Kikuyu mowing guide

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Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass is a favourite among lawn lovers across Australia, and it's easy to see why. Known for its vibrant green colour, quick growth, and resilience, Kikuyu thrives in full sun and handles wear and tear like a pro. Whether you're laying turf for a backyard, a sporting field, or just about any outdoor space, Kikuyu is a standout choice of grass. Its ability to increase and withstand harsh conditions makes it ideal for our climate, especially in Victoria.

At Lilydale Instant Lawn, we provide the perfect solution for achieving greener grass in just one day. We specialise in Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass varieties harvested fresh from our farms using our exclusive QWELTS technique and products for quick lush lawn growth. This ensures you get thick-cut slabs that are easy to lay, quick to establish, and ready to create stunning grass in just 1 day.

In this blog, we will give a detailed guide to mowing your Kikuyu lawn. Whether you're a seasoned lawn lover who doesn't take their lawn light or planting Kikuyu for the first time, a little care—including using the right fertiliser and mowing techniques—goes a long way in keeping your turf in top condition.

What Is the ideal height for cutting Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass?

Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass is a favourite lawn type for many Aussie lawns thanks to its deep green lawn and ability to handle wear and tear. Whether you've laid a new lawn or are maintaining an established one, mowing your Kikuyu at the right height is crucial for its health and appearance.

• Ideal cutting height:
  • Maintain your lawn between 25mm and 50mm for optimal results.
  • This range promotes lush growth, a strong root system, and improves weed resistance.
• Shorter cuts for specific uses:
  • Shorter cuts (e.g., for sports fields or golf courses) provide a manicured look but can stress the grass if not done carefully.
• Match cutting height to lawn usage:
  • For lawns with high foot traffic (e.g., kids or pets), stick to the higher end of the range (closer to 50mm) to give the grass the strength to recover.
  • For a tidier, low-maintenance look, aim for a height of 25-30mm, but avoid cutting more than one-third of the leaf at a time.
• Avoid scalping the lawn:
  • Cutting too short can scalp the lawn, expose the soil, and create opportunities for weeds to thrive.

Choosing the right cutting height—based on lawn usage and maintenance goals—will keep your grass healthy, resilient, and looking its best while avoiding stress and weed problems.

We recommend pairing regular mowing with a good lawn. Sharp mower blades, proper fertilising, and irrigation work together to keep the soil healthy and your Kikuyu thriving. By maintaining the right height, you'll enjoy a healthier lawn that looks great and feels even better underfoot.

How low can you cut Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass without causing damage? 

Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass is known for its resilience and rapid growth, but cutting it too low can cause stress and long-term damage. For a lush lawn, here's a handy guide: the minimum mowing height should be 15-25mm. Anything lower risks scalping, which exposes the soil and weakens the grass, leaving it vulnerable to pests, weeds, and couch grass invasion.

• What is scalping?
  • Scalping occurs when the mower blade cuts into the crown of the grass instead of trimming the leaf.
  • This results in a patchy, brown appearance that weakens the lawn’s overall health.
  • Low mowing also slows photosynthesis, reducing the grass’s ability to recover quickly.
• Maintain the recommended height:
  • Keeping Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass within the recommended height range ensures:
    • A dense, healthy structure that helps with weed control.
    • Stronger root systems for better nutrient absorption.
    • A healthier, more attractive lawn.
  • Gradually reducing the lawn height can be done safely over time.
• Avoid cutting too low:
  • While a "manicured" look may be tempting, Kikuyu grass thrives best with some leaf surface for photosynthesis.
  • Adjust your mower to a safe height and mow regularly to avoid removing more than one-third of the grass height at any one time.
  • For additional maintenance tips, check out our Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass care guide.

How often should you mow Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass to keep it healthy?

Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass is fast-growing, especially in the warmer months, and it requires little maintenance. 

• Mowing frequency during the growing season:
  • During spring and summer, mow your lawn once a week to keep it healthy and lush.
  • Regular mowing promotes even growth, strengthens the root system, and maintains a perfect green appearance.
• Mowing frequency in winter and drought:
  • In winter, Kikuyu grass growth slows due to cooler temperatures.
  • Reduce mowing to once every two or three weeks during this period.
  • During drought, when the grass goes dormant, mow less frequently based on the grass's growth rate.
• Adjust to grass growth:
  • Constantly adjust your mowing routine—if the grass isn’t growing much taller, there’s no need to mow as often.
• Follow the one-third rule:
  • Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mow.
  • Cutting too much at once can stress the grass, making it vulnerable to pests and weeds.

Adjusting your mowing frequency throughout the seasons and following the one-third rule ensures your Kikuyu lawn stays healthy, resilient, and beautifully green all year long. 

For the best results, keep your mower blades sharp to ensure clean cuts, and bag the clippings if the grass is long. Sticking to a consistent mowing schedule gives you a rich, greener, thicker lawn and makes maintenance more accessible in the long run.

What is the recommended mowing height for Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass?

Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass thrives when maintained at the right height. 

Maintaining the correct mowing height is key to a healthy, vibrant lawn that withstands wear and tear while looking its best year-round. Here’s what you need to know for Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass and all lawn types:

• Ideal mowing height:
  • Most home lawns thrive at a mowing height of 25mm to 50mm.
  • This range allows Kikuyu to grow densely, shade out weeds, and maintain its rich green colour.
• High-traffic areas:
  • For areas with regular use (e.g., backyards or sports fields), aim for the higher end of the range.
  • Taller grass provides added cushioning and helps it recover faster from foot traffic.
• Decorative or tidy lawns:
  • If you prefer a manicured look, mow closer to 25mm.
  • However, avoid cutting too low to prevent stress and scalping of the lawn.
• Seasonal adjustments:
  • In summer, keep the grass slightly taller to retain moisture and protect the root system from heat.
  • In cooler months, mowing a bit lower helps prevent the buildup of thatch, which can smother the lawn.
• Soil and watering factors:
  • Well-irrigated lawns on fertile soil can handle slightly shorter cuts without damage.
  • Adjust mowing height based on soil quality and watering habits for the best results.

When is it appropriate to scalp Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass, and how low should it be cut?

Scalping your Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass is an essential lawn care step to remove thatch and rejuvenate your lawn. Here’s how and when to do it effectively:

• What is thatch and why scalping matters:
  • Thatch is a layer of dead grass and organic material that accumulates over time.
  • It blocks sunlight, water, and nutrients from reaching the soil, hindering healthy growth.
  • Scalping removes thatch, promotes fresh, vigorous growth, and maintains the lawn’s deep green vitality.
• Best time to scalp:
  • Perform scalping in late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins.
  • This timing ensures the grass can recover and strengthen as temperatures rise.
• Scalping process:
  • Set your lawn mower to a height of 10-15mm, significantly lower than the usual mowing height.
  • The lawn may initially appear patchy and brown, but this is normal and temporary.
  • Scalping encourages the grass to develop a healthier root system and denser coverage as it regrows.

Scalping your Kikuyu lawn at the right time removes thatch, rejuvenates growth, and sets the stage for a lush, healthy lawn that thrives throughout the growing season.

For optimal results, follow up with proper lawn care after scalping to maintain the residual activity on winter grass. Water the lawn deeply to support recovery, and fertilise with a slow-release product to give the grass the nutrients it needs for regrowth. A pre-emergent herbicide can also prevent weeds from using the bare patches on your lawn.

How should you mow Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass for optimal growth and lawn health?

Mowing Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass correctly is critical to keeping it lush and healthy. Follow this step-by-step guide for the best results:

1. Start with sharp mower blades. Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, making frayed edges more prone to disease and pests. Regularly sharpening your blades helps maintain a deep green lawn.
2. To maintain optimal care for Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass, don't use more than one-third of the grass height in a single mow. Mining too much at once can stress the grass, weakening its root system and overall vitality. Aim to mow frequently enough that this rule is easy to follow, especially in the summer.
3. Change your mowing pattern regularly. Switching directions prevents soil compaction and ensures even growth. This keeps your lawn level and avoids creating permanent track marks in the grass.

Mulching vs. bagging

When mowing Kikuyu, you can choose to mulch or bag your clippings. Mulching involves letting the grass clippings back onto the lawn, decomposing and returning valuable nitrogen to the soil. This practice aids lawn health, promoting a greener, healthier appearance. Bagging clippings are best if the grass is too long or you're managing weeds. Proper mowing practices with fertilising (using slow-release options like nitrogen-rich products) and watering at the correct times will help your Kikuyu thrive.

When should you first mow new Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass after planting?

The first mow is an exciting milestone for your new Kikuyu lawn, but timing is critical to ensuring it grows strong and healthy. When you've laid turf, wait until the grass reaches about 50-60mm in height before its first cut. This gives the roots enough time to establish and anchor firmly in the soil, making them less likely to be disturbed.

When mowing for the first time, take a gentle approach. Set your mower blades to the highest, removing only the grass tips. This tidies the lawn and encourages thicker, more uniform growth. Use sharp blades for a clean cut, as dull blades can tear the grass and stress the plant.

Here are a few extra tips for that all-important first mow:

• Mow when the lawn is dry. Wet grass can clump and make the job harder.
• Go slow and steady. Rushing could pull the young grass, mainly if the root system isn't fully developed. This keeps the lawn healthy and prevents shock.

Once you've completed the mow, stick to a regular lawn mowing routine and water your Kikuyu deeply to promote deeper roots. Pair this care with the best fertiliser for Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu grass to help your lawn thrive and maintain a deep green lawn year-round.

Now you’re all caught up!

Proper mowing practices are the key to keeping your Kikuyu lawn healthy and thriving. By maintaining a healthy lawn at the ideal height, mowing frequently during the growing season, and adjusting your approach in autumn and winter, you can ensure your lawn remains vibrant and strong year-round. 

Consistency is vital when caring for warm-season grass like Kikuyu. Regularly mowing your lawn keeps it looking neat, encourages even growth, and prevents thatch buildup. Seasonal adjustments—require more frequent mowing during summer to protect against heat or somewhat lower in winter to manage thatch—help optimise growth. Pair these efforts with other lawn care and maintenance tips for the ideal turf.