August 2024 - Lawn Solutions Australia

Beware Plants That Can Hurt Your Dog

Did you know that some common house plants can be toxic to pets? Pets are curious creatures and can get into our garden beds, flower beds, and house plants, so ensuring the plants around them are safe is vital. In this blog, we look at what plants are safe for pets and what plants are not.

What Makes Plants Toxic for Our Pets?

Different types of plants contain various substances, all which can differently impact our pets. While some plants are harmless, others can cause mild side effects, and others can cause significant harm. There are some factors which can increase the severity of a reaction, including the amount ingested, size of your dog, age and overall health of the dog.

dog, lawn kids

Common Symptoms Your Pet May Have from Plant Poisoning

Some common symptoms that your pets are experiencing plant poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, tremors, pain, difficulty breathing and heart rhythm abnormalities. If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to consult with your local vet as soon as possible.

What Can I Do to Help Prevent My Dog from Getting Sick?

The first step is to know what plants your pets are exposed to at home. Then you will be able to assess the plants toxicity. For a full and detailed list of that plants are toxic to your pets, check out ASPCA’s extensive list here.

What Plants Are Not Safe for Dogs?

There is also a wide variety of plants that you should be cautious about when you have pets. Below are ten common plants that are not safe for your dog:

  • Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis). Aloe Vera is safe around dogs but can cause harm when ingested.
  • Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp.). This plant contains lycorine at its bulb which is not safe for pets.
  • Azalea (Rhododendron spp.). Azalea’s contain cardiovascular toxins which can weaken the heartbeat of your pets.
  • Begonia (Begonia spp.). Although the most toxic part of the plant is underground, it is best to keep your pets away.
  • Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.). Chrysanthemums contain chemicals including pyrethrin and sesquiterpene which are toxic to pets.
  • Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.). Cyclamen contains triterpenoid saponins, which can cause extreme irritation. This plant contains its highest concentration of triterpenoid saponins at the plant’s roots, so if your pet happens to get the plant roots, it can cause serious health effects.
  • Daffodil (Narcissus spp.). Daffodils flowers and underground bulbs contain the toxin lycorine. Like other plants with bulbs, the highest concentration will be at the bulb of the plant.
  • Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.) Dieffenbachia if ingested can cause burning and swelling of the mouth.
  • Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) Although these plants are stunning to look at, they can be highly toxic if eaten, causing sever nausea and vomiting.
  • Lantana (Lantana camara) Lantana is not only a noxious weed but is toxic to pets. If you do happen to spot some of this plant growing in your garden, it is best to remove it as soon as possible. 

What Plants Are Safe for Use Around My Dogs?

A wide variety of plants are safe for use around dogs. A few of our favourite plants are:

  • African Violet (Saintpaulia)
  • Petunias (Petunia)
  • Callistemon (Bottlebrush)
  • Grevillea (Spider Flower)
  • Sunflowers
  • Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
  • Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
  • Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
  • Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa)
  • Magnolia Trees

 

10 Facts About Grass You Probably Didn’t Know

Grass is everywhere! It’s in our parks, at our homes and in fields where our food grows. But there are some facts about grass that you probably don’t know! Test your turfgrass knowledge and see which facts you do and don’t know.

Fact 1 – 1 Acre of Grass (4,047m2) Will Supply Enough Oxygen for 64 People a Day!

This accounts to 63m2 creating enough oxygen for one person per day (Maryland Agricultural Statics Service). This is far greater than trees, where 1 acre will produce enough oxygen for 18 people per day (Growing Air Foundation).

love your lawn

Fact 2 – Wheat is a Type of Grass!

Wheat, the most widely grown crop in the world is actually a type of grass! All grains, including rice, corn and oats are all examples of different grass types.

Fact 3 – The Leaf of Grass is Made up of Around 75% – 85% Water

Grass is mostly made up of water! This is similar to selected veggies and other plants, with lettuce up to 96% water, celery and tomatoes being 95% water and cauliflower 92% water.

water lawn

Fact 4 – The Temperature on a Natural Green Lawn in Summer Can Be 10 Degrees Less than Bare Soil, 20 Degrees Less than Asphalt, Concrete or Pebbles and 40 Degrees Less than Synthetic Grass!

You want your home to be as cool as possible on hot summer days. A natural turf surface can significantly help cool your home! On a 28-degree day in Sydney, a synthetic sports field measured a whopping 88 degrees, posing serious health hazards (Turf Australia).

Fact 5 – There are Currently 11,500 Accepted Species of Grass.

Another estimated 1,500 species of grass taxonomists (biologists who group organisms into categories) have yet to be added to this list as it is still considered a work in progress (National Museum of Natural History).

turfgrass research

Fact 6 – Zoysia Grasses Have More Genetic Diversity that a Plant Breeder Can Use to Create New Grasses Compared to Other Grasses like Buffalo.

Zoysia grasses have around 600 unique Zoysia plants that have been collected from across the world. These 600 grasses are used as the foundation for breeding new Zoysia grasses. Whereas buffalo grasses have around 30-40 plants to create new buffalo grasses.

