Couch Grass Care (Australia Guide)

Want a tough, fine-leaf lawn that handles heat and foot traffic? Couch grass (Bermuda) thrives in sun, recovers fast from wear, and looks sharp with regular mowing and balanced feeding. This guide covers caring for couch grass year-round, including shade limits, winter behaviour, watering, mowing heights, and simple routines that keep colour and density high.

Couch Grass Quick Wins

Sunlight: Full sun is best. Light/partial shade is tolerated poorly; density and colour drop in heavy shade.
Watering: Deep and infrequent in warm months (soak root zone), lighter in winter. Adjust for your soil’s drainage.
Mowing: Short and frequent during active growth (about 15–25 mm for most yards). Avoid scalping.
Feeding: Little and often in spring–summer for steady colour and growth. Ease off in winter.
Repair: Spreads by stolons/rhizomes, so bare patches knit in quickly with warmth, water, and light feeding.

General Lawn Pack Angle: We recommend CompleteGrow Lawn Grow – Hose-On Liquid Lawn Fertiliser for lush green growth. It’s an easy, even feed for couch grass during the growing season.

Shade & Winter Questions (Fast Answers)

Does couch grass grow in shade? Not well. Expect thinning and thatch in sustained shade. Prune trees, raise mower height slightly, and prioritise sun exposure.
Does couch grass grow in winter? Growth slows markedly in cool climates. Maintain light mowing, avoid heavy nitrogen, and water only as needed.

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How to Grow Couch Grass (Seed, Runners & Repairs)

From Runners (Popular for Fast Coverage)

Prepare: Level, de-thatched, weed-free surface. Lightly topdress with sandy loam if uneven.
Plant: Peg runners at 200–300 mm spacing. Ensure nodes contact soil for rooting.
Water: Keep consistently moist for 2–3 weeks, then taper to deeper, less frequent irrigation.
First mow: When growth reaches ~25–30 mm and resists a gentle tug.

From Seed (Climate & Cultivar Dependent)

Timing: Soil temps consistently >18–20 °C.
Coverage: Lightly rake in; keep surface moist (mist/short cycles). Germination can take 7–21+ days depending on conditions.
Establishment: Avoid heavy traffic until first few mows; spot-repair gaps with runners.

Fast Repairs & Edges

Plugging: Transplant small plugs from healthy areas into bare patches; topdress lightly.
Edging: Couch creeps—line garden edges with a physical barrier to prevent invasion.
Topdressing: Thin sand/loam layer in spring to level and thicken canopy.

Does couch grass grow in shade?

Not well. Light dappled shade may be tolerated, but expect thinning. Consider pruning overhangs or switching to a more shade-tolerant turf in those zones.

Does couch grow in winter?

Growth slows or goes dormant in cool regions. Feed and renovate during warm months; reduce traffic and mowing through winter.

How deep do roots grow?

Typically 100–200 mm in home lawns, deeper in sandy, well-aerated soils with deep irrigation cycles.

How long does couch take to establish?

With runners, 6–10 weeks for strong coverage in warm weather; with seed, allow 8–12+ weeks depending on temperature and care.

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Feeding Couch Grass: Schedule, Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

Simple Feeding Schedule (Australia)

Spring: Resume feeding once growth starts. Apply a balanced liquid hose-on; water in after application.
Summer: Maintain colour and density with light, regular feeds every ~3 weeks (and after heavy wear).
Autumn: One final feed early in the season to fortify roots ahead of winter.
Winter: Pause or reduce feeding unless in warm coastal/tropical zones where growth continues.

Common Issues & Fixes

Pale or yellowing: Often low nitrogen or iron. Feed and ensure even watering; check pH if symptoms persist.
Thatch build-up: Mow more frequently at correct height; light de-thatch in late spring.
Dry patches: Hydrophobic sand can repel water—wetting agent and slow, deep irrigation help.
Invasive edges: Install edging; trim stolons regularly to keep borders crisp.

Product Recommendation · Couch Grass

For fast green-up and sustained density during the growing season, a balanced hose-on with iron delivers visible results and fits busy lawn routines.
We recommend CompleteGrow Lawn Grow Hose-On Liquid Lawn Fertiliser for lush green growth.

Apply every ~3 weeks in warm months, then taper as growth slows. Always water in after application and avoid feeding during midday heat.