Advice for Turf – from selection to mowing
Laying turf can seem like a daunting task if you’ve never done it before. But the reality is that it’s actually not that complicated, as long as you have the right tools and take some time to read up on what the job entails.
You can always hire a professional to do it for you, but it’s not a bad idea to try handling it yourself. After all, it’s not something you’re going to have to do often, and it can save a lot of money to get the job done on your own.
Here’s some tips from Lawn Solutions Australia on how to lay the perfect turf.
1. Prepare a good soil base for your turf – Your soil plays a vital role in the success of your lawn and in many cases some soil improvement work is required to get the most out of it. The three main soil types are sandy, loam and clay, with many soils fitting in between these three, a sandy loam or clay loam to give a couple of examples. For general gardening and lawn purposes you can’t beat a loam soil, it’s got all the good gear and the right structure.
2. Choose a turf variety best suited to your area – Different grasses behave differently in varying climates and soil types. What this means to the consumer is that there is no one perfect
grass type for every lawn, and if you want to ensure a healthy, thriving lawn, you need to start with the best turf for your conditions and needs.
3. Water it deeply for longer, less frequently – Watering your lawn is one of the most important parts of caring for your lawn. Not watering enough leads to a range of different lawn problems
and can ultimately lead to your lawns demise. On the other hand, watering too much can have adverse effects on your lawn as well.
4. Fertilise a few times a year – Fertiliser is food to your lawn; too little and it starves, too much and you won’t see it at its peak either. If you’re keen on looking after your lawn, then getting a handle on fertilising is important. Sticking to a fertilising routine where you apply fertiliser 3-4 times a year, will provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs throughout the year.
5. Keep on top of weeds – pre-emergent, and post-emergent controls – The best way to prevent weeds is to target them before they emerge and to act quickly when they do. New pre-
emergent products enable you to kill weeds before they appear. By pulling out any weeds quickly that do appear as well, you will ensure you have a successful weed management routine
that prevents any substantial outbreaks.
6. Reduce the impact of pests – If you have a healthy lush lawn, you are still at risk from lawn grubs & other pests and need to keep your eye out and take preventative action.
7. Mow it regularly – By sticking to a regular mowing and lawn maintenance routine, your lawn will be healthier and be less likely to develop problems that will only cost you more time and money
in the long run. Regular mowing helps keep weeds down, minimises grubs, makes the lawn less susceptible to disease and promotes healthy coverage by sending nutrients from the grass
cuttings back into the soil. Plus, a freshly mowed lawn looks and smells great.
8. Aerate once a year or as required – Perforation of the soil to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. One of the most overlooked aspects of lawn care. Aeration helps the
roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, more vigorous lawn.
If All Else Fails – Go Back To Dirt
If your lawn is not salvageable, removing the remnants of the existing lawn will allow you to properly prepare for laying a new lawn. Hiring the right tools – like a, turf cutter or rotary hoe can make a huge difference in how fast and how well the lawn removal and soil preparation is performed. Maintaining a lawn or replacing a lawn can both take some time to prepare – and it will involve some financial investment too – but it’s going to be well worth it in the long run if you do it right. Don’t underestimate the benefits of creating that perfect lawn to accompany your home’s exterior, and the pleasure you’ll find in taking care of it in the future!