Fact 7 – Pink Flamingos Are the Most Popular Lawn Decoration

Did you know that around 250,000 pink flamingo lawn decorations are sold each year? Although these are not a common decoration here in Australia, they are more commonly found on lawns across the United States.

pink flamingo on lawn

Fact 8 – Frank J. Scott Wrote the First Lawn Care Book in 1870

The first lawn care book, The Art of Beautifying a Suburban Home Grounds, was written by Frank J. Scott, in New York, USA. This book has more recently been selected by scholars as being culturally significant, therefore it has been preserved, reproduced and is generally available to the public.

Fact 9 – Grass Grows on Every Continent, including Antarctica!

Yes, even grass grows in Antarctica! One of the main grasses growing in the cool regions of the Antarctic Circle is Deschampsia antarctica, more commonly known as Antarctic Hair Grass.

Fact 10 – TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda Was Hand Selected Out of Almost 30,000 Different Bermuda Turf Varieties

TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda was bred by one of the world’s leading turfgrass breeders, the University of Georgia. This grass was chosen out of almost 30,000 other grasses due to its superior qualities in drought tolerance, shade tolerance, wear tolerance, and winter colour. TifTuf is also the only turfgrass in Australia to be awarded with the Smart Approved Watermark. This award is for its superior drought tolerance, needing on average 38% less water than other turf varieties.

bunnings turf

For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.

Lawn Solutions enewsletter

How to Avoid Burning Your Lawn

When it comes to caring for your lawn, sometimes too much love can cause more damage than good! In this blog, we look at some common causes of accidentally burning our lawns and how to avoid this from occurring.

How to Avoid Burning My Lawn with Fertiliser

Fertilisers are one of the main culprits of burns on your lawn. When using fertilisers, it is always best to follow all application instructions and apply the correct amount of product to your area size.

Granular fertilisers often need to be applied to a dry lawn and then watered in so that the granule is washed into the lawn’s profile. When using granular fertilisers, apply the granules to the area evenly. Using a fertiliser spreader will assist with this.

When using liquid fertilisers, the main cause of burning can be overapplying products to your area. Ensure you know how big your lawn area is and measure how much product is required for your space. When using a hose on product, check the area size it covers and apply it to the whole space.

Fertilising lawn

How Can I Avoid Burning My Lawn When Using Herbicides?

When using herbicides on your lawn, there are a few steps you can take to avoid burning from occurring. Before purchasing a product, check the label to ensure it is safe for your lawn type. Some herbicides are not safe for all lawns.

Another common cause of burns is applying too much product, this can be done in multiple ways. Before application, make sure you know the area size you want to treat and mix your herbicide accordingly. If using a hose on product, ensure you apply it across the whole lawn and not just concentrated to where the weed is growing, as this can cause burns to the grass underneath.

spraying herbicide

How to Use Non-Selective Herbicides

As the name suggests, non-selective herbicides like Roundup and Zero with the active ingredient Glyphosate will target all plant material that they touch, including your lawn. This means when using them, you will need to be very careful where you spray and even when walking over sprayed areas.

These herbicides are best used to completely remove all plant material in areas where you are looking to completely renovate or treat weeds in paved or concrete areas. However, if there is a weed growing in your lawn and no selective herbicide is available for its removal, you may have to use a non-selective herbicide. When this is the case, the best application method is to carefully apply the non-selective herbicide with a weed wand or small paint brush for an accurate application.

When non-selective herbicides are not carefully applied, they can also kill off the surrounding grass.

weed wand

How Do I Help My Lawn Recover from a Burn?

If your lawn has become burnt, there are a few things you can do to help it recover.

What should I do if a burn has just occurred on my lawn?

If a burn has just occurred, the most important thing to do is water the lawn well. This will help wash away excess product and encourage new growth. Following this, keep up with regular mowing to stimulate new growth.

water lawn

What should I do if I have killed a patch of grass?

The first thing to consider is the size of the area. If the patch is smaller than an A4-size piece of paper, the surrounding grass should be able to grow and spread back over it. If the area is larger than this, you may need to use a turf roll to patch up the lawn for a faster recovery. Please check out our Repairing Bare Patches blog for more information here.

For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.

Lawn Solutions enewsletter

Game On: Woodburn Sports Fields Rise from Floodwaters

WITH CLARENCE VALLEY TURF

Clarence Valley Sports Fields Maintenance is a part of the Clarence Valley Turf Farm owned by Travis and Helen Stone, located in Seelands via Grafton NSW. The company was employed by the Richmond Valley Shire Council to refurbish parks and sports fields located in Casino and Woodburn, NSW. These areas were decimated by the floods in the Northern Rivers area in February and March 2022, having a severe effect on the sports fields in the area.

The flooding experienced in Woodburn was like nothing that had come before, it was much higher than a one-in-five hundred- year event. The residents quickly moved to higher ground, but the waters continued to rise. There were stories of some individuals having to shelter in the dark on the local bridge with the full force of flood waters surging around them, before the immense relief when a small group of boats found them and took them to safety. Woodburn

School provided shelter for hundreds of locals who waited many days for the water to recede and access roads to open again. The devastating effect of the flood was considerable, with 154 properties in Woodburn being damaged, along with community buildings, infrastructure, and local businesses pertinent to employment in the region. With damage to so many homes, Woodburn had a long journey of rebuilding in front of them. Once the waters had receded, the council quickly established a Recovery Advisory Group to work with residents and support the recovery, along with the support of the Australian Defence Force personnel who came to help with the clean-up.

Such a large volume of water had a devastating effect on the region’s local sporting infrastructure. This inundation led to the deterioration of the playing surface at Woodburn Oval, causing undulations, cracks and compaction issues that significantly compromised its usability. Consequently, there was a need for levelling to address these unsafe undulations and resurfacing to rectify surface imperfections, invasive weeds, and grasses to create a uniform surface. This restoration process involved the decompaction and working over of the soil profile, topdressing, slight levelling/shaping of the playing surface and laying new turf.

Clarence Valley Sports Fields

Woodburn flooding: Woodburn oval

Despite interruptions due to rain, the Clarence Valley Sports Field team were able to complete the preparation and repair of the soil over eight days ready for brand-new turf to be installed on the newly levelled surface. Over four days a team of turf layers installed 8,250m2 of TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda turf, bringing the field back to prime condition for residents and visitors. The one-in-five hundred-year flood might have destroyed the sports field, but a team of qualified professionals from Clarence Valley Sports Fields Maintenance were able to bring it back to life within a matter of days.

Clarence Valley Sports Fields

Casino flooding: Queen Elizabeth Park

Floodwaters also inundated the main street of Casino at Queen Elizabeth Park on Monday, February 28th, following days of incessant rainfall. Evacuations were initiated in low-lying areas as flash floods persisted, prompting the river to breach its banks. An emergency shelter was set up at Casino High School, with volunteers offering aid such as meals, warm clothing, and blankets to evacuees. As water encroached upon shops along Walker Street, volunteers assisted in fortifying entrances with sandbags and relocating stock and equipment to higher ground. By Tuesday morning, water levels began to recede, revealing wandering cattle in the town, which were promptly gathered by council rangers. The subsequent cleanup commenced, with many shops reopening by Wednesday and cleanup crews removing debris from local residences. Approximately 270 properties incurred damage, along with local sports facilities, roads, and infrastructure. The force of the floodwaters resulted in severe erosion of the riverbank, uprooting trees and destroying years of habitat restoration efforts.

The remediation of Queen Elizabeth Park commenced with a request from the council for the flood-affected grass areas to be also repaired through the installation of TifTuf. Clarence Valley staff administered pre-emergent herbicides and controlled- release fertilisers before sprigging TifTuf across an 8,500m2 area, followed by rolling and watering the park upon completion of the project.

Despite the challenges posed by the flooding across the region, the restoration efforts stand as a testament to the resilience and determination of the community, recognising the importance of rebuilding and revitalising recreational space for the community.

Lawn Solutions enewsletter

Lawn Doctor Brings ‘Tuf’ New Turf to WA Schools

AVELEY NORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL

Western Australia has approximately 490 public schools throughout the Perth metro area. Each school has a grounds person to look after each site, many only on a part- time basis of 1-2 days per week, unless it is a large school requiring further full-time equivalent (FTE). Irrigation on all sites is automatic and water is supplied via bores. The maintenance of the turf areas is currently carried out by two contractors. Lawn Doctor is the largest service provider with 270 school sites, including the mowing, fertilising, weed spraying, renovation, and construction of all turf areas. Lawn Doctor has been contracting to the Department of Education in WA for 32 years.

The climate in WA is hot and dry in the warm months with an average rainfall of around 600mm per year with most falling during the winter months as summer rain in the Southwest corner of the continent is uncommon. Perth metro area is 99% sand with little to no water or nutrient holding capacity, making growing good quality turf difficult.

The current maintenance contract limits school sites to just one fertiliser application and two wetting agent applications per year unless they choose to allocate additional funds themselves. This restriction poses a challenge in maintaining a durable surface that can withstand the harsh climate, constant water restrictions, and the sandy soil composition. Moreover, the constant heavy usage of the turf areas by students exacerbates the difficulty of keeping the turf surface in optimal condition. Adding to these challenges, the invasion of Southern Sting Nematodes has further intensified the struggles faced by many turf areas.

Southern Sting Nematode

Southern Sting Nematode (Ibipora lolii) is the most damaging nematode pest of turfgrass in Australia. It was first reported in the Newcastle area of New South Wales in 1979 and is now causing severe damage to sports grounds in Perth.

For years, the Department of Education specified the use of Kikuyu on school grounds, believing it to be the best variety available to cope with the challenging conditions. Unfortunately, the damage caused by the Southern Sting Nematodes to the root system is particularly severe in schools where Kikuyu grass is predominant.

The impact of these nematodes is especially pronounced in sites with larger school populations, rendering the ovals completely unusable. One site was Aveley North Primary School, a reasonably sized primary school located in Perth’s Northeast, where the nematode infestation resulted in their oval being unfit for purpose.

