Kikuyu (Pennisetum Clandestinum)

Kikuyu is very invasive of other grasses. Kikuyu is very fast growing, and its fine seed is easily dispersed by the wind blowing seeds from neighbouring lawns.

Kikuyu growing in buffalo grass is a common problem. Both grasses are similar, making the kikuyu often unnoticeable in the buffalo, until it’s too late and much of the lawn in now kikuyu. Once kikuyu is detected, control is very manual in buffalo grass. Allow the lawn to grow and the kikuyu will grow more vigorous. Manually select the kikuyu and paint a glyphosate based herbicide on the exposed leaf, careful not to spill. A weed wand is a simple, safe and practical method.

In other lawn varieties, such as couch grass, a selective herbicide can be used – however this may only act as a suppressant.

Lawn Addicts can recommend selective herbicides based on grass identification. Message us for further advice.