The Pros and Cons of Couch Grass

Couch grass, also known as cooch or kooch, is a beloved Australian backyard staple found throughout the country. Its adaptability to various climates and terrains, from the dry heat of North-West Africa to the cold tundras of the Arctic biome, makes it well-suited for the rigorous Australian climate. In this article, we’ll explore the positive and negative aspects of Couch grass to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your lawn

What is Couch Grass?

Couch grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season grass known for its love of sun and drought tolerance. Its fine blades have a rich, bright to dark green color, providing a lush and visually appealing lawn. Over the years, through clever breeding, Couch grass has become softer and more adaptable to various conditions.

Pros

• Sun-loving and Drought Tolerant: Couch grass thrives in full sun and maintains its green color even during scorching summers. With proper watering, it exhibits excellent drought tolerance and can survive extended dry spells.
• Traffic Resilient: This grass variety can withstand high amounts of traffic, making it ideal for backyards with children and pets. It’s dense coverage and quick repair capabilities ensure that any damage is promptly fixed.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: With its fine blades and rich green color, Couch grass creates an attractive and inviting lawn for homeowners.
• Versatile Varieties: McKays offers a range of Couch varieties, such as Bermuda Couch Pure, Queensland Blue Couch Pure, and Princess 77 Couch, each suited to different climates and purposes.

Cons

• Germination Temperature: Couch grass requires an extended period of 25°C or higher to germinate. While it can withstand cold conditions once established, germinating in colder regions, such as Tasmania, may prove challenging.
• Shade Tolerance: Couch grass has limited shade tolerance (only 10 percent), performing poorly in areas with significant shade or tree cover. If your backyard has many shaded spots, Couch may underperform compared to Zoysia or Buffalo grass.
• Aggressive Growth: Couch grass’s rapid recovery and repair ability stem from its aggressive growth and runners. If not kept in check, it can invade unwanted areas, necessitating proper lawn boundaries

Types of Couch Grass Seed

• Bermuda Couch: Suitable for all Australian regions, this Sahara Bermuda strain is versatile and widely used on backyards, golf courses, and airports.
• Queensland Blue Couch: Developed for tropical regions, this variety shows rapid germination and is ideal for Northern parts of NSW, WA, NT, and Queensland.
• Princess 77 Couch: Known for its premium appearance, Princess 77 Couch combines the hardiness of traditional Couch grass with a refined display lawn aesthetic. Whilst hugely popular with lawn aficionados, sadly this variety has been discontinued,

In conclusion, Couch grass offers many advantages, including its sun-loving nature, drought tolerance, and traffic resilience. However, its limited shade tolerance and aggressive growth may require careful consideration and proper maintenance. Choosing the right Couch variety, based on your location and specific requirements, can ensure a beautiful and thriving lawn for your home. For any other Couch grass queries, contact your McKays seed specialist.