How to improve Kikuyu lawn and keep it out of garden bed?

Bill1990

Hi Bunnings workshop,

We have a lawn that previously was very overgrown, we have since started mowing regularly. After a year of mowing, it still looks a bit disheveled.

The surface is uneven and some spots are bare, the kikuyu grass has also gone into the mulched area nearby, we were unsuccessful in pulling the grass up by the roots on the mulched area.

Any advice on lawn maintenance / repair would be much appreciated!

Thank you,
Bill

JacobZ

Hi @Bill1990,

The basic process which can be used for improving struggling lawns is to aerate, dethatch and top dress your lawn. Your lawn would definitely benefit from this.

I'd suggest you start by giving the lawn a thorough aeration, particularly in the bare and heavily compacted areas. This will help improve water, nutrient and air movement into the root zone and encourage the kikuyu to spread. You can use a manual aerator, garden fork or powered lawn corer. Check out https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/garden/lawn/how-to-aerate-your-lawn for some guidance.

While there doesn't seem to be a heavy layer of thatch, a dethatching rake or scarifying mower will help remove some of the accumulated material and stimulate new growth. Check out https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/garden/lawn/how-to-dethatch-your-lawn for some guidance on the process.

Once the lawn has been aerated, consider topdressing with a quality lawn mix to help level out the uneven areas. Check out https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/garden/lawn/how-to-top-dress-your-lawn for guidance on the process.

For the kikuyu that has spread into the mulched areas, unfortunately there's rarely a quick fix once it becomes established. Kikuyu spreads through vigorous underground runners and stolons, so simply pulling the visible growth often leaves enough material behind for it to regrow. As it has spread extensively through the bed, the most effective solution is usually to remove the affected soil and runners as thoroughly as possible before replacing the soil and remulching. A thick layer of mulch can help suppress any remaining growth and make new runners easier to spot, but it won't completely stop kikuyu from returning, so some ongoing maintenance is typically required.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob