Creating spectacular landscapes in small spaces

Brief Guideline on Keeping Your Kikuyu Turf Healthy and Verdant

by Janet Banks

One of the first decisions that you need to make when landscaping your property is what type of grass will be best for your residence. While there is a myriad of grass species in Australia, one of the most popular options is kikuyu turf. Kikuyu turf is an industry leader since it provides homeowners with numerous benefits. For starters, the kikuyu turf is resistant to drought, making it perfect for the parts of Australia that tend to be arid for most parts of the year. Additionally, kikuyu turf is not only fast-growing but it is capable of self-repair too, so it is a durable species for your lawn. However, to keep kikuyu turf in great condition, it will need to be accorded certain maintenance measures. Read on for a brief guideline on keeping your kikuyu turf healthy and verdant.

Fertilising kikuyu turf

If you have never invested in new grass for your property, you may be under the impression that all plants need constant fertilisation if they are to be at optimum health. The reality, however, is that over fertilising kikuyu turf will not be beneficial to the grass. The best way to go about providing nutrition for this turf is to use the slow release variety of fertiliser after several weeks of the turf being planted. If you have been using the slow-release type of fertiliser but find that your kikuyu turf is losing its verdant colour, you should switch to a fertiliser that is high in nitrogen but is still released into the soil at a slow rate.

Disease prevention for kikuyu turf

While kikuyu turf is renowned for its pest resistance, it is not immune to disease and infestations occasionally. Therefore, it is crucial to take the appropriate measures if you find that the kikuyu turf has become optimised. The African black beetle is the most common pest that will overrun your kikuyu turf, but you can mitigate the infestation with the right pesticides.

Mowing kikuyu turf

Kikuyu turf should not be mowed at the same frequency throughout the year. If you do not mow it according to its needs, grass may become patchy depending on the season. For instance, during the summer months, it is advisable to mow the grass on about a weekly basis since the warmer seasons accelerates the growth of the grass. However, once the cold months roll around, it is best to extend the period in between mowing it since the cold will stunt the growth of the kikuyu turf. Overall, pay close attention to the eight of the blades as each season passes, as this will guide your mowing schedule.

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