Kikuyu Grass Turning Yellow? Here’s Why It Happens

Kikuyu is normally a strong, deep-green lawn, so when it starts turning yellow or develops yellow patches, it’s a sign the lawn is under some kind of stress. Yellowing can appear:

Across the whole lawn
In scattered patches
Only in winter or only in summer

Understanding the cause makes it much easier to correct.

Common Causes of Yellow Kikuyu

Low Nitrogen — most common cause; Kikuyu uses nitrogen fast.
Low Iron/Magnesium — blades look yellow with green veins.
Underwatering or shallow watering — especially in heat.
Overwatering — leads to soft, weak roots and pale growth.
Compacted soil — roots struggle to access air and nutrients.
Winter dormancy in cold areas — normal seasonal yellowing.

If your Kikuyu is yellow, it almost always relates to:

Nutrient deficiency
Watering pattern (too little or too much)
Seasonal slowdown

The good news: Kikuyu recovers quickly once these are corrected.

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How to Fix Yellow Kikuyu Grass

The fastest way to restore green colour is to give the lawn nutrients it can absorb immediately. Kikuyu responds best to **nitrogen-forward liquid feeding**, along with trace elements that correct yellowing. Recommended fertiliser to fix yellow Kikuyu:

CompleteGrow Lawn Grow — Hose-On Liquid Lawn Fertiliser

Why it fixes yellowing:

High nitrogen availability restores green colour quickly.
Trace elements correct leaf fade and prevent pale veins.
Liquid form absorbs fast through leaves and roots.
Encourages runner growth to fill thin or patchy areas.

Most lawns show visible improvement in 7–14 days.

Check Your Watering

If the lawn feels dry: Water deeper, less often.
If the lawn feels spongey: Reduce watering and improve drainage.

Mowing Adjustment

Increase mowing height slightly — longer leaf area = more energy = stronger colour.

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Kikuyu Turning Yellow in Winter

In colder climates, Kikuyu naturally slows down and may lose colour in winter. This is normal seasonal dormancy. You can help it hold colour longer by giving a strengthening feed in early autumn. In warm coastal or northern regions, Kikuyu often stays greener year-round.