Complete Kikuyu Grass Maintenance Guide for Cape Town

Complete Kikuyu Grass Maintenance Guide for Cape Town

Keeping your Kikuyu lawn looking its best year-round requires a consistent maintenance routine. Here is our complete monthly and seasonal guide for Cape Town homeowners.

Spring (September – November)

Spring is the most important time for lawn care. As temperatures rise and days lengthen, Kikuyu comes out of its winter semi-dormancy and starts growing vigorously. Key tasks: apply a balanced lawn fertiliser, aerate the lawn if compacted, start mowing regularly (every 7-10 days), edge the lawn to control spreading, and increase watering as temperatures rise.

Summer (December – February)

Summer is peak growing season for Kikuyu. The lawn will need the most attention during this period. Key tasks: mow every 7-10 days, water deeply twice a week (or as per water restrictions), apply a second fertiliser application in January, edge regularly to control spreading, and watch for signs of pests or disease.

Autumn (March – May)

As temperatures cool and days shorten, Kikuyu's growth rate slows. Key tasks: reduce mowing frequency to every 2-3 weeks, reduce watering as rainfall increases, apply a potassium-rich fertiliser to harden the lawn for winter, and repair any bare patches before winter.

Winter (June – August)

Kikuyu goes semi-dormant in winter and may turn slightly yellow or brown. This is completely normal. Key tasks: mow only when necessary (once a month or less), reduce watering significantly, do not fertilise, and remove fallen leaves to prevent smothering the lawn.

Year-Round Tasks

Some tasks need to be done throughout the year: edge the lawn every 2-3 weeks during the growing season, remove weeds by hand or with a selective herbicide, check for and treat pests and diseases promptly, and keep your mower blade sharp for a clean cut.