Thinking about installing new lawn turf in a small backyard, courtyard, or side area? Choosing the right grass variety is key to creating a healthy, low-maintenance lawn that suits Sydney’s climate and your lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll cover what to consider before choosing your turf and the best lawn grass varieties for small spaces in Sydney.
Why Grass Variety Matters for Small Lawns
Small outdoor spaces often come with unique challenges — limited sunlight, reflective heat from surrounding walls, or concentrated foot traffic from kids and pets. The right turf variety can make all the difference, helping you create a resilient, lush, and good-looking lawn that thrives even in compact areas.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Turf for a Small Area
1. How much sunlight does your area get?
Light conditions are one of the most important factors when choosing the right turf.
If you’re unsure, take photos of your lawn area every two hours throughout the day — at 7am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm. This will show you how many hours of direct sunlight the area receives.
Also, consider how trees or nearby structures may cast more shade as they grow.
2. How much traffic will your lawn get?
In smaller yards, foot traffic is concentrated in a smaller area, which can put more stress on your lawn. If you have kids or pets using the space regularly, you’ll need a durable, fast-recovering turf variety to prevent worn patches and thinning.
The Best All-Round Grass for Small Spaces: Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo Grass
If you’re after a dependable all-round performer, Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo is hard to beat. It’s one of the most popular turf varieties in Sydney for good reason:
- Thrives in sun and shade (needs just 3–4 hours of direct sunlight per day)
- Soft, broad leaf that’s great for families and pets
- Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant
- Performs well in a variety of soil types and climates
Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo grass is a versatile choice that keeps its colour year-round and feels great underfoot — perfect for small Sydney gardens, courtyards, and shaded backyards.
Zoysia Australis – A Stylish, Low-Mow Option
Zoysia Australis is another excellent choice for small lawns in Sydney. With its fine-to-medium leaf and attractive blue-green colour, this turf creates a dense, soft lawn that requires less mowing than other varieties.
It performs well with around 4 hours of direct sunlight daily and handles moderate wear. If you want a low-maintenance, modern-looking lawn that still copes with foot traffic, Zoysia Australis is a great pick.
For High-Traffic Areas: TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda Grass
For small lawns that get a lot of use — especially by kids and dogs — TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is the standout performer.
This grass is built for durability and recovery:
- Exceptional wear tolerance
- Fast self-repair from damage
- Superior drought resistance (Smart Approved Watermark certified)
- Fine, soft leaf for a manicured look
TifTuf thrives in full sun and needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, making it ideal for sunny Sydney backyards.
Choosing the Right Turf for Your Sydney Lawn
When choosing the best grass for small spaces in Sydney, it really comes down to how much sunlight your area gets and how much wear your lawn will experience. Use our handy turf grass comparison chart to find a lawn that’s suitable for your needs.
If you’d like expert advice or a turf quote for your Sydney home, get in touch with our team today. We can help you choose the best variety for your space and conditions — and ensure your new lawn looks great year-round.
For more local lawn tips, check out our other blog articles on lawn care, fertilising, and seasonal maintenance for Sydney conditions.
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