How to fix lawn with competing grasses?

Ace3000

Hi experts,

My lawn seems to be a fairly even split between two types of lawn which have come to dominate different patches/areas across the whole backyard. Not sure how long things have been this way (recent purchase), but what can be done about it if I want one grass to win out and takeover the entire lawn? 

Help IDing the two would be great, too.

Thank you!

MitchellMc

Hi @Ace3000,

Congrats on your recent home purchase!

It’s common for different grass types to compete, especially if one is better suited to specific conditions in your yard. The best course of action is to choose the grass you prefer or the one that has naturally taken over the larger, healthier-looking areas. From your photo, the left side appears to be buffalo grass, while the right side may be couch grass, given its finer blade. It's possible that the couch was oversown to fill in bare patches where the buffalo had died back.

To unify your lawn with a single grass type, you’ll need to remove the grass you don’t want. This can be done by either killing it off with a herbicide or digging it out manually. Once the unwanted grass is removed, re-seed or lay turf with your chosen grass type to fill in the bare areas. Regular maintenance, such as fertilising and watering, will help the preferred grass establish over time. 

Here are a couple of helpful step-by-step guides: How to grow grass from seed and How to lay turf.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell