It is important to ask the first question: Are you using the right type of grass? A well-maintained and beautiful green lawn can make any property feel more welcoming and inviting. It doesn’t matter if the property has private or commercial use, a carpet made of green grass brings nature into your environment. Green, by itself, is a soothing colour that draws attention to the property and creates emotional relaxation. This colour indicates verdant growth as well as the constant presence of nature within our busy lives. We must not forget to include grass on our golf courses.
Are you giving lawn care at the right time?
Well-maintained, lush lawns are a joy. They can also be surrounded by well-tended flowerbeds or walkways which create an air of luxury that is hard to overestimate. To keep your lawn looking great, it takes patience, knowledge and care. Our biggest enemy is often time in our efforts to keep our grass green. It is important to identify the right grass species for your needs in order to properly care for it.
There are many different types of grasses available.
South Africa is home to many types of grass. These include:
- Bermuda Grass. This is a beautiful variety and one of the most widely used grasses in South Africa. Although this grass can withstand heavy foot traffic, it will not thrive in shade. This grass is native and therefore is well-acclimatized to South African conditions.
- Kikuyu Grass. This grass is perhaps the most widely used. It thrives in sunlit areas and grows quickly so it is best to avoid planting in shade. Kikuyu grass must be mowed every other week. Cutting more than one-third of the grass blades per mowing will result in the grass becoming weaker. This grass can withstand a lot of abuse and heavy traffic. It is fast-growing and should be controlled so it doesn’t spread into flowerbeds or onto walkways. It is easy to maintain, and it is probably the most widely used grass type. However, it can be susceptible to disease if left to dry and prolonged shade. Because it is a very fast-growing grass, it needs to be watered regularly in hot weather. Winter months see slower growth, so it is important that lawns in areas with heavy winter rains do not become wet.
- LM Grass. Similar to Kikuyu’s creeping growth, this grass is less invasive than Kikuyu. It can tolerate heat stress and drought. It is commonly used in backyard gardens and office parks. It goes dormant during winter.
- Gulf Green. It is a beautiful, expensive lawn grass species. This deep-green colour makes it one of the most desirable. This grass is very soft and pleasant to walk on, as well as to sit on and play on. It is an indigenous species that is well-suited to South Africa’s climate.
- Buffalo Grass. This grass species is suitable for both sun and shade. It is generally hardy and can withstand heat, drought, and cold. This grass is native to the coast, but it doesn’t like sandy soils. It is slower-growing than Kikuyu. It only needs to be mowed once per month. Because of its slow growth, it is more vulnerable to weed invasion. It is dormant from April through September.
- St Augustine is another shade of grass.
- Fescue Grass can also be used in shady locations.
- Cynodon. It is a great grass for drought-prone regions due to its deep root system, fine texture, and excellent water retention. It can quickly grow and overtake slower-growing grasses, making it an invasive species. This grass can withstand heavy use and is very durable. This grass turns pale yellow during winter but will return to green once the summer is over.
It is easy to see how important it is to select the right grass for your area. Each species has its benefits and drawbacks. Before you make a decision on which species to use, it pays to do your research.
These invasive weeds should be avoided!
Remember that grass can also be overtaken by invasive and pest weeds.
Be on the lookout, briefly, for weeds such a:
- The bright yellow flowers of dandelions are a year-round crop. They also have a strong taproot that is very difficult to remove. These weeds must be eradicated at an early stage of their growth cycle using appropriate herbicides.
- Winter Grass. This weed, named after its location, grows in damp and shady places, which is particularly common during the winter months. This weed is easily distinguished by its bright green colour, small white flowers, and distinctive odour.
- Creeping Sorrel. Creeping Sorrel is a horizontal weed that grows in clusters of small yellow flowering heads.
- Broadleaf weeds. You will find a wide range of these weeds that can easily establish themselves in flowerbeds and lawns.
- Clover. It could be a bit of good luck finding in your flowerbeds or lawns. Clover can grow up to 86cm below the ground thanks to its long root system. Clover is a nuisance to see. However, it does provide important nitrogen and stabilizes the soil. It attracts bees to your garden. Do not rush to take out clover from your lawn!
Call the experts in Pretoria before you attempt to maintain or plant your lawn. They will restore one of the most valuable assets in your home or business premises and make it look great for years to follow.
