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Couch Turf Grass

Author

Baileys Fertiliser

Published

11 August 2023

Couch grass is a type of grass that is commonly grown in Perth. It is a warm-season grass that is drought-tolerant and can withstand a variety of soil conditions. Couch has a fine texture and a deep green colour, which gives it a manicured look. It is also relatively easy to care for, making it a popular choice for lawns.

Why choose Couch grass in Perth

Couch is a drought-tolerant grass, which means that it can withstand periods of dry weather without needing to be watered as often as other types of grass. This is a major advantage in Perth, which has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers.

Some varieties of are shade-tolerant, which means that they can still thrive in areas that receive partial or full shade. This makes couch a good choice for lawns that are located under trees or other shade-producing plants.

Couch is a durable grass that can withstand heavy foot traffic or for lawns that are used for recreational activities such as playing sports or having children play on them.

Couch is a relatively easy-to-care-for grass that does not require a lot of maintenance. 

Products to use on Couch grass in Perth

Couch needs fertilising little and often, Turfect Energy is a complete, 3-in-1 fertiliser. Containing a fusion of fast and slow-release nutrients, soil improvers and bio-stimulants in the one, easy to apply mini granule. Apply 30 - 50g/m2, every 6 - 8 weeks.

Couch also responds well to liquid feeding, apply Turfect Grow every 3-4 weeks, a premium foliar fertiliser and inoculant for excellent growth and colour maintenance in all seasons. Provides all essential turf nutrients and soil stimulants for year-round vigour. Add 100ml to 1L of water and apply over 20-30m2.

Apply your first application of wetting agent for the season in early Spring - vital on WA's sandy, hydrophobic soils. Baileys Grosorb is available as a liquid or a mini prill granule and should be applied at a rate of 50g/m2 or 50ml/m2. Apply again in Summer and Autumn.

If any bare patches appear, top-dress using Baileys Lawn Reviver. A premium lawn soil for top dress or pre plant, designed to improve soil profile and boost turf growth.

Tips to maintain Couch grass in Perth

Couch requires regular watering to stay lush and green. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Water your lawn in the early morning or late afternoon to minimize evaporation and allow the grass to dry before the evening.

Keep your Couch at an optimal height of around 10-15mm. Regular mowing is necessary during the active growing season to control the growth and maintain a neat appearance. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height in a single mowing session to prevent stress on the turf.

Keep your lawn free from weeds that can compete with the Couch for nutrients and space. Regularly inspect your lawn and manually remove any weeds that appear. Consider using a selective herbicide designed specifically for Couch if weed infestations become significant.

Aerating your lawn helps alleviate soil compaction and improves the penetration of water, air, and nutrients to the grass roots. Use a garden fork or a mechanical aerator to create small holes in the soil. Spring or early autumn is an ideal time for aeration. If any compaction occurs, aerating and an application of Gypsum will help as well.

Couch can develop a thatch layer over time, which is a dense accumulation of dead organic material above the soil. Excessive thatch can hinder water and nutrient absorption. Periodically dethatch your lawn using a vertimower to maintain a healthy grass surface.

For more information on renovating your lawn, head over to the Lawn Hub - https://www.baileysfertiliser.com.au/lawn-hub

Popular Types of Couch Grass

There are several different types of couch grass that are grown in Perth, including:

  • Wintergreen couch: This is a fine-leafed variety of couch grass that is popular for its dark green colour and durability. Wintergreen couch is also relatively shade-tolerant, making it a good choice for lawns that receive partial shade.
  • Nullarbor couch: This is a coarse-leafed variety of couch grass that is known for its drought tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases. Nullarbor couch is also a good choice for lawns that receive heavy traffic.
  • Santa Ana couch: This is a hybrid variety of couch grass that combines the best features of wintergreen couch and nullarbor couch. Santa Ana couch is drought-tolerant, shade-tolerant, and resistant to pests and diseases.

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