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Lawn grasses can be divided into two groups depending on their growth pattern: they've evolved to use divergent methods of photosynthesis, so one type makes the most of a cool climate, while the other is perfectly adapted for a warmer climate.
These contrasting types are known as cool season grasses, or warm season grasses.
Both types work well in NZ, if you choose based on your regional and local conditions.
Cool season grasses are the dominant lawn type in New Zealand: they can be grown anywhere in the country. Each variety has different characteristics and strengths, so you can tailor your choice to get a lawn that works perfectly for you.
Cool season grasses are mostly soft, fine-textured grasses with intense green colour; they're quick and easy to establish from seed. They can generally cope with frost, moist soils and low sunlight hours; some species offer excellent shade tolerance. They aren't particularly drought tolerant, so they usually need watering during hot summers.
Warm season grasses are an excellent choice for the warmer regions of NZ. They tend to grow best North of Hamilton; although they are happy further South around the coast, where they aren't exposed to frost.
Warm season grasses are very drought tolerant and hard-wearing, but need plentiful sunlight and warmer temperatures to thrive. These species are slower to establish from seed, but once they get going they grow vigorously via runners, which allow them to rapidly fill in any gaps. They tend to go dormant over winter, but during their warm growing season they benefit from regular (and low height) mowing to keep them looking trim.
Warm season grasses are more sensitive to selective weedkillers (e.g. Yates Weed'n'Feed, Yates Turfix) than cool season varieties, so double-check your weedkiller is compatible before spraying. Risk is lessened during winter while grass is dormant, but much higher during hot weather or periods of drought.
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