Here at Red Rhino we understand the struggle of a perfectly manicured lawn. If it’s not the weeds taking over, the grass is dying or it just never looks its best. When doing research, it can become overwhelming with all the different types of grasses available as they all come with their own set of care instructions.
What are the most common types of grassed in South Africa?
There are many different grass types available in our country and they all have a specific purpose and function. Grass ranges from cool and warm season types to shade types. It is important to identify the type of grass you have in order to ensure you are caring for the grass correctly.
Some of the most common grass types include:
Bermuda Grass: this grass type is a warm season grass, meaning that it thrives in warmer climates. It grows well in full sun and is drought, heat and frost tolerant. This grass type is a bright green, has a fine texture and can withstand higher traffic. When cutting this grass, the height should be between 2-3cm.
Buffalo Grass: this grass type is also a warm season grass but is more suitable for coastal areas as it has a tolerance for high salinity. This grass type has a course texture with a blue-green hue and can withstand moderate traffic. When cutting this grass, the height should be between 2-3cm.
Kikuyu Grass: this grass type is a fast growing grass and grows well in cooler climates. This grass has bright green leaves and a course texture. This grass prefers full sun and does not tolerate shade or semi-shade. This grass type is a popular choice for many home owners as the thick growth makes it suitable for higher traffic areas. When cutting this grass, the height should be between 4-5cm.
Berea Grass: this grass type is also known as LM grass. It can be identified by its dark apple-green leaves. This grass type grows well in semi-shade and shade but does not tolerate frost or extreme heat thus it grows well in cooler climates. This grass type is not recommended for heavy traffic. When cutting this grass, the height should be between 4-5cm.
Here are some tips for your lawn this season:
- Mow your lawn at the correct height: this encourages growth and a strengthened root system. It is important to only cut off about a third of the top of the grass.
- Mow your lawn frequently: this ensures your lawn is neat and tidy. Frequently cutting your lawn will also promote thicker growth, a strengthened root system and prevent weeds.
- Water your lawn correctly: you should water your lawn deeply and less often rather than lightly and more frequently. Your lawn needs about 25-40mm of water per week including water that comes from the rain. Water in the mornings between 5-9am to minimise evaporation and deep watering encourages deep root formation.
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Maintain your lawnmower:
- Ensure your lawnmower blade is sharp
- Check the oil in your lawnmower regularly.
- Clean your lawnmower deck and blades after each use to clear grass clipping and to ensure the blade runs effectively. This will extend the lifespan of your lawnmower.