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Six types of compound grass
Paspalum is one of the most commonly used type of compound grass locally because it is low maintenance and grows very fast. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA
What you need to know:
If you have tried planting grass in your compound but it always dies, it might be because you are either planting the wrong type or not giving it the right care. Below, we explain the different types of grass and how to maintain them.
Grass is one of the most important features in the compound that help to bring out its beauty. Besides the beauty, it helps cover the bare soil hence controlling soil erosion and its effects in the compound.
It’s therefore important that you choose the best grass which needs low maintenance but still looks nice.
Types of grass
According to John-Meddie Segane, a landscaper at EL-designers, grass has different types but not all of them will work for your garden. He therefore says it is important to ask before buying to avoid getting the wrong type. Here are some of the grass types you can chose for your compound.
Kikuyu grass
Adapted from the kikuyu region in Kenya, the grass is also known as the creeping grass. This type of grass withstands all weather conditions and also human traffic since it can grow fast hence repairing the damaged grass by itself.
Segane adds that Kikuyu grass has soft leaves and is evergreen therefore will give you the best comfort and lovely compound.
Jija grass
Segane explains that this type of grass is thick and it grows very fast therefore making it good for people who enjoy sitting in the grass because it is also soft.
“In most cases, it grows on its own and some people take it for a weed but if groomed and looked after well, it’s a good grass type,” he says.
Segane also notes that this grass gets worn out quickly in case you walk on it. He therefore advises that you plant it in places with less traffic.
Carpet grass
This will need high maintenance and will not stand the hot temperatures. But the beauty about this grass type is that it can grow in any type of soil as long as it is moist.
Centipede grass
Grace Birungi, a gardener says this type of grass grows at a slow rate but is a good weed controller, “Centipede grass is weed resistant. It also needs low maintainace because it doesn’t grow wild. You might take one month and a half or two months before trimming it,” she explains.
Spear grass
Segane says spear grass is one of the best grass you can have for your compound because of its ability to withstand hot temperatures. Though this grass is commonly known for sports fields, it’s good grass for the compound as well. “Spear grass will remain green and stunning even in the hot season so it would work best for dry areas.”
Requirements for the best lawn
Segane says that loam soil is the best for any grass and for all planting but it’s also important to note that any soil however bad it is, as long as there is addition of manure/fertilisers, grass will grow well in it.
He adds that any grass type will look better as long as it’s cared for and maintained well.
“You should trim, prune and shape your grass well to give it a good look, every grass has the ability to look good as long as it is given the appropriate care,” he says.
Birungi concludes that adding red soil to your poor soil will also help you to get a good lawn.
500: Amount in shillings you need to buy a packet of any type of grass from florists
COUCH GRASS
This is also known as Paspalum; Grace Birungi, a gardener says Paspalum is the most common type of compound grass because of its ability to stand even in the dry season. “Paspalum is drought resistant because it will stay green and beautiful even in the hot season,” she adds.
She further notes that paspalum grows fast so it needs regular maintenance in the form of slashing, mowing and removal of weeds that might affect its growth at least twice a month.
