Choosing the Right Instant Turf for Your Garden

Author: Stefan Palm   Date Posted: 20 May 2025 

Find the best instant turf for your yard with this practical guide from Paul Munns Instant Lawn. We'll help you match the perfect lawn to your lifestyle and conditions.

 

In Short: Not sure which instant turf is right for you? This guide will help you understand the best lawn types based on sun exposure, durability, maintenance, and budget. Whether your yard is shady, sun-drenched, pet-heavy, or low-maintenance, we’ll help you choose the turf that fits your space and lifestyle.

 

When choosing a variety of instant lawn, it’s important to match the turf to your environment, lifestyle, and budget. The wrong choice can lead to poor growth, a patchy lawn, or unnecessary maintenance. Whether you’re dealing with sun, shade, pets, children, or simply want a beautiful green lawn without the work, Paul Munns Instant Lawn offers turf types suited to every need.

This guide breaks down your choices by key factors: shade vs sun, durability for pets and play, maintenance levels, appearance, and cost.

Sun vs. Shade: Understanding Your Garden's Light Conditions

Sunlight exposure is a critical factor in determining the most suitable turf variety for your garden. Areas receiving more than 5 hours of direct sunlight per day are considered full sun and can support most turf varieties. However, if your garden receives less than 5 hours of direct sunlight, you'll need to consider shade-tolerant varieties. It’s essential to assess the sun and shade patterns in your garden throughout the day to make an informed decision.

Recommended Varieties:

Pets and Play: Considering Durability and Traffic

If your lawn will be subjected to high foot traffic from children playing or pets running around, durability becomes a top priority. Turf varieties with strong root systems and rapid self-repairing capabilities are ideal for such conditions. These varieties can withstand wear and tear and recover quickly, maintaining a lush appearance even under stress.

Recommended Varieties:

Maintenance and Watering Needs

Different turf varieties have varying maintenance requirements. Some lawns demand regular maintenance and watering to stay healthy and vibrant, while others are more low-maintenance. Consider your willingness and ability to commit to lawn care when selecting a turf variety. Additionally, drought tolerance is an important factor, especially in regions with water restrictions or dry climates.

Recommended Varieties:

Budget Considerations

Budget is another crucial factor in choosing the right turf. While some premium turf varieties offer exceptional features, there are also cost-effective options that provide good performance and appearance. Assess your budget and weigh it against the benefits of each turf type to find the best fit for your needs.

Recommended Varieties:

Top Instant Turf Varieties at Paul Munns

1. Kenda Kikuyu

  • Best For: High-traffic areas, families with pets and children
  • Durability: ★★★★★
  • Shade Tolerance: ★★★☆☆
  • Appearance: Medium blade, vibrant green
  • Maintenance: Moderate; requires regular mowing during peak growth
  • Cost: $14.30 – $15.35 per m²

Why Choose It: Renowned for its vigorous growth and resilience, making it ideal for active households and areas subjected to heavy use. Its rapid self-repairing nature ensures a consistently lush lawn. Learn more →

2. Kings Pride Buffalo

  • Best For: Shaded areas, low-maintenance gardens
  • Durability: ★★★★☆
  • Shade Tolerance: ★★★★★
  • Appearance: Broad, soft leaves with dense coverage
  • Maintenance: Low; retains colour year-round with minimal care
  • Cost: $14.80 – $15.85 per m²

Why Choose It: Excellent shade tolerance and minimal maintenance. A soft, child-friendly lawn that thrives in low light. Learn more →

3. Santa Ana Couch

  • Best For: Full sun areas, sports fields, high-traffic zones
  • Durability: ★★★★★
  • Shade Tolerance: ★★★☆☆
  • Appearance: Fine-textured, carpet-like finish
  • Maintenance: High; requires regular mowing and edging
  • Cost: $13.10 – $14.20 per m²

Why Choose It: Excels in sunny environments and handles wear with ease. Ideal for lawns that demand a fine finish. Learn more →

4. Windsor Green Couch

  • Best For: Low-maintenance lawns in full sun
  • Durability: ★★★★☆
  • Shade Tolerance: ★★★☆☆
  • Appearance: Fine leaf, rich green
  • Maintenance: Low; less invasive with minimal upkeep
  • Cost: $14.20 – $15.30 per m²

Why Choose It: A great balance of aesthetic and practical performance, especially in sunny areas. Learn more →

5. Fine Leaf Kikuyu

  • Best For: Budget-conscious homes, rentals, holiday properties
  • Durability: ★★★★★
  • Shade Tolerance: ★★★☆☆
  • Appearance: Medium blade, fresh green
  • Maintenance: Moderate; grows quickly and needs mowing
  • Cost: $11.45 – $12.55 per m²

Why Choose It: A strong, affordable performer with good all-round resilience. Learn more →

Final Tips

  • Shady lawn? Choose Kings Pride Buffalo for its excellent shade tolerance.
  • Heavy foot traffic? Go for Kenda Kikuyu, Fine Leaf Kikuyu or Santa Ana Couch.
  • Need low maintenance? Try Windsor Green Couch or Kings Pride Buffalo.
  • Watching your budget? You can’t go wrong with Fine Leaf Kikuyu.

Every lawn is different—be sure to consider your site conditions, usage needs, and care preferences when choosing. The team at Paul Munns can help match you with the best turf for your situation.

For personalised advice, visit Paul Munns Instant Lawn or drop into their Hove store to speak with a turf expert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much sunlight does my lawn need?
Most lawn types require at least 5 hours of direct sunlight daily. If your lawn gets less, choose a shade-tolerant variety like Kings Pride Buffalo.

Q: What turf is best if I have dogs or kids?
Durable varieties such as Kenda Kikuyu or Santa Ana Couch are great for active households due to their wear resistance and fast recovery.

Q: Which variety is lowest maintenance?
Kings Pride Buffalo and Windsor Green Couch require less mowing and are easy to maintain year-round.

Q: Can I lay instant turf all year round?
Yes, you can lay turf any time of year, but spring and autumn provide ideal growing conditions for establishment.

Q: How long does it take for turf to establish?
With proper watering and care, most instant turfs establish within 2–4 weeks depending on the season.

 

 

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