Couch grass (also known as Bermuda grass in the United States) is a sun-loving, drought-tolerant turf variety commonly used throughout Australia. Known for its fine leaf texture, vibrant green colour, and rapid growth, couch grass is both practical and visually appealing. Whether you call it couch, cooch, or twitch grass, this turf type remains a go-to option for creating a lush, hard-wearing lawn in warm climates.
Key benefits of couch grass
Couch grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season grass species that thrives in direct sunlight and a wide variety of soil types.
Gary Lusk is the managing director at Lilydale Instant Lawn. He says, “Couch has a finer leaf, maintained at a lower height, will grow back from underneath where buffalo grass creeps across the surface, which makes couch easier to repair after damage.”
Key benefits include:
- Excellent drought tolerance
- Fast-growing and self-repairing
- Fine leaf blades for a soft finish
- Rich green colour during peak growing season
Its stolons and rhizomes allow couch grass to spread quickly, filling in bare patches with ease.
Types of couch grass
There are several popular couch grass varieties suitable for the Australian climate, each with unique characteristics:
Santa Ana Couch
A premium variety with a fine leaf and deep green colour. Lary says, “It is a good grass, has a longer dormancy period, and requires more water and fertiliser.”
TifTuf Bermuda
An advanced hybrid couch is known for its superior drought tolerance and low water requirements.
“TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is the softest, most drought-resistant variety,” says turf expert Gary. “It’s the only turf with the Smart Approved WaterMark. If you’re willing to put in the work, it can become the most immaculate lawn you’ve ever seen. Alternatively, treat it tough, and it still thrives with minimal inputs.”
Gary adds, “TifTuf has an amazing ability to survive. I’ve seen it look completely dead just days after being laid, and with some water, it bounced back where other grasses would have failed.”
Winter Green
Wintergreen couch grass is a popular variety of couch grass commonly used in Australia. It’s known for its soft leaf texture, rich green colour, and fine appearance. Gary says it’s “better suited in warmer climates.”
How to plant couch grass
Couch grass prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It germinates best in early spring to late summer when soil temperatures are warm.
- Prepare the site: Start by removing all existing weeds, grass, and debris. Use a rake or rotary hoe to break up compacted soil and level the area.
- Lay turf or seed: For turf, stagger rolls in a brickwork pattern with seams tightly joined. When sowing seeds, ensure even distribution and lightly rake over the surface. Press down gently to ensure soil contact.
- Watering: Water immediately after installation and keep the area consistently moist (but not waterlogged) until the roots are established, typically 2 to 4 weeks. Gary says, “Give it plenty of water and stay off it until it has good root establishment.”
Couch grass care tips and maintenance
Caring for a couch lawn requires regular attention, especially in warmer months.
Mowing
When establishing couch grass, Gary says it “needs to be mown before it gets over 25mm. You may need to refrain from watering it for 2 days prior.”
Additionally, mow couch grass weekly during the growing season, keeping the height between 15–30mm. Regular mowing encourages dense growth and prevents thatch.
Fertilising
Apply a nitrogen-rich lawn fertiliser during the growing season.
Weed control
Keep an eye out for broadleaf weeds. Use a selective herbicide designed for couch lawns, and always follow label instructions to avoid damage.
Pests and Disease Resistance
Couch grass is generally considered resilient, but it’s not immune. Its dense growth helps crowd out weeds and discourage some pests, but common lawn issues can still arise under certain conditions.
- Pests: Couch lawns can be affected by lawn grubs (like armyworms and black beetle larvae), especially during warm, humid weather. Regular monitoring and early treatment with appropriate pesticides can help prevent and control the problem.
- Diseases: While couch grass has good resistance to most diseases, it can suffer from fungal issues like dollar spot or brown patch if overwatered or poorly fertilised. Proper lawn hygiene, watering in the morning, and balanced fertiliser use can prevent these problems.
Pros and cons of couch grass
Pros:
- Thrives in full sun and heat
- Recovers quickly from wear and tear
- Creates a soft, attractive couch lawn
Cons:
- Poor shade tolerance.
- Cool temperatures can bring couch grass into dormancy.
- Requires regular mowing
- Can invade garden beds if not bordered
Buffalo lawn vs a TifTuf lawn?
“If you have a shaded area, definitely go to Buffalo,” says Gary. “In an open area, go with TifTuf.”
Is couch grass the same as Kikuyu grass?
No. While both are warm-season grasses, Kikuyu grass is coarser, more invasive, and requires different care compared to couch grass.
What are the disadvantages of couch grass?
Its aggressive growth habit can lead to it invading garden beds, and it performs poorly in shaded areas.
Can couch grass be killed?
Yes, it can be eliminated using a non-selective herbicide, but care must be taken to avoid damaging nearby plants.
How do I tell if I have couch grass?
Look for delicate, soft leaves, a dense mat of growth, and visible stolons or runners on the soil surface.
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