How to Repair Damaged Kikuyu Grass

How to Repair Damaged Kikuyu Grass

Even the toughest Kikuyu lawn can develop bare patches or damaged areas over time. The good news is that Kikuyu's vigorous growth habit makes it one of the easiest grasses to repair. Here is how to fix common types of lawn damage.

Repairing Bare Patches

Small bare patches (less than 30cm across) will usually fill in on their own as the surrounding Kikuyu spreads. To speed up the process, loosen the soil in the bare area, add a little compost, and keep the area moist. For larger bare patches, it is faster to lay new Kikuyu rolls cut to size.

Repairing Worn Areas

High-traffic areas like pathways and play areas can become worn and thin over time. To repair worn areas, aerate the soil, apply a layer of lawn dressing, and fertilise to encourage new growth. If the area is heavily worn, consider laying new rolls and redirecting foot traffic while the area recovers.

Repairing Pet Damage

Dogs can cause significant damage to lawns through digging and concentrated urine. For urine burn spots, flush the area with water immediately and repeatedly. Once the damaged grass has died, remove it, loosen the soil, and lay new Kikuyu rolls. For digging damage, fill the holes with topsoil and compost, firm down, and lay new rolls.

Repairing After Disease or Pest Damage

If your lawn has been damaged by disease or pests, treat the underlying problem first before repairing the damage. Once the disease or pest is under control, remove the dead grass, improve the soil, and lay new rolls or allow the surrounding grass to spread.

When to Call a Professional

For large-scale damage or if you are unsure of the cause, it is worth calling a professional. We can assess the damage, identify the cause and recommend the best repair strategy.