Lawn Dressing for Kikuyu Grass: When and How to Apply

Lawn Dressing for Kikuyu Grass: When and How to Apply

Lawn dressing is a key part of maintaining a healthy, level Kikuyu lawn in Cape Town. Here is everything you need to know about lawn dressing.

What is Lawn Dressing?

Lawn dressing is a fine mixture of sand, compost and topsoil that is applied to the surface of an existing lawn. It is used to level the lawn surface, improve soil quality, fill in bare patches and encourage new growth.

Benefits of Lawn Dressing

Regular lawn dressing keeps your Kikuyu lawn level and even, which improves its appearance and makes mowing easier. It also improves soil quality over time, feeds the grass, fills in bare patches and encourages the grass to spread and thicken.

When to Apply Lawn Dressing

The best time to apply lawn dressing to a Kikuyu lawn in Cape Town is in spring (September-October), just as the grass is coming out of its winter semi-dormancy and starting to grow vigorously. You can also apply it in early summer. Avoid applying lawn dressing in winter when the grass is growing slowly.

How to Apply Lawn Dressing

Mow the lawn short before applying lawn dressing. Apply a 10-20mm layer of lawn dressing evenly over the entire lawn surface. Use the back of a rake to work the dressing into the grass, filling in any low spots. Water in well after application. The grass will grow through the dressing within a few weeks.

How Often to Apply Lawn Dressing

For most Cape Town lawns, applying lawn dressing once a year in spring is sufficient. Lawns with significant unevenness or bare patches may benefit from two applications per year.