One of Buffalo grass’ greatest enemies is Kikuyu grass. Kikuyu can invade Buffalo lawns, including the Palmetto Buffalo grass, easily and rapidly. Before you even notice you have a problem, Kikuyu has already attacked your lawn. So, what exactly is Kikuyu grass, how does Kikuyu grass spread and what kills Kikuyu grass in order to protect you Buffalo turf? This blog is the exact place where all your questions will be answered. At Budget Turf, we provide the advice and support your grass needs for a healthy and prosperous life.
What is Kikuyu grass?
Kikuyu grass is a fast-growing, warm-season grass commonly used as one of the turf varieties for Brisbane homes. It’s known for its bright green colour and rapid spread, which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas like sports fields and large open spaces. Kikuyu grass has wide, coarse blades and thrives in full sun but struggles in shaded areas. It is drought-tolerant once established, but it requires regular maintenance, including mowing, to keep it under control. Due to its aggressive growth, Kikuyu can quickly fill in bare spots and resist weed invasions, making it a resilient choice for lawns. However, it does need to be managed properly to prevent it from spreading into unwanted areas.
While Kikuyu grass offers many benefits, it also has some downsides. Its rapid growth can be challenging to control, requiring frequent mowing to prevent it from becoming too invasive. Kikuyu’s coarse texture may not be ideal for those seeking a finer, softer lawn.
How does Kikuyu grass spread?
Kikuyu grass spreading onto other lawns, like Palmetto Buffalo grass, is problematic because Kikuyu grows quickly and aggressively. It can overtake slower-growing grasses like Buffalo grass, which can damage the appearance and health of the lawn. But how does Kikuyu grass spread?
Kikuyu grass spreads onto Buffalo lawn primarily through its aggressive rhizomes and runners. These underground stems and above-ground stolons (horizontal stems) allow Kikuyu to rapidly spread across the ground. As Kikuyu grows, its runners can creep over borders or edges, such as where the two types of grass meet. If there are gaps, weak spots, or areas of the Buffalo lawn that are not growing as densely, Kikuyu grass can take advantage of these openings and invade the Buffalo lawn. Kikuyu is very strong and can outgrow Buffalo grass, especially in sunny areas.
What kills Kikuyu grass?
Despite Kikuyu grass’ benefits, when it spreads to your different variant of lawn, it can be a living nightmare and knowing how to kill Kikuyu grass effectively is vital. Here are our go to methods:
Non-selective herbicides
Herbicides containing glyphosate can be used to kill Kikuyu grass. These herbicides are effective in eliminating grass but will also kill any plants they come in contact with, so apply carefully to avoid damaging other plants in your garden.
Selective herbicides
There are herbicides formulated to specifically target Kikuyu grass without harming other types of turf, such as those containing “MCPA” or “Dicamba”. However, you must ensure you’re using one suitable for the type of lawn you have.
Manual removal
If the Kikuyu infestation is small, you can dig up the grass by hand. Be sure to remove all the roots, as Kikuyu can regrow from leftover root fragments.
Smothering
If all else fails, you can try smothering the Kikuyu grass by covering it with a thick layer of mulch, cardboard, or black plastic. This blocks sunlight, preventing the grass from photosynthesising and eventually killing it off.
Why is it so difficult to control?
Kikuyu grass is tougher than you may believe, and because of its aggressive nature, it makes it hard to control. Doesn’t sound great, does it? Kikuyu grows quickly, especially in warm, sunny conditions. This fast growth means it can easily outcompete other grasses. Due to its tolerance to stress, Kikuyu grass can survive drought, heat, and even some herbicide treatments.
The best way to safeguard your lawn against Kikuyu grass is through regular inspection, law health maintenance and proper mowing. By staying vigilant and caring for your lawn with these preventive measures, you can keep Kikuyu grass from taking over and maintain a lush, healthy Buffalo lawn.
Budget Turf: The Best Solutions to Kikuyu Grass
By staying vigilant and caring for your lawn with these preventive measures, you can keep Kikuyu grass from taking over and maintain a lush, healthy Buffalo lawn. If you need expert advice or assistance with turf management, Budget Turf is here to help. We offer a wide range of high-quality turf options, including Buffalo grass, and provide expert lawn care services to ensure your lawn stays healthy and beautiful all year round. With our many years of experience and commitment to customer satisfaction, Budget Turf is your go-to source for all your lawn care needs in Brisbane.
Phone : 0427 180 737
Email : office@budgetturf.com.au