LM vs Kikuyu vs Artificial Grass

Which Lawn Is Best for You? 

Choosing the right lawn can make a major difference in the look, maintenance level, and long-term value of your property. At Lawnitex, we supply and install LM Grass (Buffalo/Berea), Kikuyu Grass, and premium Artificial Grass across Gauteng.

This guide compares price, maintenance, durability, water needs, shade tolerance, and installation to help you choose the best option for your home or business.

Quick Comparison Table

Quickly compare our grass options to find the right fit for your space.

Feature LM Grass Kikuyu Grass Artificial Grass
Best For Premium lawns High traffic areas Low maintenance
Sun Requirement Medium High Any
Shade Tolerance High Low High
Foot Traffic Medium High High
Maintenance Medium High Very Low
Water Usage Medium High None
Overall Look Premium Natural Modern
Installation Natural Turf Natural Turf Synthetic Installation
Lifespan Long Long 8–15 Years
Order LM Grass >> Order Kikuyu >> Order Artificial >>

LM Grass (Buffalo/Berea)

Best For:
Shaded gardens, residential homes, low-maintenance landscapes
LM Grass (also known as Buffalo Grass or Berea) is a premium soft-leaf lawn ideal for Gauteng homes. It thrives in shade and requires less water than Kikuyu.

Pros:

  • Excellent shade tolerance
  • Soft underfoot
  • Lower water consumption
  • Slower growth (less mowing)

Cons:

  • Higher price per m²
  • Slower recovery from heavy wear

Recommended For:

Front gardens, estates, schools, residential properties.

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Kikuyu Grass

Best For:
Full sun, high-traffic areas, large properties.
Kikuyu is one of the most popular and affordable grass types in South Africa. It grows quickly and handles heavy foot traffic well.

Pros:

  • Fast growth and recovery
  • Affordable per m²
  • Ideal for sunny areas
  • Strong root system

Cons:

  • Requires regular mowing
  • High water needs
  • Poor shade tolerance

Recommended For:

Large lawns, rental properties, sports areas.

 

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Artificial Grass

Best For:
Low maintenance, modern homes, pet areas, commercial spaces.
Artificial grass provides a clean, evergreen look year-round without watering or mowing.

Pros:

  • No watering required
  • No mowing or fertilizing
  • Perfect for shaded or paved areas
  • Long-lasting and durable

Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Requires professional base preparation

Recommended For:

Small gardens, complexes, commercial areas, rooftop spaces.

 

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Which Grass Should You Choose?

Choose LM if:

  • Your garden has shade
  • You want lower maintenance
  • You prefer a softer lawn

Choose Kikuyu if:

  • You have full sun
  • You want a budget-friendly option
  • You don’t mind regular mowing

Choose Artificial if:

  • You want zero maintenance
  • You want year-round green
  • You have pets or paved spaces

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – LM vs Kikuyu vs Artificial Grass

Which grass is best for shade in Gauteng?

LM Grass (Buffalo/Berea) is the best natural grass option for shaded gardens. It performs well in partial to heavy shade and requires less direct sunlight than Kikuyu.

Artificial grass is also ideal for fully shaded areas where natural grass struggles to grow.

Which grass grows best in full sun?

Kikuyu grass performs best in full sun. It thrives in hot, sunny conditions and spreads quickly, making it ideal for large open lawns.

Is Kikuyu cheaper than LM grass?

Yes. Kikuyu is generally more affordable per square metre than LM grass. However, Kikuyu requires more frequent mowing and watering, which may increase long-term maintenance costs.

Which grass requires the least maintenance?

Artificial grass requires the least maintenance. There is no mowing, watering, fertilizing, or seasonal treatment required.

Among natural lawns, LM grass requires less maintenance than Kikuyu because it grows slower and needs less water.

Which lawn uses less water?

  • Artificial grass requires no watering.

  • LM grass requires moderate to low watering.

  • Kikuyu grass has higher water requirements, especially in summer.

For water-conscious homeowners in Gauteng, LM or Artificial Grass are better options.

Which grass handles heavy foot traffic best?

Kikuyu and Artificial grass handle heavy foot traffic very well.

Kikuyu recovers quickly from wear due to its aggressive growth pattern. Artificial grass is ideal for playgrounds, pets, and commercial areas.

LM grass handles moderate traffic but may recover slower than Kikuyu.

How long does artificial grass last?

High-quality artificial grass typically lasts between 8–15 years, depending on usage and installation quality.

Professional base preparation significantly increases durability.

Is artificial grass pet-friendly?

Yes. Artificial grass is safe for pets and easy to clean. It does not create muddy patches and is resistant to digging damage when properly installed.

Does LM grass spread like Kikuyu?

LM grass spreads slower than Kikuyu. It forms a dense, carpet-like lawn but does not invade flower beds as aggressively as Kikuyu.

Kikuyu spreads rapidly and may require edging control.

10. What is the best grass for a small garden?

For small gardens:

  • Artificial grass offers a clean, evergreen look with zero maintenance.

  • LM grass works well if the area receives partial shade.

What is the best grass for a large property?

For large sunny properties, Kikuyu is often the most cost-effective and durable option.

It covers large areas quickly and is budget-friendly per square metre.

Can I mix LM and Kikuyu in the same garden?

It is not recommended to mix LM and Kikuyu in the same lawn area because Kikuyu grows aggressively and can overtake LM.

However, they can be installed in separate designated sections if needed.

How soon can I walk on newly installed natural grass?

Light foot traffic is usually allowed after 2–3 weeks once the roots establish properly.

Full use is typically recommended after 4 weeks.

How soon can artificial grass be used after installation?

Artificial grass can typically be used immediately after installation.

Which grass adds more value to a property?

All three options can increase property value when professionally installed.

  • LM grass adds premium aesthetic value.

  • Kikuyu adds practical value for large lawns.

  • Artificial grass adds modern, low-maintenance appeal.

Does natural grass require fertilizing?

Yes. Both LM and Kikuyu benefit from seasonal fertilizing to maintain color and health.

Artificial grass does not require fertilizing.

What is the best lawn for Gauteng climate?

Gauteng has hot summers and cool winters.

  • Kikuyu thrives in sunny summer conditions.

  • LM performs well in mixed sun and shade.

  • Artificial grass performs consistently year-round.

Is artificial grass cheaper in the long run?

Although artificial grass has a higher upfront cost, it may reduce long-term expenses related to water, mowing, fertilizers, and lawn care.

Do you offer installation in Gauteng?

Yes. Lawnitex offers professional supply and installation services across Gauteng, including free site assessments and free transportation within qualifying areas.

Do You Offer Delivery & Installation Outside of Gauteng?

Yes.

Lawnitex proudly offers full supply and professional installation services throughout Gauteng, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand, Sandton, Randburg, and surrounding areas.

We also service neighbouring regions outside Gauteng, including:

  • Limpopo
  • North West
  • Free State
  • Mpumalanga

For areas outside Gauteng, delivery and installation are available upon request, subject to project size and logistics planning.

Transport and installation costs for neighbouring provinces are quoted based on:

  • Location
  • Total square meter requirements
  • Site accessibility
  • Scope of work

For large residential, commercial, or estate projects, we are happy to assess and provide a customised quotation.

If you are located outside Gauteng, simply contact us with your location and lawn size requirements, and our team will assist you with the best available solution.

 

How do I choose the right grass for my property?

Consider:

  • Sunlight exposure

  • Budget

  • Maintenance preference

  • Foot traffic levels

  • Water usage concerns

If unsure, request a free site assessment from Lawnitex for professional guidance.

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