm-season grasses are typically the best choice for summer lawns. These grasses resume vigorous growth once soil temperatures rise (above about 14–15°C). Planting in summer takes advantage of heat and any rain, giving new turf a full season to develop deep roots. With our long, hot summers and mild winters, select turf varieties proven to thrive in this weather – they’ll stay green and healthy even on the hottest days.

Soil Type

The Sunshine Coast and Gympie areas have a wide range of soils, from sandy coastal ground to heavy clay inland soils. Before laying turf, assess your soil type. Most warm-season turfs prefer well-drained soil. Sandy soils warm up fast and drain quickly but may need more nutrients, while clay soils hold water and can get waterlogged. If you have heavy clay, choose grasses that tolerate poorer drainage, or improve your soil by working in organic matter. For any soil type, ensuring the ground is level and weed-free will help your turf root quickly after installation.

Shade Tolerance

Consider how much direct sunlight different parts of your yard receive. Some grasses handle shade better than others. Buffalo grasses like Sir Walter or Sapphire can thrive on as little as 3–4 hours of direct sun, making them excellent under trees or on shaded patios. Couch grasses generally need more sun (around 5–6 hours daily) to stay healthy and dense. Many Zoysias, such as Augusta or Nara Native, can tolerate light or moderate shade. For example, under trees or on shaded patios we often recommend Sapphire or Sir Walter buffalo, while couch or kikuyu are better for full-sun areas.

Usage and Foot Traffic

Think about how your lawn will be used. For busy households with kids and pets, choose a turf that withstands wear. Buffalo varieties (especially Sir Walter) are known for handling heavy foot traffic and recovering quickly from damage. Couch grasses repair fast as well, but finer types may wear down if overused. If your lawn will see lots of running, games or pet activity, look for a hardy, self-repairing turf. We can advise on varieties that stay lush under frequent use.

Drought Tolerance

Summer lawns must often endure dry periods, so drought tolerance is key. Choose grasses that can handle our occasional summer dry spells. Zoysias like Augusta and Nara Native are very drought-resistant, needing less water once established. Sapphire and Palmetto Buffalo also remain green in dry weather. Some, such as Empire Zoysia, can go semi-dormant during drought and then revive with rain. Wintergreen Couch has good drought tolerance once it’s established, too. Proper watering at installation helps develop a strong root system, giving the turf a better chance to withstand dry periods.

Maintenance Requirements

Different turf varieties have different care needs. Couch grasses usually need more frequent mowing, while slow-growing Zoysias need less. Buffalo grass typically needs moderate mowing and fertilising to stay its best. Think about how much time you can spend maintaining your lawn. If you want low-maintenance, go for varieties known for slower growth and easy care. Our experts at Roberts Turf can help you pick a grass that matches how often you want to mow, water or fertilise your lawn.

Establishment Speed

Finally, consider how quickly you want your new lawn to fill in. Buffalo grasses like Sir Walter and Palmetto usually establish faster than Zoysias, creating a dense lawn in a few weeks. Zoysias tend to grow slower and more gradually. If you want a lawn that looks good quickly, buffalo is often the way to go, but remember they need good watering at first. No matter the choice, having your turf professionally laid and following our watering tips will help it establish well in the summer heat. Our team can handle every step so your lawn thrives.

Summer Turf Preparation Tips

Soil preparation

Before laying turf in summer, prepare the soil thoroughly. Remove any weeds, stones or debris and make sure the ground is level. For heavy or compacted soils, work in organic matter or a bit of sand to improve drainage. Rake the soil smooth and firm it down so the turf makes full contact. A good base helps new roots spread quickly. Our services team can assist with professional site preparation if you need extra help.

Timing of planting

Timing is important when installing turf in hot weather. Aim to lay new turf in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun. If possible, choose a cooler day or a cloudy morning. This reduces stress on the grass. After laying, water immediately and continue with gentle watering for the first week. Even though warm weather boosts growth, avoiding peak heat ensures your new turf gets established without burning.

Watering and fertiliser

Water is critical for new turf, especially in summer. Water your lawn deeply immediately after installation so the soil and turf are thoroughly saturated. For the first two weeks, water new turf daily, and even twice a day if an unusually hot day occurs. As the roots develop, gradually cut back to a normal watering schedule (infrequent and deep is best). Applying a slow-release fertiliser a few weeks after planting can support healthy growth. Always water in the early morning to minimize evaporation and heat stress.

Common Questions About Summer Lawns

When should I lay new turf in summer? The best times are early morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense. This helps prevent the grass from drying out right after installation.
How often do I water new turf in summer? Water it every day for the first two weeks. In very hot weather, water twice a day if needed. After that, gradually reduce to deep watering 2–3 times a week as it establishes.
Can I install turf on a really hot day? Ideally avoid the peak midday heat. If you must, make sure to water immediately and provide some shading. Otherwise, wait for a slightly cooler day to give the best start to your lawn.
What if my lawn looks stressed or brown? Some browning can happen if the turf is conserving water. Keep watering consistently and it should green up. If browning persists, check for pests or disease, and make sure it’s getting enough water and nutrients.
Should I fertilise my lawn in summer? You can apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser after the turf has rooted (usually 4–6 weeks after installation). Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers in extreme heat as they can burn the grass. Regular feeds will keep your lawn thriving.

Ready to Grow Your Perfect Lawn?

At Roberts Turf Supplies, we’re here to help you achieve a lush summer lawn. Whether you’re in Gympie or on the Sunshine Coast, visit one of our stores or give us a call. Our friendly team provides expert advice, quality turf and professional services for a seamless lawn installation.

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
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Roberts Turf Supplies Gympie
54 Wide Bay Hwy
Bellsbridge QLD 4570
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