The school has approximately 900 students and is 6 years old. The oval was laid with instant Kikuyu that arrived with a significant Sting Nematode population and the oval has struggled to be a viable playing surface. The Department of Education approached Lawn Doctor for options on how to improve the turf surface, including renovations, pesticide applications, and additional nutritional inputs.

Turf Replacement Selection – TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda

Lawn Doctor was concerned the additional funding spent would not provide the required results and this would negatively impact all stakeholders, including the students, the Department of Education, and Lawn Doctor. Lawn Doctor decided that the best recommendation was a complete reconstruction of the oval using TifTuf Hybrid Couch. A proposal was written and submitted, outlining the benefits, including the active root system, the need for minimal fertiliser inputs, reduced water usage, and its active winter growth. After several meetings and a full risk assessment, a commitment was made by the Department of Education to variate from the specified Kikuyu and go with this hybrid couch variety. An independent consultancy firm, Sports Turf Technology (STT), was bought in to work with Lawn Doctor on the process for installation and to report on what worked and what didn’t to build a basis for any possible future works using TifTuf.

One of the challenges was the watering of the new grass without impacting the water available to the rest of the school during establishment. The groundwater is plentiful, however the ground in this part of Perth is at the base of the Darling Range and is a heavy loam and clay soil. This makes the ground very tight and water extraction extremely slow. The system is comprised of a low-volume submersible within the bore which pumps into a tank of approximately 50,000 litres before a centrifugal pump delivers the water from the tank. The challenge was to ensure the recharge of the tank was sufficient and to ensure water was available for the rest of the school grounds and garden areas. STT tested the flow rates and calculated water output and was confident the infrastructure was going to be sufficient.

Lawn Doctor New Turf for Schools

Construction Process

Step 1. All sprinklers were lowered to 40mm below the surface utilising 300mm Articulated Risers on I25 Hunter sprinklers. Any other fittings and fixtures such as valve boxes and electrical pits were identified and marked out.

Step 2. The Field Top Maker (FTM) was bought in and set to 30mm, and the entire surface of sparse Kikuyu was removed, which took 2 days. There were challenges with the sand being loose as the two chaser trucks catching the trash material were constantly getting bogged. Areas that the FTM couldn’t reach were removed with an “Ings” pedestrian turf cutter, bobcat, or by hand. Once the surface was removed and waste stockpiled (we got around 300m3 waste) the waste was carted out by semi- trailers to an approved waste facility.

Step 3. The surface was turned over with the use of a Blecovator to a depth of 220mm with sieves set at 15mm to bury any overburden or excess trash and leave a clean sand base to work with. There were three passes made in differing directions. This process revealed that stone and old asphalt rubble ranged from 5mm to 350mm below the surface in the top 220mm.

Step 4. Not being aware of the rubble previously, we needed to seek action for additional works and we subcontracted to another turf contractor to sieve the profile with a beach cleaner. This delayed the project by two days, however, the machine worked well, removing stones and debris from as small as 10mm to a depth of 300mm. In total, 45 tonnes of stone and asphalt were removed. The surface needed to remain dry for this part of the operation to allow the sand to fall through the sieves easily.

Step 5. All irrigation was tested, repairs made where required and we began the re-wetting process to get moisture down to 200mm.

Lawn Doctor New Turf for Schools

Step 6. Part of the initial recommendations we made was to incorporate some organic material into the profile. This was to build organics and increase the cation exchange for nutrient holding because Sting Nematodes do not like compost. 150m3 was spread by a Marshall twin spinner evenly over the surface and was then incorporated into the top 50mm of the surface with the Blecovator.

Step 7. Levelling with a smudge board began and rolling to consolidate the surface to just leave a footprint in the soil. A Posi-track bobcat and some hard work finished off around the centre wicket, goal posts, and a few pits and valve boxes, and the ground was now ready for installation. This was completed on a Friday afternoon. Lawn Doctor set up an irrigation cycle to manage establishment watering of the freshly laid turf over the weekend to see if the equipment was up to the task. The system was set to run at 5 am, 10 am, and 3 pm to apply 4mm at each cycle, bearing in mind it was 37- 44 degrees in February with strong hot easterly winds at the base of the escarpment where the school was situated. On Saturday morning, low-level shutoffs were found in the system and the tank was nearly dry as there was no recharge into the tank. We found a gate valve that was shut and opened it and heard water going into the tank but then realised this was scheme water, not from the bore. We had no access to the bore resets, so we let the scheme run. We shut the irrigation control system down until that evening and then set it to run again on Sunday. On Monday, we managed to get Western Irrigation in as they manage the irrigation for this site and the issue was an iron filter. Once this was rectified the bore kicked in and recharge began. We were set to start laying that week; however, Lawn Doctor did not make the final decision to install until we were convinced the water was available.

Step 8. Watering was reliable and we started bringing in the turf; we transported 3,000m2 in on the first day, 4,000m2 on day 2, and the balance of 2,700m2 on the last day. The installers from Allwest Turf had a job cancel so they had up to 15 guys laying the TifTuf in 42-degree heat directly onto the sand.

