Oakridge® Kikuyu is supplied as a premium roll-out turf — fast to establish, built to last. Its dense root system and rapid recovery rate mean it gets going quickly, but the first few weeks of care set the foundation for long-term durability, resilience, and low maintenance. Get establishment right and Oakridge® will handle the rest.
Watering & Root Development
DAY 1
Immediate watering
Water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist.
WEEK 2–3
Frequent, light watering
Water at least twice daily.
WEEK 4+
Reduce frequency
Deepen the watering to encourage deeper roots.
Immediate watering after laying is essential. Keep the soil consistently moist until Oakridge® has anchored itself with a strong root system — this is the single most important step in the establishment process.
During warmer months, light but frequent watering — at least twice daily for the first 2–3 weeks — prevents dehydration and promotes healthy root development.
Unlike faster-establishing grasses such as couch and buffalo, kikuyu benefits from a steady, committed watering schedule in the early weeks. Water daily for at least two weeks, then gradually reduce frequency while increasing depth. This encourages roots to push deeper into the soil, building the drought tolerance Oakridge® is known for in the long run.
Backed by research on warm-season sod establishment conducted by Dr Donald Loch, Genegro Pty Ltd.
Optimising Growth Conditions
With the right conditions from the start, Oakridge® establishes quickly — forming a dense, resilient lawn ready to handle heavy foot traffic, sports use, and everyday wear. Here’s what to focus on.
Soil Preparation
Prepare the area with good-quality, well-draining soil before laying. Remove debris, level the surface, and ensure adequate soil depth for strong root anchoring. Good soil preparation is the foundation of a healthy, lasting lawn.
Temperature & Sunlight
Oakridge® performs best in full sun and will tolerate mild shade. Establishment is faster in warmer conditions — if laying in cooler months, allow additional time for roots to anchor before reducing watering frequency.
First Mow & Maintenance
Wait until the turf is well-rooted — usually 3–4 weeks — before the first mow. Start with a higher cut and gradually reduce to your desired height. Mowing too early can stress newly established roots, so patience here pays off.