The Hardiness Of Kikuyu Turf And Where It's Suitable For
Kikuyu turf is a type of grass that loves sunshine rather than shade. It has a reputation for being relatively easy to establish and also for growing profusely. In fact, once a lawn of Kikuyu turf begins, it is difficult to destroy. It is notoriously hardy.
The Underground Root Network
Kikuyu produces a remarkably resilient underground web of roots and shoots called rhizomes. This network increases exponentially, continually working to extend its reach by sending out new runners to grow and expand. Its creepers spread above and below the earth, and the roots can extend about 30 or 40 centimetres into the ground. Thus, the blades of grass you see across a lawn of Kikuyu are just the tip of the iceberg.
This structure makes it extremely tough and hard wearing and ideal for children, dogs and sports. If clumps of grass are accidentally ripped up, the extensive mat of roots will send up further blades to repair itself. This stong self-repairing pattern is, in part, why golf courses and parks use this type of lawn. Because it is so profuse, however, it is better suited to larger areas. In small patches next to garden beds, it can tend to overrun itself. The close arrangement of rhizomes and roots does not allow weeds to sprout through, so your lawn will be pure Kikuyu that is not interspersed with other plants.
What Types Of Areas Is This Grass Suitable For?
If you have a large property or lawn area if you are looking for turf for a park or golf course, Kikuyu is an ideal option. You won't have to worry about resilience as its strong growth pattern is continually repairing and renewing itself. Any damage caused by pets or playing children will quickly and efficiently mend. But even though it's hardy, it creates a soft, spongy lawn to play and relax on and that generally maintains a good colour all year round. It can also thrive in harsh sandy soils along coastal areas. Kikuyu also has a reputation for coping well with the drought conditions that can exist in many parts of Australia.
Other Ways It Spreads
As well as spreading by the growth of runners above and below ground, this turf also propagates by seed. These might blow about in the wind, travel to other areas via foot traffic or move to other places by a bird picking up the seeds and dropping them. This can explain how Kikuyu can spontaneously grow elsewhere.