Step 9. Turf installs were completed and rolling with a twin drum roller removed any depressions. Water was set to run 3 times per day for two weeks at 30 mins per station (8 stations in total) then after 2 weeks the run times were reduced to 20mins 3 times per day. Mowing began at 20mm using a Toro fairway mower, this was completed twice per week on a Monday and Thursday. Week 5 water was reduced to twice a day for 15 minutes (still 35-degree days) and the TifTuf never looked as though it was stressed by lack of water. In week 6, we further reduced the water to 1 water per day, the grass kept growing, and mowing continued twice per week. At this point, we raised the height of the cut to 25mm which is the Department of Education’s specified height and continued mowing twice weekly.

Step 10. A fertiliser application of NPK plus Trace elements was applied at 200kg per hectare.

Water was reduced at this point to 3 times per week as per watering guidelines in WA.

After 4 weeks the oval was ready for the students and school community, however, the school Principal decided to keep it out of use until the beginning of the new term after the Easter break. The TifTuf oval is now in full use and going great, the school is very happy, and the kids are enjoying their new oval and sports activities.

Our goal is for TifTuf to be recognised as an excellent option for sports turf fields in Western Australia. We hope to use this opportunity to work with STT on building a strong case study showing how TifTuf turf can outcompete the damage caused by Sting Nematodes. This, along with its other benefits including reduced water usage and nutritional inputs, strong wear and tear, and fast establishment time, will help us to educate Local Governments and sporting facilities about the overall benefits and reliability of this grass variety, not only for the users but also for the environment.

Lawn Solutions enewsletter

Revitalising Pacific Golf Club

AN INTERVIEW WITH COURSE SUPERINTENDENT CHARLIE GIFFARD

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Brisbane, the Pacific Golf Club is undergoing an exciting transformation. At the forefront of this redevelopment is Charlie Giffard, the course superintendent, whose extensive experience and innovative vision are pivotal to this project. We sat down with Charlie to discuss his journey in the world of golf, the current state of Pacific Golf Club, and the ambitious plans for its future.

From Grassroots to Greens: Charlie’s Journey

Charlie Giffard’s career in golf began in 1979 on a modest nine-hole course. Over the decades, his path took him through various locations across New South Wales and Queensland, working with a variety of cool and warm-season grasses. His extensive tenure at Indooroopilly Golf Club in Brisbane from 2004 to 2018 gave him deep insights into managing diverse green environments. “I’ve always been a student of looking at different grasses and seeing how we can do things better,” Charlie reflects.

A New Era at Pacific Golf Club

Charlie joined Pacific Golf Club at a pivotal moment. The club, located in a somewhat overlooked area of Brisbane, is in the midst of a significant redevelopment. This includes a partnership with Reside, a retirement company, leading to the modernisation of the club’s facilities. A new clubhouse, state-of-the-art practice facilities, and the latest technology such as Top Tracer and Trackman in the simulators are just a few highlights of the ongoing transformation.

“We have four simulators now, with a fifth one planned for the driving range. It’s an exciting place to be with all the new technology,” Charlie adds.

“Pacific Golf Club is situated in a fantastic part of Brisbane. It’s in a bit of a forgotten area in golf,” Charlie notes. “One of my intentions is to try and bring the profile up of the club. The redevelopment with Reside has enabled the club to modernise.”

Innovative Vision and Community Integration

The redevelopment aims to elevate Pacific Golf Club not just as a golfing destination but as a community hub. “There’s an opening up of the club and the facilities rather than just for golfers and members to the community at large,” Charlie explains. The plans include an amenity lawn, mini golf, advanced practice areas, and possibly even a swimming pool, gym, and cinema. This holistic approach positions the club as a lifestyle venue, catering to a broader audience.

Greening the Course

One of the significant upgrades under Charlie’s supervision is the installation of a new irrigation system. The old system, comprised of hydraulic systems with a mix of asbestos cement, PVC, and steel pipes, was outdated and inefficient. The new system, a Toro Lynx system with Infinity head sprinklers, promises better water distribution and turf quality, essential for maintaining high standards across the course. “It took a little over a year to install twin row irrigation, starting in mid-2022 and finishing in June 2023,” Charlie explains. “The new system gives us much more coverage and manageability.”

As an early adopter of Zoysia, Charlie Giffard immediately recognised its potential for golf course use, particularly for its sustainability and maintenance advantages. “Zoysia has many good qualities that make it an excellent fit for golf. With sustainability being a key focus, it minimises inputs compared to what we were working with before, like 328 and other Bermudas or couches,” Charlie explains. The successful implementation of Zoysia at previous courses had proven its value, and Charlie was eager to leverage this experience at Pacific Golf Club.

Pacific Golf Club

“When we were looking at the amenity lawns around the clubhouse, it was a no- brainer for me to choose Zoysia,” Charlie states. “Its aesthetic appeal and low maintenance requirements made it ideal for the club’s plans.” The new lawns, planted with Sir Grange Zoysia, are not just for show. “We’ve got tables and chairs out on it, and it handles a lot of weekend wear and tear, including kids playing and jumping castles. It’s cut at 50mm, making it durable and perfect for heavy use.”

