Spring Into Action: How to Prepare Your Lawn for a Healthy Season

August marks the start of spring prep season in South Africa, and if you want a lush, thriving lawn by summer, now is the time to act. Whether you have Kikuyu or LM Berea grass, proper preparation in August sets the stage for strong, healthy growth as temperatures start to rise.

Here’s how to get your lawn ready for a vibrant spring comeback.

Why August Lawn Prep Matters

After the cooler winter months, your lawn enters a state of semi-dormancy. But as the days warm up, your grass—especially Kikuyu and LM grass—will start to wake up and grow again. The goal is to stimulate new growth, repair any winter damage, and feed the soil for a healthy growing season ahead.

Step-by-Step: Prepping Your Lawn for Spring

1. Start with a Good Rake

Remove any winter debris like fallen leaves, dead grass, or thatch buildup. Raking helps aerate the surface and prepares the soil for better nutrient absorption.

2. Assess and Mow

Once growth begins (usually later in August), give your lawn a light mow. For Kikuyu grass, a lower mow helps remove dead blades and encourages spreading. For LM Berea, avoid scalping—use a higher blade setting to preserve healthy top growth.

3. Apply a Nutrient-Rich Compost Mix

Top-dress your lawn with a high-quality compost mix to boost soil fertility. This is especially helpful if you plan to fertilize later. Compost improves root structure and promotes greener, thicker grass.

4. Aerate Heavily Compacted Areas

If parts of your lawn are hard or patchy—common in high-traffic areas—aeration can help. This allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the root zone, essential for both Kikuyu and LM lawns.

5. Water Smartly

Once daytime temperatures rise and your lawn starts growing, resume watering. Focus on deep, infrequent watering rather than shallow, daily sprays. This encourages deeper roots and drought resistance.

Kikuyu vs LM Berea: What to Expect in Spring

• Kikuyu Grass

  • Responds quickly to warmth and compost.

  • Benefits from aggressive mowing and feeding early in the season.

  • Expect fast, spreading growth once soil warms up.

• LM Berea Grass

  • Slower to respond than Kikuyu but ideal for shaded or partially shaded areas.

  • Avoid heavy mowing; focus on light trimming and compost application.

  • More sensitive to overwatering, so monitor moisture levels carefully.

Bonus Tips for a Strong Start

• Fix bare patches early by adding grass sod or seed while the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.

• Control early weeds now before they spread.

• Sharpen your mower blades—clean cuts promote healthy growth and prevent disease.

The Takeaway

Spring lawn success starts in August. Whether you’re working with Kikuyu’s fast-growing nature or LM’s shade-friendly beauty, early preparation sets the tone for a lush, green lawn through summer and beyond.

Don’t wait for growth to kick in—start prepping now, and your lawn will thank you later.

Want help choosing the right compost or grass variety for your garden? Contact Quick Lawn for expert advice and quality products to get your lawn spring-ready.