Best Pet-Friendly Lawns for South Australia: Durable, Safe, and Beautiful

Understanding the best lawns for pets depends on your location in Australia. In this article, we’ll focus on the top grass types for pet owners in South Australia and provide tips to keep your lawn flourishing.

Having a lush, green lawn is a dream for many homeowners, but for pet owners, the challenge is finding a lawn that can withstand digging, running, and the occasional "accident" in sunny or shady environments while still looking great. The right type of grass can make all the difference in keeping your lawn healthy and pet-friendly.

Characteristics of a Pet-Friendly Lawn

When choosing the best lawn for pets, consider the following characteristics:

• Durability –  Durability is what you would describe as a lawn’s capacity to withstand heavy use. Pet-friendly lawns should withstand frequent foot (or paw) traffic without wearing down or becoming patchy. To be durable enough to deal well with pets, it will need to be self-repairing, which, of course, means it will need to have runners. Runners are often seen as a negative in lawns; however, when it comes to pets, they give the lawn the durability it needs to hold good cover and to repair itself if patches do appear.
• Fast Recovery –  Lawns that are pet-friendly need to recover quickly when they get damaged – in other words, they need to have vigour. Some lawns are more vigorous than others. The more vigorous a lawn is, the faster it grows. The faster it grows, the faster it can repair after damage. Depending on the amount of pet traffic you anticipate, you’ll want a lawn with more vigour if you want it to be pet-friendly.
• Low-toxicity – This characteristic doesn’t have as much to do with the lawn as it does with how you look after it. People who love their pets want to make sure that anything they apply to the lawn to maintain it (eg fertilisers, insecticides and fungicides) is going to be safe for their pet. When the time comes for you to apply maintenance products to your lawn, we can recommend products that are safe for pets. Many of these are watered in immediately on application so that there isn’t anything on the surface to come into contact with your pet.  
• Shade tolerance – Shade and pet traffic is probably the most difficult combination for a lawn and one that many pet owners have come up against.  There are many lawns that you can choose from that are good for pets. However, they need sun to thrive.  There is much less to choose from for pets and shade, and the ones that do have less durability and vigour. Have a read of my article on choosing a lawn when you have shade and high traffic.

Best Grass Types for Pet Owners

Here are some of the best grass options for a pet-friendly yard in South Australia. All three types are pet-friendly however, they differ in how

Kikuyu (Fine leaf or Kenda)

• It is very well suited to temperate climates
• Has an extremely high level of vigour
• Grows in full sun

There is no doubt that kikuyu is an invasive, vigorous and high-maintenance lawn. It’s not for everyone, but for those wanting the ultimate in durability, this is it. On the upside, it’s a beautiful grass that will stay green all year round. It’s incredibly drought tolerant and will stand up to just about any amount of traffic, and when it gets damaged, it repairs quickly.  

Couch (Including Santa Ana and Windsor Green)

• It is very well suited to temperate climates such as South Australia
• Fine leaf, carpet-like appearance
• Has a high level of vigour
• Can tolerate some shade, as long as it has 5 hours per day of full sun

In terms of durability, couch still has bags of it, albeit not quite as much as kikuyu. It’s not as vigorous as kikuyu and has a much finer look. It’s still great for dogs and traffic and is known to be even more drought-tolerant than kikuyu

Soft Leaf Buffalo: (Including Kings Pride)

• Has a moderate level of vigour
• Broad, course leaf appearance
• Grows in full sun or part shade.

Buffalo is the least durable of the three options here; however, it is also the most versatile, being the only one to tolerate both shade and pets. It isn’t as aggressive or fast-growing, so it will need some managing in higher wear situations.

Lawn Care Tips for Australian Pet Owners

No matter what grass type you choose, maintaining a pet-friendly lawn requires some extra care. Here are some helpful tips:

• Water properly: Pet urine can cause brown spots, so rinse affected areas with water to dilute nitrogen levels.
• Train your pets: Designate a specific potty area to prevent widespread damage.
• Mow regularly: Keep grass at the recommended height to promote healthy growth.
• Repair damage promptly: Reseed or patch worn-out areas to prevent bare spots from spreading.

Choosing the right grass for your lawn ensures that both you and your pet can enjoy an outdoor space that is comfortable, safe, and durable. Whether you opt for Buffalo’s versatility, Kikuyu’s toughness, or Couch's visual appeal, the key is selecting a lawn that fits your climate and pet’s activity level. With proper care, your lawn can remain a beautiful, pet-friendly paradise for years to come!

FAQs for Pet-Friendly Lawns in South Australia

What is the best grass for dogs in South Australia?
For full sun, Kikuyu (such as Fine Leaf Kikuyu or Kenda) is one of the best options due to its durability, softness, and self-repairing properties. Soft Leaf Buffalo is the best choice for shady areas.

How do I prevent my dog from damaging the lawn?
You can train your pet to use a designated potty area, rinse urine spots with water to prevent burn marks, and choose a tough, self-repairing grass variety like Kikuyu or Couch.

How do I fix brown spots from pet urine?
Water the affected area thoroughly to dilute the nitrogen and encourage regrowth. You can also reseed or patch areas with turf if necessary. While you can't stop the patches from appearing, a healthy, well-watered lawn will recover faster.

Is synthetic turf better than natural grass for pets?
Synthetic turf is low-maintenance and resistant to digging, but it can retain heat in the Summer. Natural grass provides a cooler, more comfortable surface but requires maintenance.

Which grass is best for high-traffic areas with pets?
Kikuyu and Couch Grass are excellent for high-traffic areas due to their durability and quick recovery.

How often should I mow a pet-friendly lawn?
Mow as needed, depending on the grass type. Buffalo requires less frequent mowing, while Kikuyu and Couch may need weekly trimming during Summer