Looking ahead, Charlie also envisions using Zoysia for the redevelopment of the nine- hole course, highlighting its resilience and suitability for diverse golfing conditions. “The Primo Zoysia we’ve installed on greens at other courses has proven to be an excellent surface, and I have high hopes for its future applications across this course also.”

Pacific Golf Club

Future Plans and Maintenance

As redevelopment progresses, Charlie’s focus is on refining the course’s playing surfaces and upgrading the greens. Plans include transitioning from the traditional 328 grass to TifEagle, known for its superior quality. A master plan is in development to potentially revamp the course layout, enhancing the overall golfing experience.

“At the moment, I’m looking at trying to clean up a lot of the playing surfaces. We’ve achieved a lot in the last 12 months in getting old grass weeds out and are about 80% Greenlees Park or hybrid green couch,” Charlie says. “We’re also planning to update our mowing lines and upgrade the greens to TifEagle.”

Pacific Golf Club

Since the redevelopment began, the members of Pacific Golf Club have shown tremendous support, with a full membership and a waiting list of eager applicants. Initially sceptical, many members are now seeing the impressive results and are enthusiastic about the club’s future, confident in the positive direction of the ongoing improvements.

Charlie Giffard’s tenure at Pacific Golf Club is marked by innovation and a commitment to excellence. His extensive experience and forward-thinking approach are driving the club’s transformation, making it an exciting place for both golf enthusiasts and the broader community. As Charlie aptly puts it, “It’s not just a golf course; it’s a lifestyle.” With such a dynamic vision, Pacific Golf Club is set to become a premier destination in Brisbane’s golfing landscape.

We thank Charlie Giffard for his time and insights. Stay tuned as we continue to follow the exciting developments at Pacific Golf Club.

Pacific Golf Club

Lawn Solutions enewsletter

Building a New Turf Farm to Mitigate Risk of Flooding

DIRECT TURF IN THE HAWKESBURY

In the Hawkesbury region of NSW, two major challenges for turf farming include locating flood-free land with sufficient water supply and cultivating turf within Development Approval criteria. In this area, one cannot simply purchase any parcel of land and convert it into a turf farm due to soil type restrictions or lack of access to ample water resources.

When Direct Turf was seeking turf production land, considerable research and investigation were involved in determining which conditions would meet their criteria. The land they found where they currently reside, has been used for intensive agriculture since 1965, and the property has access to permitted water from the Hawkesbury River.

Clearing and preparing the site for acquisition was relatively straightforward as the land was already 90% cleared due to previous farming activities. However, the higher parts of the farm presented challenges with rocky terrain and drainage issues. Direct Turf dedicated three months to excavation, rock breaking, and the removal of floating rocks. Additionally, they installed four kilometres of agricultural drainage lines, which were then covered with aggregate.

Direct turf farm development

The next stage of the project involved irrigation planning and pumping. To address the undulating nature of the paddocks and prevent erosion and runoff, Direct Turf installed a fully automated irrigation system designed to micro-irrigate the soil profile and turfgrass efficiently. The system comprises 22 stations, each approximately 220 metres long and spaced 18 metres apart. Powered by a submersible pump with a capacity of 30kva, it delivers 26 litres per second, allowing for the operation of 24-26 Rainbird pop-up sprinklers, each delivering 1 litre per second. Additionally, the pump features an automated self-cleaning system on the foot valve to remove debris and sand.

1.2 kilometres of mainline were installed, 10 kilometres of poly pipe of pop-ups and 1.2 kilometres of electric cable to control solenoids for water flow coupled to a rainbird controller link by WIFI to your mobile phone. Having this system allows the farm to be completely watered within 5 hours.

When planning the varieties of turf to plant, Direct Turf faced a challenging decision. They worked diligently with Lawn Solutions Australia to gain a comprehensive understanding of the 20-year plan and the ongoing research and development aimed at introducing new turfgrasses to the market.

Direct turf farm development

Drawing from their previous sales history, Direct Turf was able to estimate the appropriate quantities of each variety to plant. Direct Turf eagerly anticipates future innovation in turf, especially with a new buffalo variety currently undergoing trials by Lawn Solutions Australia and other members of the industry.

In the planting and infrastructure phase, Direct Turf embarked on a rigorous process. They sprayed and worked the soil for 12 months, ensuring optimal conditions. Once satisfied with the outcome, all areas underwent fumigation to prevent further germination of weed and grass seeds. At this stage, AusGAP, an organisation ensuring quality standards in turfgrass production, conducted on-site inspections and issued a certificate, enabling Direct Turf to proceed with planting.

Direct Turf utilised a Sammut multi-row planter for the planting process, initially focusing on one variety. They planted 400m2 of each variety per hectare. During planting, three individuals operated the row planter, while another person managed the roller and sprayed pre-emergent herbicide. Following planting, Direct Turf monitored moisture levels closely through their irrigation system to ensure optimal turfgrass establishment.

Direct turf farm development

During the growing phase of the turf, Direct Turf diligently monitors the nutrient content in the soil and supplements as needed to promote robust root development and lush leaf growth. This period can often be quite stressful, as various factors such as heat, humidity, sunlight, and rainfall need to align perfectly.

