The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Lawn for Your Wellington Property
Choosing the right type of lawn might seem simple, but in a region like Wellington, where wind, shade, clay soils, and unpredictable weather can all play a part, the decision is more complex than you’d expect. Whether you're a homeowner starting from scratch, a landlord wanting low-maintenance appeal, or just tired of fighting with patchy grass, this guide will help you understand your options and choose a lawn that actually works for your space.
At Just Grass NZ, we’ve installed and maintained lawns across the Wellington region for years, from coastal homes on the Kapiti Coast to steep, shady backyards in Karori. And we've seen it all—grub infestations, bare patches from pets, lawns drowning in winter and cracking in summer. The good news? There’s a perfect lawn for every property. Let’s help you find yours.
Understanding Wellington's Lawn Challenges
Wellington is known for its ever-changing weather—sunshine one minute, sideways rain the next—and that makes lawn care here uniquely tricky. Add in variable soil types (especially clay in the Hutt Valley or sand in Kapiti), high wind exposure, and properties that are often shaded or sloped, and you’ve got conditions that demand a lawn with real resilience. That's why choosing the right turf isn’t just about what looks nice—it's about what can survive and thrive where you live.
Natural Turf Options – What’s Available?
When it comes to real grass, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The turf you choose should match how you use your lawn, how much sun or shade it gets, and how much time you're willing to spend on maintenance.
Our tried, tested and preferred option—and what we install by default—is Tall Fescue. It’s a dense, dark green grass that holds up well to Wellington’s dry summers and wet winters. It has a broader leaf than other varieties, which not only helps it tolerate wear and tear (think kids, dogs, garden furniture) but also gives it a soft and lush appearance. Because of its strong root system and drought tolerance once established, Tall Fescue is one of the most versatile and hard-wearing grasses for New Zealand conditions, especially in Wellington.
If you’re after something different, Play Lawn is another great option. It's built for high-traffic use and recovers quickly from wear, making it ideal for sunny, active yards where the kids (or the dog) are always out playing. It won’t handle shade as well as some other options, but it’s a top pick for full-sun sections.
Multi Lawn, on the other hand, is perfect if you’ve got a mix of conditions—some sun, some shade, light to moderate use. It’s a blend of fine rye, fescue and browntop that gives it a well-balanced mix of durability and softness. It’s a great option if you’re unsure what will work best, or if your lawn gets varied light throughout the day.
Looking for something more ornamental? Fine Lawn is the lawn you choose when aesthetics are everything. It’s made from fine fescues that give a tight, manicured look and performs well in shaded areas. It’s slower growing, too—so you won’t have to mow as often—but it doesn’t hold up well to frequent traffic.
Lastly, there’s Bermuda (also known as Couch Grass). This is a heat-tolerant, drought-resistant option with fine leaves that stays green through dry summers. But be warned: it goes brown in winter in colder areas. That makes it best suited to coastal spots or places with full sun exposure. If you're set on this variety but want year-round colour, it can be oversown in autumn with a cool-season companion grass.
Pets, Shade, Traffic—What to Think About
If you’ve got a dog, especially one that loves to sprint across the lawn or do their business in the same spot, we usually recommend Tall Fescue. Its dense growth helps it recover quickly and makes cleaning up easier. If your lawn is mostly for show, Fine Lawn might be your style—but if you’ve got kids, pets, or regular weekend BBQs, durability matters more than looks.
Shade is another important factor. Lawns need light to thrive, and while no turf will grow in deep shade, some are better suited than others. Fine Lawn and Multi Lawn both handle shaded areas better than Play Lawn or Bermuda, which really need full sun to perform.
What About Artificial Turf?
Artificial turf is becoming more popular, and for good reason. If you're after a lawn that looks good year-round with no mowing, watering, or spraying, it might be the right choice for you. Our premium turf options like Cool 30mm, Cool 35mm, and Natural 35mm look incredibly realistic and are perfect for shaded courtyards, rooftops, schools, and rentals.
They’re also pet- and kid-friendly, UV-stabilised, and designed for New Zealand conditions. While the upfront cost is higher, the long-term savings on maintenance, water, and fertiliser often balance things out over time.
If your section is hard to access, heavily shaded, or impossible to keep tidy, artificial turf could be a smart investment. Just remember: it still needs the right base prep to perform well.
Natural vs Artificial – What’s Right for You?
If you love the feel and smell of real grass underfoot, and you're willing to mow and water occasionally, natural turf is likely your best bet. But if your lifestyle is busy or you want something tidy and durable with very little upkeep, artificial turf is worth considering.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
Want a lawn for the dog, kids, and the occasional backyard cricket game? Go with Tall Fescue or Play Lawn.
Want a low-use, shaded, aesthetic garden lawn? Try Fine Lawn.
Want a maintenance-free lawn that’s always green in which your cherished family members wont bring mud inside? Check out Artificial Turf.
Local Knowledge, Real Results
At Just Grass NZ, we’ve installed tens of thousands of square metres of turf throughout the Greater Wellington region — from Porirua to Upper Hutt, Waikanae. We know what works where, and we’re happy to give honest, practical advice.
Choosing a lawn is about more than colour or cost — it’s about how you live, how you use your outdoor space, and how much time you want to spend looking after it. We’ll help you get it right the first time.
Ready to Talk Lawns?
Whether you’re planning a fresh install, a full lawn replacement, or just want to chat through your options, we’re here to help.
Call us on 0800 MY LAWN or book a free lawn consultation
