What Should Homeowners Consider Before Choosing a Lawn Variety?
A thick healthy lawn can do wonders for the look and feel of your yard. But, right grass type choice is not only visual question – you should find grass type which is suitable for your climate, soil, and life style. Kikuyu grass is one of the more popular choices in Australia and other warm similar areas, it is a very fast growing grass which is thick and bright green. But before you make your selection, here’s what you need to know about how to choose a lawn that will stay strong and durable for years to come.
Climate and Sunlight Conditions
The first question you should ask when choosing a type of lawn is what are typical weather conditions in your location. The cool-season grasses can be planted in the fall or spring, but they go dormant in the summer. Warm season grasses such as Kikuyu are more likely to thrive in sunny, warm to hot and moist to dry environments. It prefers full sun and is also a good choice for areas that have warm, long summers.
If the garden is where you‘re getting your light, then Kikuyu will be a good option. That said — it’s not the best on the planet for heavily shaded areas, as it will thin out without direct illumination. If your yard is mainly shady, a different type of grass is probably best for you. Knowing how much sun your lawn gets on any given day helps you conclude whether kikuyu grass is suitable for your space.
Soil Type and Drainage
Soil condition affects everything from the establishment of your lawn to how well it grows. Kikuyu grass can adapt to most soil types, however, it grows best in rich, well-drained soil. It prefers loamy or sandy soils and is not troubled by drought (a lot of which has shifted it into the garden of many here on the US east coast).
However, if your soil is heavy clay or tends to become waterlogged, you’ll need to improve drainage before planting. Although kikuyu grass is tough, prolonged standing water can cause root rot and weaken the lawn. Aerating the soil and incorporating organic matter before planting will help create the ideal foundation for strong root development.
Maintenance and Growth Rate
Kikuyu grass lent its popularity both to its toughness and its fast growing habit. So it must be mowed regularly to keep it tidy and manageable. For the green thumbs (and owners who like to keep their gardens up) it’s a great quality to have a lush lawn. On the other hand, if you want a yard that’s easy on the eyes and on your hands, that is more maintenance than you’d want to think about.
The advantage with kikuyu grass is that it rapidly recovers from damage and therefore is ideal for children and pets. This aggressive growth allows the grass to withstand foot traffic and stress, and keep your lawn looking full and lush 365 days a year.
Water and Fertiliser Needs
Water needs differ for each type of grass, and once established, kikuyu grass can tolerate drought fairly well. It holds its brilliant green color even with minimal watering in hot and dry climate, unlike some varieties that quickly turn brown. To be sure it should be kept moist and watered deeply on occasion during long dry periods for best results.
Another important part of lawn maintenance is feeding. Kikuyu grass thrives in fertile soil and should be fed regularly, particularly during periods of growth. This keeps up its color and density and slows down the thinning. Because kikuyu grows so prolifically, feeding kikuyu grass the correct nutrients will help you maintain a lush carpet of green without becoming overwhelmed.
Lifestyle and Usage
The intended use of your lawn should also play a part in your decision. Because it thrives in high traffic areas, Kikuyu is perfect for family backyards, sports fields and areas where pets roam. Its toughness allows it to be walked on without becoming bald or battered.
If you’re a homeowner looking for a soft, thick lawn that holds up to wear and tear, kikuyu grass is a sensible, durable choice. Its robust character means that it stays alive and green even with heavy traffic, it is one of the most multi functional lawn in the market.
The Final Decision
Selecting the right type of grass for your lawn is a matter of weighing aesthetics, use and maintenance. For a lot of homeowners kikuyu is the grass that satisfies all the requirements – it’s good looking, tough and is tailor made for warm, sunny environments. But, to care for it, is a matter of continual trimming the fast growing kikuyu grass and cutting it to look its best.
Take into account your local climate, soil, and lifestyle requirements, and find out if kikuyu grass is right for you. With adequate preparation and regular maintenance, this resilient variety of grass can deliver a rich green lawn that beautifies and complements your outdoor living space.