In the case of the Zoysia Australis and Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo varieties, both were harvested approximately five months after planting. They were planted on the 10th of November 2023, and the first 100 rolls were harvested on the 31st of March 2024.

Throughout the process, Direct Turf encountered several challenges. Heavy rain led to significant erosion, while the unexpected volume of rocks required extensive rock-breaking efforts. Establishing roadways to navigate between the top and bottom paddocks and maintaining effective communication with all relevant parties were paramount.

Direct turf farm development

Of the total land area, 22 hectares were earmarked for the project, with 17 hectares designated for turf production. Implementing flood-proofing measures was crucial for business continuity. While this property is 70% flood-free, it represents a substantial but necessary investment to safeguard against potential devastation caused by floodwaters. This contrasts with Direct Turf’s other farm in Windsor, situated in a floodplain, which has endured three floods in as many years, resulting in significant damage and disruption to operations.

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Advantages of Certified Turf in Commercial Environments

UNPARALLELED TURF QUALITY WITH AUSGAP

The choice of turfgrass can significantly impact the success of a project especially in commercial landscaping. AusGAP certification is a mark of quality and consistency in turfgrass production, promoting the highest industry standards. When planning a commercial landscape value for money as well as being fit for purpose are usually at the forefront of decision making.

Long term cost efficiency

The upfront investment for AusGAP certified turf pays dividends in the long run. You avoid the possibility of turf substitution which unfortunately still happens within the industry. AusGAP certified turf varieties have been developed and researched for decades to be lower input, more environmentally adaptable and to perform better in high stress situations. Unlike lower- quality turfgrass varieties that may require more watering, fertilisation, and pest control treatments, AusGAP certified turf is proven to be more robust than other common turfgrass varieties, reducing the need for ongoing interventions and expenditures. By requiring less water, fertilisers, and pesticides, AusGAP certified turf not only saves businesses money on input costs but also minimises the environmental impact associated with excessive chemical usage. Additionally, the low maintenance requirements of AusGAP certified turf can translate into significant time savings for property owners and maintenance teams, allowing them to focus resources on other critical aspects of property management.

Enhanced aesthetic appeal and property values

High-quality turf enhances the visual impact of a landscape and can add significant value to real estate. Due to the better performance of new and improved turf than older turfgrass varieties, this also ensures turfgrass looks better for longer in high wear situations and is typically able to recover where other varieties are unable to. This has been found with TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda in sports grounds and goal mouths and even beach front community spaces where other turfgrass varieties has failed. Even in a domestic setting, high quality turf has been estimated to increase the value of a property by 20%.

Unparalleled quality assurance

AusGAP certification represents the best quality turf the industry has to offer in turfgrass production. Turf projects opting for AusGAP certified turf can rest assured that they are investing in a product of exceptional quality and reliability. From genetic purity to turf delivered free from weeds, pests, and disease, AusGAP certified turf undergoes rigorous testing and inspection processes to meet the stringent criteria set by the certification program. This assurance of quality translates into long term cost savings for turf projects as the need for replacement or remedial actions due to turfgrass quality issues is greatly minimised. AusGAP can also upon request depending on scale of the turf project provide specialised reports about the turf you will be receiving, ensuring that once the project is ready to commence, the turf is ready for harvest and up to standards.

From quality assurance and aesthetic appeal to long term cost efficiency, AusGAP certified turf offers value and benefits to all turf projects. By investing in high-quality AusGAP certified turf you are investing in the overall success and economic value of the project. As businesses continue to recognise the value of investing in high-quality landscaping solutions, the demand for AusGAP certified turf grows, driving innovation and excellence in the turfgrass industry.

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TAFE NSW Graduate Growing Career at Queensland Country Bank Stadium

DIPLOMA IN SPORTS TURF MANAGEMENT

A top stadium groundsperson has successfully pivoted his career in the in-demand greenkeeping industry, after studying at TAFE NSW.

The greenkeeping industry is set to grow by 1,400 jobs by 2026, and TAFE NSW is delivering a pipeline of workers to the sector through its sports turf management courses.

Adam McNeill grew up on the NSW south coast and studied horticulture at TAFE NSW about 20 years ago. As an apprentice, he worked at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Sydney Football Stadium, before returning to the south coast to work for local councils.

“I then followed my mentor Bruce Fouracre up to Townsville to work at the city’s old 1300SMILES Stadium, before transitioning to the new Queensland Country Bank Stadium and have had amazing experiences preparing the venue for everything from Cowboys matches and the State of Origin game in 2021, to Pink’s concerts this year,” Mr McNeill said.

TAFE sports turf management

To ensure longevity in the industry, in recent years Mr McNeill looked to grow his skills.

“The further into my career I travelled, I recognised I needed a Diploma in Sports Turf Management qualification to transition to managerial roles and grow my career as I get older,” Mr McNeill said.

“I returned to study, originally in Victoria; but due to complications during the COVID-19 pandemic, I returned to TAFE NSW and completed my studies.

“I now have the practical and theoretical skills needed to pivot my career in this industry as a Senior Groundsperson at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.”

Mr McNeill said the diploma has helped boost his contribution to the success of the world-class stadium.

