How to Prune Common carpetgrass?

(Axonopus fissifolius)

Common carpetgrass, also known as Durrington Grass, Caratao grass, Swazi grass

As a hardy turfgrass, common carpetgrass benefits from regular mowing to a height of 1-1.5 inches to maintain density and appearance. Optimal pruning times are spring and fall, aligning with active growth phases. Aerate the lawn and remove thatch during these periods to promote healthy root systems. Keeping blades sharp ensures clean cuts, preventing stress and disease. Pruning not only enhances growth but also deters pests by removing excess vegetation where they can thrive.

What Are the Benefits of Pruning Common Carpetgrass?

Pruning common carpetgrass encourages new growth, resulting in a denser, more vigorous lawn. Strategic trimming helps maintain an even turf, enhancing its ornamental appearance and promoting a uniform, carpet-like quality.

What Is the Best Time for Pruning Common Carpetgrass?

Spring

Autumn

Pruning common carpetgrass during Spring is optimal as it is the start of the active growing season. This timing ensures that any cuts made to the plant will heal quickly, minimizing stress and vulnerability to pests and diseases. It also helps to shape the plant and remove any cold damage from the winter. Fall is another suitable time for pruning common carpetgrass since the plant's growth slows down, and it is preparing for dormancy. Pruning in Fall helps to remove any dead or diseased foliage, reducing the chance of fungal infections over the winter months. During both these seasons, pruning can stimulate new growth and maintain the desired form without hindering the natural growth cycle or impacting flowering since common carpetgrass does not have a significant flowering period that requires preservation.

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What Tools Do I Need to Prune Common Carpetgrass?

Lawn Mower

For maintaining the overall height and health of common carpetgrass, a lawn mower is essential. Since common carpetgrass is a turfgrass, regular mowing helps to encourage dense growth and a pleasing lawn appearance.

Grass Shears

Grass shears are handy for pruning edges where common carpetgrass might grow beyond the desired area. These are useful for trimming along sidewalks, flower beds, and other spaces not easily reached by a lawn mower.

String Trimmer

Also known as a weed wacker, a string trimmer is useful in managing common carpetgrass around obstacles, edges, and tight spaces where a lawn mower can't reach, ensuring a uniform look throughout the lawn.

Manual Edger

For a more precise boundary along garden beds or walkways, a manual edger helps to define the edge of the common carpetgrass in a clean line.

How to Prune Common Carpetgrass

Preparation

Gather pruning tools such as sharp shears or a lawn mower and wear gloves to protect your hands. Ensure the tools are clean to prevent the spread of disease.

TrimStolons

Identify overgrown stolons of common carpetgrass and use sharp shears to neatly trim them back to the desired length, making sure not to cut too short as this can stress the plant.

RemoveDead

Locate dead grass patches and gently rake them out without disturbing the healthy grass around them. Remove the dead material completely from the area.

Thinning

Thin out dense areas of common carpetgrass to encourage airflow by selectively trimming some stolons more than others. This will promote healthier grass growth and reduce disease risk.

Maintenance

After pruning, discard all removed plant material and clean your tools. Water the common carpetgrass if necessary to help it recover and establish new growth.