How to identify grass or lawn type?

[jimmyjimenez]

Hi guys, 

Just moved into new place first time lawn owner. Have some questions:

1. Could someone help identify what type of grass I have?

2. Also in the second photo attached,  is this a weed that is growing (thr longer stems with purple tips)? This is only found in the front lawn, the neighbours front lawn seems to have these growing as well none in my backyard lawn though.

3. What's the best thing I can do to try create a "fuller" look to my lawn as some areas looking bare? 

Appreciate any advice and help! 

Thanks in advance!

Jimmy

1. Backyard lawn

2. Front lawn weeds?

3. Backyard lawn

 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @aoifeinoz. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about grasses.

Your top photo is Buffalo. It's a hard-wearing grass that stands up well to being trafficked. Softer-leafed varieties can have issues if certain areas are walked over constantly. You might like to look at varieties such as Couch and Kikuyu, as they as softer underfoot than Buffalo.

I'm not actually sure what the invasive grass is, but it has quite a distinctive symmetrical blade structure. Let me mention a few of our gardening experts, @Noelle, @mich1972, and @Adam_W to see if they have an idea.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Noelle]

Hi @aoifeinoz and @MitchellMc 

Possibly a couch - Qld blue couch maybe or a form thereof?  @Adam_W may be better able to give a positive ID for you.

[aoifeinoz]

Ok thanks so much. I’ve planted dichondra seeds aswell to try to cover the patched areas and maybe bring a softened underfoot. 

[amirrafique]

What type of grass is this and from where I can get it. I have couple of patches of it in my lawn.

 

[EricL]

Hello @amirrafique 

It looks like Buffalo Turf, the long stem in your picture is actually the Buffalo runner. They usually grow under the turf, but if they become a nuisance, it can be cut off.  

The turf patch can be purchased at the store, I suggest giving your local store a call first to make sure they have some in stock.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to lay turf 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[amirrafique]

Thanks Eric for your response. I am very new to this stuff. I am trying to set my lawn. It seems there are couple of grasses (& weeds ) in my lawn. Here is another one. From my previous post https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Garden/What-is-this-weed-and-how-to-treat-it/m-p/141082,

 This one has broader leaf blades and the runner is bit thick compared to the one above.

The one above has thin leaves and dark color. Can it be couch?

[EricL]

Hello @amirrafique 

Couch turf has a small fine blade when compared to Buffalo turf which has a large thick blade. Even the Couch runners come out with small stems, just keep in mind that these runners can be trimmed off if they are interfering with the look of your lawn.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[amirrafique]

How can I encourage this runner? this is the grass that I want to take over my lawn.

[amirrafique]

For a couch turf, what seeds I can use?

[EricL]

Hi @amirrafique 

If you're thinking about using seeds, I suggest looking at Scotts Lawn Builder 1.4kg Seed & Feed Couch Lawn Seed. It has slow release lawn fertiliser included and provides the new grass with nutrients for up to three months.

In regards to the turf runner, the only way I know of to encourage their growth is to trim them occasionally. 

Please make sure to follow seeding instructions at the back of the box. Please make sure to wear gloves, and goggles when sowing the seeds.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric