How to Keep Kikuyu and LM Grass Green All Year Round

Danike Bouwer
Nov 14
2 min read

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “How do I keep my lawn green all year long?”

Whether you have Kikuyu or LM Berea grass, both can stay lush and healthy year-round with the right care routine. Let’s look at what your lawn needs in each season to keep that deep green colour going.

Summer: Feeding and Watering Wisely

Summer is when both Kikuyu and LM grass are in full growth mode.

Water deeply, not daily. Aim for two to three thorough soakings a week rather than light sprinklings.
Fertilise with a balanced lawn food containing nitrogen to promote leaf growth and maintain vibrant colour.
Mow regularly but never too short. Kikuyu thrives when kept at about 3–5 cm; LM prefers slightly higher blades around 4–6 cm.

Autumn: Prepare for Cooler Months

This is the time to build up resilience before winter.

Apply compost or organic top dressing to strengthen roots.
Ease off on watering as growth slows.
Patch repair: If you see thinning areas, lay sod or overseed early in the season.

Winter: Keep It Alive (Even When It Sleeps)

Kikuyu tends to go dormant and lose colour during cold months, while LM keeps a softer green hue.

Avoid heavy mowing—let the grass rest.
Keep traffic low when the ground is soggy or frosty.
Feed lightly with a low-nitrogen fertiliser or compost to maintain root strength.

Spring: Kick-Start Growth Again

When temperatures rise (August–September), it’s time to wake your lawn up!

Rake away thatch to allow sunlight to reach the soil.
Top-dress with compost to boost nutrient levels.
Water and mow regularly once new shoots appear.

✅ Kikuyu and LM Bonus Tip:

If your Kikuyu or LM grass looks dull, it’s usually due to poor soil nutrition or shallow watering. A layer of quality compost or a consistent watering routine can revive colour within weeks.

Keeping your grass green year-round isn’t about luck—it’s about seasonal consistency. With regular composting, proper mowing heights, and mindful watering, both Kikuyu and LM lawns can stay vibrant through every season.