Types of Lawn grass
Many types of lawn grasses are now available for a wide range of consumers. Lawn grasses can be used for the following purposes
- As sports surfaces for soccer, rugby, tennis, hockey and athletics
- To beautify yards in homes, industrial facilities, offices and other workplaces
- In parks and recreational facilities
- For weed control like in industrial yards
- For aesthetic purposes like in balconies, roofs and open stair cases
- For erosion control on slopes and embankments
How to select a lawn grass
Consider the following factors when selecting a grass to plant
- Your location and climate
- The level of shading in the proposed lawn
- The soil type and condition (sand, loam, clay, water logged e.t.c)
- The availability of water to sustain the lawn throughout the year
- The purpose of the lawn grass such as sports pitch, wedding garden, front and back yard, erosion control, beauty, weed control and other purposes
When selecting a lawn grass the first consideration is location. location determines the temperature that your lawn will grow in. Some lawn grasses will grow better in high temperatures than others and vice versa. Secondly, determine the level of shading in the proposed lawn. Large and many trees can cast shadows under which only certain types of grasses will grow. It is important to note that the whole compound may not be shaded. In this case two or more varieties can be used. The type of soil is another important consideration. Some lawn grasses will grow well in sand or in water soaked conditions, some will perform poorly. Some lawn grass varieties will withstand human and vehicle traffic better than others. It is therefore important to consider the use of the lawn. To establish and sustain a good lawn, regular irrigation is important. Choose a lawn grass based on your ability to water the grass.
Before you place an order for grass, you will need to do the following
- Determine the net area to be planted with lawn grass. This will make it easier for a supplier to give you a good estimate. Measure the area in square metres or in square feet. Do not include the area occupied by buildings, paths, paving and other hardscape.
- Ensure that you have sufficient amount of water to sustain the grass in the first few weeks before establishment.
- As much as possible, prepare the ground. This will save you costs if you did it yourself. This includes
- Removing all the existing vegetation, roots and rocks such as only soft soil is left.
- If soil is unsuitable, consider adding 6 inches or 150mm of red soil. Doing this yourself will save you mark-up costs by a landscaper
- Level the soil and add manure. For every 5 parts of soil, add 2 parts or manure. for example if the red soil needed is 5 trucks, put 2 trucks or manure
- Level the ground by raking it.
Having done this, you can make the order. Usually, the delivery and planting will be done the next day.
Which is the best grass to plant?
Please refer to the table below for a guide on the best kind of grass to plant.
The table outlines the salient features of different types lawn grasses in Kenya and East Africa
| Type of grass | Drought and heat Tolerance | Shade Tolerance | Cold tolerance | Ability to out-compete weeds | Frequency of mowing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of grass | Drought and heat Tolerance | Shade Tolerance | Cold tolerance | Ability to out-compete weeds | Frequency of mowing | Best for |
| Arabic grass | High | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Homes and offices |
| Kikuyu grass | Medium | Low | High | Low | High | Public amenities and roads |
| Carpet grass | High | Low | Low | High | Low | Homes and Offices |
| Buffalo grass | High | High | Low | High | Low | Homes and offices with lots of shade and in hot areas |
| Pemba grass | High | High | Low | High | Low | Homes and offices with lots of shade and in hot areas |
| Variegated Pemba grass | High | Low | Low | High | Low | Homes and offices |
| Sports pitch Bermuda grass | High | Low | Medium | High | Low | Sports pitches |
| Zimbabwe grass | Medium | High | Medium | High | High | Homes and offices with lots of shade |
| Paspalum | Low | Low | Low | Low | High | Homes and offices |
| Maadi River | High | Low | Medium | High | Low | Homes and offices |
| Cape Royal | High | Low | Medium | High | Low | Homes and offices |
Characteristics of lawn grasses in kenya
The table indicates suitability of the various lawn grasses based on colour and growing characteristics
| Type of grass | Best for |
|---|---|
| Arabic grass | Small leafed, dark green creeping grass. Suitable for high end homes. It has a wow! effect |
| Buffalo grass | Light green grass that can withstand shade especially in very hot areas |
| Cape Royal | Greyish-blue grass that can form numerous seed heads when not mowed. It is a creeper. |
| Carpet grass | Low lying creeping grass that is dark green in colour. It can be used in water soaked areas and on soil with poor nutrition |
| Kikuyu grass | Most common grass in Kenya. It is best for large scale projects like roads |
| Maadi River | Greyish-blue creeping grass, It is an old variety in Kenya. |
| Paspalum | Poor establishment possibility, suffers in drought, cold and cannot compete with weeds |
| Pemba grass | Grows very well in very hot areas |
| Sports pitch Bermuda grass | Suitable for high end and sports facilities and unique. It forms a low lying carpet |
| Variegated Pemba grass | It has white and green leaves. It grows very well in very hot areas |
| Zimbabwe grass | Great under trees and other shaded places in medium to high altitudes |
Choosing lawn grasses
Please check the various prices here
I’m looking for Arabic grass supplies for the house in Syokimau.
how can i get the arabic grass
how can i get the arabic grass?
How do we get intouch with you ? Contact details please.
where are you situated
Where are you situated?
where are you situated
Westlands, Nairobi. Call us any time
I would like to plant Arabic grass in my garden, please advise on the following:
1. Can this type of grass be used if there is human traffic eg children playing
2. I have been advised that this type of grass increases the possibility of moles in the garden.
Thanks
This grass will withstand high traffic. What will happen is that the leaves will become smaller
The statement about moles is very far from the truth. Moles love Paspalum grass because of its underground rhizomes