“I’m now taking on more responsibility, I’ve enhanced my time management skills, and now have deeper insights into the managerial duties that are required to effectively coordinate the care of the arena surface at a major stadium,” he said.

Head Teacher of Sports Turf Management at TAFE NSW, Ian Clarke, said the organisation is delivering skilled groundspeople to the industry.

“Through the Diploma of Sports Turf Management program, we ensure our students are equipped with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge they need to get the job they want – whether that be at a local golf course, or at top-level venues like Queensland Country Bank Stadium,” Mr Clarke said.

“It’s pleasing to see Adam continue to succeed in the industry, having returned to TAFE NSW to diversify his skills and pivot his career direction in sports turf management.”

Mr McNeill is an advocate for more people studying sports turf management to meet the industry’s demand for workers.

“It is a fascinating career and I find it rewarding and satisfying,” he said.

“Turf is a living organism, and we keep asking so much of it; but when you can walk away and look at the product we’ve produced for an event, whether that be an NRL game or a concert, that’s when you get that sense of achievement.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to work in a new, major stadium. There are only a handful of venues of this calibre in Australia, so I take very seriously the responsibility of creating a product that’ll be viewed by thousands of people.”

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50 Years of Agland Turf

ESTABLISHED 1974

Back in 1974, Robert ‘Bob’ Agland made the unexpected decision to leave his career as a welder and become a turf farmer. He loved the outdoors and longed for a career that involved less travelling and shorter hours.

At the time, he lived in Berkeley Vale on the Central Coast with his wife Annette and their 2 daughters, Margaret and Vicki. He travelled daily into inner Sydney for work, relying solely on train transport to get to and from work as well as moving from job to job during the day. He got tired of all the travelling and long hours and was busting to spend more time outdoors. He wanted to work closer to home, with less travelling and therefore shorter days. When the opportunity arose for him to purchase a turf farm, he just couldn’t say no.

In June 1974, Bob Agland purchased a turf farm in Wyong and started ‘Agland Turf’ as a business. The property was an established turf farm with common Kikuyu and a small amount of Couch already growing and Bob kept on all the previous owners’ staff when he took over to assist him with the running of his new business. The property purchase included a turf cutter; however, all turf deliveries were made using a trailer. Bob eventually acquired a delivery truck to make the whole delivery process more efficient.

In February 1981, Bob moved his family to Dumeresq Island near Taree on the mid North Coast. He purchased a former dairy farm and had to start from scratch to establish his turf business again. Due to the constant flooding of the Manning River across his property, Bob moved his family again in February 1984. This time they purchased a house in Nabiac on the Mid North Coast and leased local paddocks for the turf business. Bob and Annette lived in Nabiac for the next 18 years, expanding their business and watching their family grow.

In 1997, Bob’s son-in-law, Wayne Griffis, began working alongside Bob to gain valuable insight into the turf industry and to learn the process of producing and harvesting turf. Wayne grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Dyers Crossing just outside of Nabiac. After leaving school, he acquired his trade certificate in dairy management and went on to work on various local dairy farms over the years. He had experience in pasture production for cattle as well as fertiliser and chemical experience but knew very little in the way of turf production and management.

In 2000, Bob’s health deteriorated, and Margaret and Wayne purchased the ‘Agland Turf’ business where Wayne put his newfound skills and knowledge into action. Bob and Annette moved away from the area and headed out west to Gunnedah to relieve Bob’s health symptoms. They moved back to the area in 2009 to be closer to their family before Bob sadly passed away on the 25th of May 2012.

agland turf

In 2002, Margaret and Wayne purchased their current property at 520 Dargavilles Road, just outside of Nabiac and began preparing the paddocks for planting. Later that year they planted their first buffalo turf variety, Palmetto Buffalo.

Agland Turf registered as a member of the Lawn Solutions Australia network in 2022 for their amazing grower support, not to mention their premium varieties of turf. Agland Turf soon gained AusGAP accreditation after planting their first turf variety from Lawn Solutions Australia, a paddock of TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. In February 2023, they planted Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo followed by Zoysia Australis in April the same year.

Margaret and Wayne together have four boys with their eldest son Aaron starting work on the farm in 2015 after finishing school. He is now Agland Turf’s AUSGAP Certified Representative (ACR) and ensures all of the turf varieties adhere to a stringent set of quality standards. In 2019, their third-born son Matthew began working for the business. He mainly works behind the scenes on the farm ensuring all turf varieties are to the highest quality before harvesting. Their 2 other children, Joshua and Kye, both occasionally work for the business however wish to pursue different career paths.

turf harvesting

In 2018, Margaret and Wayne purchased another former dairy farm just up the road from their home, along the beautiful Wallamba River where they are now growing TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo and Zoysia Australis.

50 years on, Agland Turf now supply a range of premium quality LSA turf varieties and lawn care products to customers right along the Mid North Coast and down to the Hunter Region of New South Wales. Agland Turf pride themselves on growing and supplying exceptional quality turf to suit a variety of applications including sports fields, parks, golf courses and residential lawns, and are proud to remain a family owned and operated business, thankful for Bob’s wild decision to pursue his dreams all those 50 years ago.

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