A lush and healthy lawn is the pride and joy of every homeowner, particularly in the summer months when it can be enjoyed with friends and family.
However, it can be difficult to maintain your lawn’s health and appearance when it regularly experiences high foot traffic.
Whether it is a get-together with friends, kids playing, or pets running around, all this fun can eventually take a toll on your lawn.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about caring for a high-traffic lawn, including signs of an unhealthy lawn, maintenance tips, and how to fix damaged grass.
What are the signs of an unhealthy lawn?
Your lawn is there to be enjoyed, but when it is exposed to regular foot traffic, there are some signs to look out for.
Here are some key indicators that your lawn may be under stress:
- Thin or patchy grass. Lawns that experience constant activity will start to wear down and develop thin and bare patches, creating an ideal environment for pests and diseases to target
- Discolouration. If your lawn is under stress, it usually means it is lacking in nutrients or water; however, it can also be a sign that your grass’ health is in decline
- Poor drainage. Heavy lawn use can contribute to compacted soil, meaning your lawn will not be able to drain water properly after rainfall, which can lead to your garden becoming waterlogged
- Weed growth. Weeds love to take advantage of weak grass and will take root in any vulnerable or bare patches
- Compacted soil. High-traffic areas are prone to becoming compacted over time, making it difficult for air, nutrients, and water to reach the roots
- Slow spring back. Grass that has been trampled on regularly will show visible footprints and be slow to spring back after walking on the lawn
What to look for in a hard-wearing grass seed?
For those with lawns that experience high traffic regularly, choosing the right type of grass is paramount.
Our high-quality Thick & Thriving Grass Seed will ensure your lawn can effectively withstand frequent foot traffic and continue to flourish.
Here are the qualities a hard-wearing grass seed should have:
- Deep root system. Grass seeds with deep root systems are ideal for high-traffic lawns, as they can access water and nutrients from deeper into the soil. Deeper roots are usually stronger and make your grass more resilient and able to withstand frequent traffic
- Fast establishment. If you regularly use your lawn, you will need grass that grows quickly and can fill in thin or patchy areas of grass. A grass seed that can establish quickly ensures your lawn remains thick and healthy, even after heavy use
- Disease- and pest-resistant. More foot traffic equals more stress on your lawn, creating the perfect environment for pests and diseases to thrive. When choosing a grass seed, you ideally want a blend that is resilient against both, like Perennial Ryegrass or Tall Fescue
- Quick recovery rate. A lawn that is used regularly can easily become damaged, thin, and bare. Choosing a grass variety with a fast recovery rate is essential for maintaining your lawn’s health and appearance, as the faster it recovers, the less lawn maintenance you will need to do
What is the best grass for high-traffic lawns?
Now that you are aware of what to look out for when choosing grass seed for a heavy-use lawn, it is time to find out which grass types are the best.
The best warm-season grass for those with a lawn that is heavily used by pets, children, and guests is Bermuda Grass.
However, it is important to be aware that as a warm-season grass, Bermuda requires full sun to thrive.
Another grass seed that is known for its excellent foot traffic tolerance is Zoysia Grass.
This warm-season grass is often favoured due to its dense growth habit and its resilient deep root system.
Despite being a warm-season grass and requiring full sun, Zoysia can tolerate shade better than any of the other warm-season varieties.
If you live in an area that experiences cooler temperatures, then your garden will be more suited to a cool-season grass.
The best cool-season grass for high-traffic lawns is Perennial Ryegrass, with some varieties having good drought tolerance and quick germination rates.
Kentucky Blue Grass is also a great choice for those looking for a cool-season grass with a good traffic tolerance.
It is renowned for its self-repair capacity and deep root system, which helps it withstand stress.
How to fix grass that has been trampled?
It can be disheartening to notice your lawn’s health and appearance decline over time due to heavy use.
Constant use from kids, pets, and guests can often leave your lawn looking a little worse for wear, with patchy grass, compacted soil, and stressed grass.
However, there is no need to panic and restrict access to your lawn altogether.
Instead, with the right approach and a bit of extra care, you can fix your lawn and restore it to its former glory.
Use the following steps to repair your lawn:
- Aerate the soil. Aeration is a crucial part of lawn maintenance and key to dealing with compacted soil. Using a garden rake or an electric aerator, depending on the size of your garden, you can create small holes in the soil that allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the roots of your grass
- Overseed your lawn. Thin and patchy grass needs to be dealt with quickly, as this is a prime target for pests and diseases. Spread our specialised blend of Thick & Thriving Grass Seed across your lawn to fill in gaps and encourage new grass growth
- Add organic matter. These materials can help improve soil structure and further relieve soil compaction. Spread organic matter evenly across your lawn, working it into the soil using a rake.
- Water regularly. This may sound obvious, but regular watering is key to your lawn’s recovery. Create a watering schedule based on your grass type and ensure your lawn is adequately hydrated.
- Give your lawn a break. Your lawn will need time to recover and grow, so it is best to limit foot traffic as best as you can.
Will grass grow back after damage?
Yes, the good news is that grass can generally recover from damage caused by high foot traffic.
How quickly and effectively your lawn recovers can depend on a few different factors, including:
- Grass type
- Extent of damage
- Soil health
- Time of year
In addition, the level of care you provide during the recovery process can significantly impact how quickly your grass regrows.
Lawn maintenance tips to prevent grass damage
It is important to know that maintaining a healthy and resilient lawn does not end with recovery care.
In fact, prevention is key to ensuring your lawn can withstand frequent use and remain vibrant.
| Top Tips Here are some essential tips for maintaining your grass and preventing unnecessary damage: Nourish your lawn. Regularly fertilise your lawn to encourage growth and prevent weeds. Our Specialised Perfect Prep Fertiliser promotes rapid germination and strong root growth to keep your lawn strong throughout the seasons Aeration is key. How often you should aerate your lawn depends on soil type, lawn usage, and the condition of your lawn. For the average garden, we recommend aerating once or twice a year. Mow regularly. Mow your lawn at a height of around three inches to keep it healthy. Avoid the common mistake of mowing your lawn too short, as this can cause unnecessary damage and lead to increased weed growth Keep your soil healthy. Regularly test your soil to check for pH imbalances or low nutrient levels. Identifying these issues will allow you to fix them quickly before they affect your grass’ health too much Give it time. New grass seeds need time to settle, germinate, and establish, so it is best to keep kids and pets off the grass during this time. If this process is interrupted, your seeds will develop weak root systems leading to poor development Keep off the grass. Wet grass is more prone to damage, so try to make a conscious effort to not walk on the grass after rainfall Rotate accordingly. Avoid the same areas of your lawn being put under stress and rotate where activities are being held. By doing this, you are ensuring that one area is not being used more frequently than others Designated areas. If possible, try to create designated areas for your little ones and pets to play to reduce the amount of foot traffic on your lawn Footpaths and walkways. We know this is not always feasible, but adding pavers or stepping stones to create a clear walking path can help protect vulnerable spots |
Ready to start your lawn’s recovery?
It is important to remember that just because your lawn is showing signs of stress or damage due to heavy foot traffic does not mean it is beyond saving.
In fact, you can see it as an opportunity to give your lawn maintenance routine an overhaul so your lawn can bounce back stronger than ever.
Start your lawn’s road to recovery today and take our quiz to be matched with product bundles tailored to your lawn’s needs.
