Comparing 2 Most Popular Malaysian’s Choice of Carpet Grass in 2024

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For many Malaysians, a beautiful green lawn is a key part of a perfect garden. But with the hot and humid climate, choosing the right grass is crucial. Today, we'll compare two popular options we encountered throughout our projects for Commercial and Residential landscapes and gardens: Axonopus Compressus (commonly known as Cow Grass) and Zoysia Matrella (Carpet Grass).

Axonopus Compressus (Cow Grass)

Pros:

• Super adaptable: Thrives in various Malaysian conditions, including full sun and moderate shade.

• Fast grower: Fills in bare patches quickly, creating a lush lawn.

• Low maintenance: Requires less mowing than other grasses.

• Durable: Tolerates high traffic and can withstand wear and tear from children and pets.

• Less expensive than Zoysia Matrella

Cons:

• Coarse texture: Not as soft and comfortable underfoot as some other grasses.

• Frequent trimming: While low maintenance in terms of mowing, it grows quickly and needs regular trimming to maintain a neat appearance.

• Prone to thatch: Requires dethatching occasionally to prevent problems.

Overall, Axonopus compressus can be a good choice for a low-maintenance, shade-tolerant groundcover in warm climates. However, it's important to be aware of its potential to become invasive before planting it in your garden.

Axonopus Compressus (Cow Grass) 

Axonopus Compressus (Cow Grass) 

Zoysia Matrella (Carpet Grass)

Pros:

• Fine texture: Creates a luxurious, soft lawn perfect for walking barefoot on.

• Low maintenance: Slow-growing, requiring less mowing than Axonopus compressus.

• Disease resistant: Naturally resistant to many common lawn diseases.

• Drought tolerant: Handles Malaysian dry seasons well.

Cons:

• Slower establishment: Takes longer to fill in bare patches compared to Axonopus compressus.

• Less shade tolerant: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

• Higher initial maintenance cost: Can be more expensive to establish and may require more watering, especially during the initial growth stage.

• More expensive per sq. ft

Zoysia Matrella (Carpet Grass)

Zoysia Matrella (Carpet Grass)

However, there are also some things to consider before planting Zoysia matrella in your garden:

• Sun requirements: Zoysia matrella prefers full sun. It will not thrive in shady areas.

• Slow establishment: Zoysia matrella can take a while to establish itself, so be patient.

• Prone to thatch: Both type of grass can develop thatch, which is a layer of dead grass stems and roots that can impede water and nutrient infiltration. Thatch removal may be necessary periodically.

Overall, Zoysia Matrella is also great choice for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant lawn in a warm climate. Just be sure to consider its sun requirements and slow establishment rate before planting.

The Verdict?

Both Axonopus compressus and Zoysia matrella have their strengths and weaknesses.

Here's a quick guide to help you decide:

Choose Axonopus compressus if:

You prioritize a low-maintenance, fast-growing lawn and don't mind a slightly coarse texture.

Choose Zoysia matrella if:

You desire a luxurious, soft lawn and are willing to invest a little more in establishment and care.

Zoysia Matrella (Carpet Grass)

Axonopus Compressus (Cow Grass) 

“Remember, the best grass for your garden depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like sun exposure, foot traffic, budget, and desired aesthetics before making your choice. For best results, consult a local nursery or landscaping professional for personalized advice on what grass will thrive in your garden.”

Happy Gardening!