How to Keep Your Lawn Healthy in High-Traffic Areas

Soil compaction is a common problem in high-traffic areas, where constant footfall compresses the soil, making it harder for water, air, and nutrients to reach the grass roots. Aerating your lawn is one of the most effective ways to combat this issue.

Why Aeration Works
Aeration creates small holes in the soil, which allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root zone. This encourages stronger root growth, improving the lawn’s ability to tolerate stress, recover from damage, and grow back more effectively after being trampled.

For lawns with heavy foot traffic, aerating once or twice a year (depending on the level of use) is highly recommended. It’s best to aerate during the growing season, either in the spring or early autumn.

2. Can Regular Mowing Improve My Lawn’s Wear Tolerance?
Mowing your lawn regularly can also help improve its ability to handle wear and tear. Keeping your grass at an optimal height promotes thick, healthy growth and helps the lawn resist diseases, pests, and compaction.

Why Regular Mowing Helps
When you mow regularly, you’re encouraging the grass to grow more vigorously. Irregular mowing, on the other hand, stresses the grass by removing too much of the leaf at once, which weakens the plants and depletes their nutrients. This leaves your lawn more vulnerable to weeds and damage.

Mowing Tip
Aim to remove no more than one-third of the grass height with each mowing session. Regular, light mowing encourages dense growth, giving your lawn a better chance to withstand heavy foot traffic.

3. Can Fertilizer Improve My Lawn’s Wear Tolerance?
Fertilising your lawn is another essential step in maintaining its health and resilience. Fertiliser replenishes the nutrients lost through regular wear and tear, helping your grass grow stronger and thicker.

Why Fertiliser Helps
Applying a balanced fertiliser can boost growth and repair any damage caused by traffic. Most grass types will benefit from 2-3 applications of fertiliser per year, ideally in the spring and autumn. This helps your turf transition smoothly through changing seasons and ensures it’s well-nourished during periods of heavy use.

For the best results, we recommend using a high-quality, slow-release fertiliser like Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser.

4. Does Sunlight Help My Lawn Withstand Foot Traffic?
Grass needs sunlight to grow and thicken. The more sunlight your lawn receives, the faster it will grow and the better it will be able to recover from wear. Without enough light, your turf will struggle to grow and may thin out, leaving it more vulnerable to damage.

Maximising Sunlight
If your lawn is regularly trampled, make sure the area gets plenty of direct sunlight. If your lawn is shaded by trees or shrubs, consider pruning back any overhanging branches to increase sunlight exposure. The more sunlight your grass gets, the better it will perform in high-traffic areas.

5. What’s the Best Turf for High-Traffic Areas?
If your lawn is exposed to heavy foot traffic, pets, or children, it’s crucial to choose a turf variety that can handle these conditions. Some grass types are more wear-tolerant and better suited for high-traffic zones.

Best Turf Varieties for High-Traffic Areas

TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda: TifTuf is a top choice for lawns that need to withstand heavy use. It’s a soft, fine-leaf variety with excellent wear tolerance, drought resistance, and rapid recovery. It requires at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day and is perfect for high-traffic lawns.

Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo Grass: Sir Walter is a versatile, low-maintenance turf variety that thrives in high-traffic areas. It has a soft, broadleaf texture, making it ideal for homes with kids and pets. Sir Walter is also highly resilient to wear and tear and performs well in both sun and partial shade.

Need Help Choosing the Right Turf?
Choosing the best turf for your specific needs is crucial for creating a healthy, durable lawn. If you’re unsure about which variety is right for your high-traffic areas, speak to our professional team. They can help guide you in selecting the best turf type for your home and lawn care needs.

By following these tips—regular aeration, mowing, fertilisation, and choosing the right turf variety—you can help your lawn stand up to heavy foot traffic and keep it looking lush, healthy, and a Greener Lawn.