How to identify Kikuyu grass and remove it

6 Minute(s) read

Kikuyu grass is one of the most vigorous and fast-spreading turf varieties found in Victoria. While it makes an excellent lawn choice for high-traffic areas, it can quickly become invasive, spreading into garden beds and competing with other grass types like couch grass. Whether you're trying to control it in your garden or remove it entirely, knowing the best methods to stop Kikuyu grass from invading is essential.

How to Identify Kikuyu Grass

Before removing Kikuyu grass, it's essential to correctly identify it and differentiate it from other grass varieties like couch grass or Bermuda grass.

Key characteristics of Kikuyu grass

Kikuyu grass has several distinguishing features that set it apart from other grass varieties. Understanding these traits will help you identify it accurately before proceeding with removal.

• Bright green colour with a coarse texture.Thick, broad leaves compared to finer couch grass blades.
• Rapid spreading runners (stolons and rhizomes) that aggressively overtake garden beds.
• Thrives in warm Melbourne climates and grows quickly in summer.
• Forms dense mats, making it difficult for other grass species to compete.

If not properly managed, Kikuyu can easily take over couch grass lawns and garden beds. Once identified, you can take steps to remove or control it.

How to stop Kikuyu from invading garden beds

Kikuyu grass is notorious for creeping into garden beds, paths, and driveways, making it challenging to keep ornamental plants safe. Here are the best strategies to prevent Kikuyu from spreading:

Create a physical barrier

One of the most effective ways to stop Kikuyu grass from spreading is to install physical barriers. These barriers prevent the underground runners from creeping into garden beds and competing with other plants.

• Use deep garden edging (at least 20 cm deep) to block Kikuyu’s underground runners.
• Plastic or metal garden edging is ideal for stopping lateral growth.

Regularly trim Kikuyu runners

Kikuyu grass spreads aggressively through above-ground runners that invade surrounding areas. Keeping them trimmed will help maintain boundaries and reduce the risk of encroachment.

• Regularly trim any Kikuyu stolons (above-ground runners) that start creeping into garden beds.
• Maintain clear separation between the lawn and garden areas.

Apply mulch or ground cover

Mulching or using ground cover is a natural way to suppress Kikuyu grass and prevent it from spreading. A thick layer of organic matter can effectively block sunlight and inhibit growth.

• Adding a thick layer of mulch (10–15 cm) prevents Kikuyu from establishing in garden beds.
• Use dense ground cover plants to limit Kikuyu’s ability to take root.

How to get rid of Kikuyu grass

If Kikuyu has already taken over your lawn or garden, several methods can effectively remove it.

Hand removal (best for small areas)

For small patches of Kikuyu grass, manual removal is an effective and chemical-free method. Ensuring that you remove both the runners and roots will help prevent regrowth.

• Dig out the grass using a shovel or garden fork, ensuring you remove both runners and roots.
• Dispose of the removed grass properly to prevent regrowth.

How to get rid of Kikuyu grass naturally

If you prefer an eco-friendly approach, there are several natural methods to eliminate Kikuyu grass. These methods avoid chemicals while still effectively controlling unwanted growth. If you want to avoid chemicals, consider natural methods:

• Smother Kikuyu with black plastic or cardboard – This blocks sunlight, effectively killing Kikuyu over a few weeks.
• Boiling water treatment – Pour boiling water directly onto Kikuyu-infested areas.
• Vinegar and salt spray – A mix of vinegar and salt can help weaken Kikuyu, but be cautious as it can affect surrounding plants.

How to kill Kikuyu grass with herbicides

When natural methods are not enough, using selective or non-selective herbicides can help. Choosing the right herbicide will ensure effective removal while minimising damage to surrounding plants. If natural methods don’t work, selective herbicides are effective:

• Use glyphosate-based herbicides for a complete kill.
• Apply a selective herbicide that targets Kikuyu while sparing couch or Bermuda grass.
• Reapply treatments every few weeks if necessary.

How to remove Kikuyu from a couch lawn

Removing Kikuyu from couch lawns requires a careful approach to avoid damaging your desired grass.

Selective herbicides

When removing Kikuyu from couch lawns, selective herbicides can be useful. These products specifically target Kikuyu while allowing couch grass to remain unaffected.

• Use a herbicide formulated to kill Kikuyu in couch lawns without harming the couch.
• Always follow label instructions and apply in calm weather conditions.

Manual removal

For those who prefer a non-chemical approach, manually removing Kikuyu from couch lawns is an option. This method requires patience and consistency to prevent the grass from returning.

• Pull out Kikuyu runners carefully to avoid couch grass damage.
• Dig deep enough to extract Kikuyu’s underground rhizomes.

Improving couch lawn health

A strong and healthy couch lawn is naturally resistant to Kikuyu invasion. Strengthening your existing lawn will make it more difficult for Kikuyu to take over.

• A thick, healthy couch lawn naturally prevents Kikuyu from invading.
• Regular mowing, watering, and fertilisation help couch grass stay dominant.

How to kill Kikuyu grass in couch and Bermuda lawns

Kikuyu often spreads into Bermuda grass and couch lawns, creating a battle for space. Here’s how to remove Kikuyu effectively without harming your existing lawn:

• Apply a selective herbicide designed for Bermuda or couch lawns.
• Mow regularly at the correct height to give your couch grass a competitive edge.
• Use fertilisers that promote couch grass growth, making it harder for Kikuyu to spread.
• Spot-treat Kikuyu patches early before they overtake the lawn.

How to completely remove Kikuyu grass

If Kikuyu has spread extensively, a full removal strategy may be required.

Steps for complete Kikuyu removal:

If Kikuyu has taken over a large portion of your lawn, a more comprehensive removal strategy is required. These weed control steps will help ensure the complete eradication of Kikuyu grass from your property.

1. Mow Kikuyu as short as possible.
2. Spray with a non-selective herbicide (such as glyphosate) and allow it to work over a few weeks.
3. Repeat herbicide applications if necessary.
4. Remove all dead Kikuyu using a rake or tiller.
5. Replant with new grass or landscaping to prevent Kikuyu regrowth.

Get expert lawn solutions from Lilydale Instant Lawn

At Lilydale Instant Lawn, we provide high-quality Kikuyu turf and expert guidance on lawn maintenance and control. Whether you need Kikuyu turf for a new lawn or advice on removal, our team is here to help!

Contact us today for the best Kikuyu turf and lawn care solutions in Melbourne.