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How to revive Kikuyu lawn dry and patchy?

Hi everyone,

Need some help and advice with my lawn. I've aerated fertilized and used Dynamic Lifter in November and the lawn has been fine until the last few weeks where its yellow in some areas and patchy in others with significant dry patches. I water every 3 days for 30 min.

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Planting and Growing

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Jason

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @scbh81.

Can you please tell us where you are based?

Do you know what the soil is like? When you water, does it soak in or run off?

Jason

EricL

Hello @scbh81

Thanks for sharing your question about your kikuyu lawn.

It looks like your lawn is going through some stress, but with a few adjustments, it can recover nicely. Since you've already aerated and fertilized with Dynamic Lifter in November, you're off to a great start. The yellowing and patchiness could be due to several factors, such as uneven watering, soil compaction, heat stress or even pest or disease issues.

Firstly, I recommend checking your watering schedule. While watering every three days for 30 minutes may seem sufficient, it's possible that some areas are not getting enough moisture. You might want to adjust your watering pattern to ensure even coverage or consider watering more frequently during hotter periods. A soil wetting agent, like the one from Seasol, available at Bunnings, can help improve water penetration and distribution across your lawn.

Additionally, applying a product like Yates Lawn Repair or Scotts Lawn Builder Patch Magic can help rejuvenate the dry and patchy areas. These products are designed to fill in bare spots and promote healthy regrowth. Ensure you follow the instructions for best results.

It's also a good idea to inspect your lawn for any signs of pests, such as lawn grubs, which could cause damage. If you find evidence of pests, a suitable treatment, such as Munns Professional Lawn Grub and Beetle Killer, could be necessary.

By addressing these issues, your lawn should start to recover and look lush again soon. Keep an eye on its progress and adjust your care routine as needed.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

scbh81

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/47744#Comment_47744

Cobram in North East VIC. The soil is clay but when the lawn was laid we put a good amount of top soil. Last year we scarified, aerated and put a heavy top dress. Water doesn't run off until its over watered. It does feel a bit hard though. Maybe aerate again?

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86080#Comment_86080

Hello @scbh81

If you did not aerate the soil when you were doing your scarification that hardness could possibly be felt underfoot. Aerating now will not do any harm and breaking up the hard parts of the clay is always good.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

scbh81

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/108350#Comment_108350

Thanks Eric.

We actually did a full reno on the lawn which included core aeration as well.

The grass is now nearly dead. I kicked around in the dry area and all the grass is kicking out like dead hay. Maybe its lawn bugs?

Next 7 days is all 38+ weather. I fear by the end of it it will be all dead 🫣

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121480#Comment_121480

Hi @scbh81

I'm so sorry to hear about your lawn. Unfortunately, heat is indeed the number one enemy of both lawn and plants. It would be worth investigating your soil composition to make sure there are no bugs in it. Perhaps a different approach is in order? Maybe planting trees and shrubs that cast shadows to protect the lawn from long term sunlight exposure. Maybe going as far as putting in a shade sail to protect the lawn from the sunlight's direct heat.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

scbh81

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129702#Comment_129702

Thanks Eric.

I've done the below adjustments for now.

Ive aerated again as some areas felt harder. Then added a soil wetter and lawn grub treatment. Also adjusted to water every 2nd day for the next 2 weeks. We are having a mini heat wave at the moment so that won't help unfortunately. I've been doing a 10 min water every evening to give it a drink after a 38 degree day.

I'll keep an eye on progress and update to how this goes.

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