A healthy, verdant lawn not only looks great and increases the value of your home, but it can also have a noticeable effect on the local microclimate.

‘Vegetation surrounding the dwelling plays an important role in storm drainage and biodiversity, and has serious ecological implications,’ says Tony Hall, professor of Urban Research at Griffith University.

Unfortunately, the Aussie backyard is shrinking as we continue to build high-density housing. Garden areas are now typically 100 square metres smaller than 20 years ago.

The home also covers a larger proportion of the average block, leaving less natural space to balance the impact of artificial developments.

With outdoor areas getting smaller Meredith Kirton, horticulturalist and spokesperson for Turf Australia, says it’s more important than ever to utilise the space we have.

Turf Australia has found that a lawn adds significant value to the home, with buyers prepared to pay up to $75,000 more for a lawn.

‘Surrounding the home with natural turf increases property value and aesthetic appeal. It also means you are doing your bit to ensure environmental sustainability,’ says Meredith.

Whether you have huge expanses of green or just a tiny patch of grass in a courtyard, here is the ultimate guide to planting, fertilising, weed killing and mowing, plus how to lay a new lawn from scratch.