As temperatures drop across Australia, lawns go through some noticeable changes. Depending on the grass variety, some will slow down, others will discolour, and a few will virtually shut down until the warmth returns. If you’ve ever wondered why your neighbour’s lawn stays green while yours goes patchy and brown, the answer likely lies in the type of grass you’re working with.
Buffalo Grass: The Resilient All-Rounder
Buffalo grass is a favourite in Australian backyards thanks to its broad leaf, shade tolerance, and durability. When winter arrives, buffalo slows its growth significantly, but it tends to hold onto its colour better than other warm-season varieties—especially in warmer regions or areas with mild winters.
Winter Watch Points
- Growth slows to a crawl, so you won’t need to mow as often.
- In colder states like VIC and NSW, it may still brown off slightly.
- Shaded areas might show earlier discolouration than sun-exposed spots.
Lawn Care Tips for Buffalo in Winter
- Avoid cutting it too short as this exposes it to cold stress.
- Keep leaves and debris off the lawn to avoid fungal build-up.
- Don’t fertilise unless using a winter-specific formula.
Buffalo’s ability to retain colour makes it popular, but it still benefits from steady lawn care during the off-season.
Couch Grass: The First to Go Dormant
Couch grass is a fast grower in warmer months, but it’s also the first to check out when winter arrives. In southern states or inland areas, couch lawns often turn a straw-like colour and stop growing almost completely. That doesn’t mean they’re dead—it’s just dormancy.
Winter Watch Points
- Goes brown and brittle quickly once nights get cold.
- Shade accelerates discolouration and patchiness.
- Very slow recovery if not cared for properly before winter.
Lawn Care Tips for Couch in Winter
- Avoid walking on it too much during dormancy—it’s fragile.
- Consider overseeding with a cool-season grass if appearance matters to you.
- Give it a good autumn fertilise to support root health before winter.
Couch needs a bit more pre-winter prep than other types. It’s one of the most affected grasses when it comes to cold sensitivity, so proactive lawn care is key.
Kikuyu Grass: Tough but Temperamental
Kikuyu is a vigorous warm-season grass that spreads quickly and handles wear well during the warmer months. But in winter, especially in cooler zones, it struggles to maintain its colour and density. Unlike buffalo, kikuyu doesn’t love the shade, which makes it even more prone to thinning out when sunlight is reduced in winter.
Winter Watch Points
- May stay green in tropical or coastal regions, but not inland.
- Struggles in shaded or high-traffic areas.
- Prone to fungal problems in wet, poorly-drained soils.
Lawn Care Tips for Kikuyu in Winter
- Keep it tidy and avoid mowing when wet or frosted.
- Aerate before winter if your soil tends to compact.
- Don’t overwater—it can make it vulnerable to disease.
Kikuyu can bounce back hard in spring, but during winter, it’s more sensitive than people assume. Careful monitoring and good drainage help it get through.
Zoysia Grass: The Slow and Steady Type
Zoysia grows slowly even in summer, so it doesn’t surprise anyone when it all but halts in winter. That said, it handles cold reasonably well and holds its colour longer than couch or kikuyu, particularly in milder climates.
Winter Watch Points
- Growth nearly stops in colder areas.
- Less prone to browning than couch but more than buffalo.
- Its slow recovery rate makes spring maintenance important.
Lawn Care Tips for Zoysia in Winter
- Mow sparingly—let it rest.
- Keep an eye out for patchy discolouration and rake away debris.
- Don’t expect it to bounce back until the soil really warms up in spring.
Zoysia doesn’t demand much, but because it’s slow to recover, you don’t want to let it get into bad shape over winter. Consistent lawn care helps maintain its strength under the surface.
Ryegrass: The Cool-Season Performer
Ryegrass is often used in Australia for overseeding warm-season lawns during winter or in shaded spots that don’t support couch or kikuyu well. It loves the cold, stays green, and grows fast.
Winter Watch Points
- Needs more water than dormant warm-season grasses.
- Can outcompete existing grass if not managed carefully.
- Will die back once temperatures soar in summer.
Lawn Care Tips for Ryegrass in Winter
- Keep mowing regularly—ryegrass keeps growing.
- Fertilise lightly to maintain colour and density.
- Avoid overwatering but don’t let it dry out.
If you want green turf through winter, ryegrass is your go-to. Just keep in mind it’s a seasonal solution, not a permanent replacement.
Fescue: The Shade-Friendly Option
Fescue is another cool-season option that thrives when temperatures drop. It’s often used in southern Australia where winters are longer and shadier conditions exist year-round.
Winter Watch Points
- Grows well through winter but needs regular care.
- Prefers shade but still wants light—watch for overgrown trees or shrubs.
- Can become patchy if traffic increases or if drainage is poor.
Lawn Care Tips for Fescue in Winter
- Keep mowing—this grass stays active.
- Apply a balanced fertiliser once during winter if needed.
- Monitor moisture and adjust watering depending on rainfall.
Fescue is great for homeowners who want a year-round lawn that can handle winter, but it comes with slightly higher maintenance needs than warm-season varieties.
Final Thoughts: Work With Nature, Not Against It
Your lawn’s winter reaction isn’t a sign of failure—it’s biology at work. Each grass type has its rhythm. Couch goes quiet. Buffalo hangs on. Kikuyu protests a little. Ryegrass shines. The trick is understanding what’s normal for your turf and adjusting your lawn care accordingly.
