If you're laying down new grass in your front or back yard, and you're trying to decide what type of grass to buy, you may want to consider kikuyu grass. This native-grown grass is affordable, easy to grow and low in maintenance, but it does have a few drawbacks.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of growing kikuyu grass for residential or commercial applications:

PROS

• Grows long -- Kikuyu grass is characterized by long blades that form deep roots into the earth. According to Pastures Australia, a blade of kikuyu grass can grow to lengths of 30 cm and a width of 7 mm when it fully blooms. This gives kikuyu grass a distinct intertwined appearance that also provides a great deal of cushioning.

• Wear & Tear Resistant -- Because of it's long blades and deep roots, kikuyu grass is highly resistant to everyday wear and tear, which makes it ideal for applications in which your lawn will experience heavy-duty use. Kikuyu grass is perfect for families with active children and public parks that host sports activities.

• Self Repairing -- Kikuyu grass is also known for being self-repairing, which means that if the top layers of grass are torn out, the roots regenerate new blades in a very short period of time. This makes kikuyu grass one of the fastest-growing types of grass in Australia.

• Bright Green Colour -- Kikuyu has a vibrant and distinct bright green colour that beautifies your lawn and enhances the curb appeal of your home or office. When the grass is cut and edged properly, it can resemble a lush golf course.

• Long Growing Season -- Kikuyu grass has an extended growing season, which means that it has a longer period during the year in which it can grow and flourish. It grows extremely fast in the summer, and it frost resistant, which means you can also grow kikuyu during autumn and early winter.

CONS

• Constant Lawn Mowing -- Because kikuyu grass grows at such a rapid rate, you will have to mow it much more often than other types of grass. In the summer, it's not unusual for you to have to mow kikuyu grass twice a week in order to keep your lawn from looking ragged.

• Aggressive Growth -- Kikuyu grass is very aggressive, which means that if you're not careful, the grass can overrun your designated lawn area and sprout up into other vegetation, such as a rose garden. This can cause havoc with your landscaping, which is why some users plant sterile kikuyu grass, which is a far less aggressive type of kikuyu with sterile seed heads that don't spread.

To learn more, contact a company like Brook Turf with any questions you have.