Kikuyu Turf                   

Kikuyu grass is a warm season grass variety, popular for many years for both domestic and commercial use.  Originally introduced as a pasture grass to Australia from Africa in the 1920's, Kikuyu quickly became a suitable lawn variety for east coast Australia and NSW.  Kikuyu grows vigorously during the summer months, goes dormant over winter yet retains its colour throughout the year if not heavily frost affected.

Kikuyu is most suited to large open expanses, sports fields etc., where mowing, invasion of gardens or shade is not an issue.

Other varieties, particularly the soft leaf buffalos, have become more popular over recent years for domestic and commercial use.

A downside to Kikuyu is that in less than 100 years since its introduction it has proven to be one of the most environmentally destructive grasses to reach our shores, having wiped out thousands of hectares of fragile native flora and fauna. As cattle fodder it serves a purpose, its reasonably drought tolerant, grows fast except for winter, wipes out most things that get into its way, but, because of its destructive nature it is declared as a noxious weed and banned in most developed countries, including New Zealand and the United States.

As we become more environmentally conscious in Australia its use is starting to diminish, and government agencies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service no longer use the product. Most councils if using Kikuyu opt for the premium grade (no netting and male sterile) to avoid problems caused by exposed netting and proliferation by seeding.

Fortunately its use and out-of-control destruction path has been contained to a skinny coastal strip from Port Macquarie to Bega, and only found in very small areas in other states.

Performance characteristics:

Kikuyu is favoured for its quick establishment and growth rate. Kikuyu grows faster than any other lawn grass and when let grow out of control it can climb fences, wipe out gardens and block drains etc.  Its deep root system (up to 1.5 meters) can make it very difficult to kill and because of its rampant growth it can be cheap and easy for turf farmers to produce and sell. It will recover quickly from damage such as a large dog or car, and is reasonably drought tolerant. Kikuyu grows well in full sun, poor in shade and requires a lot of mowing and produces an enormous amount of clippings. It has a medium-dark green colour most of the year however loses colour in winter, in frost areas it will go completely brown in winter.

Uses:

Where a cheap cover grass is required.

Areas subject to a lot of traffic.

Areas of little environmental concern.

Lower grade sports surfaces.

Kikuyu is an economical variety for large areas however is intolerant to partial shade and some selective herbicides. It is hard wearing, self repairing, drought and frost resistant and will perform well in most locations, but requires high maintenance when compared to other varieties.

• Kikuyu Pros: Great colour over warmer months, self repairing, hard wearing, low watering requirements, will last indefinitely with careful maintenance.

• Kikuyu Cons:  Poor colour over winter months, shade intolerant, high maintenance, runner system invasive of gardens, can suffer from Kikuyu Yellows and Brown Spot, can thin out and become sparse in extended dry periods and during winter leading to weed invasion