Keep your lawn looking its best year round with lawn care advice from Australia’s leading
grass experts.
If you recognise any of these issues, just follow the recommendations on how to fix it and
you should start to see your lawn on the mend in no time.
Although a well maintained Kikuyu grass lawn could look good in areas of full sun, it doesn’t stand up to shade-affected areas and quite often becomes patchy and dies off. This is particularly crucial when choosing Kikuyu grass for newly planted gardens as initially you may have plenty of sun, but as plants grow, more shade is inevitable. As the shade starts to limit the amount of sun that lands on your lawn it will slowly start to become patchy.
Due to its vigorous growth patterns, Kikuyu is a very invasive grass and doesn’t tend to want to stay put in its designated area. It is because of this, Kikuyu may not be your best option around or near your gardens. Due to its strong vertical and sub-surface growth habits, your average Kikuyu lawn can easily invade and spread throughout your garden, and becomes very difficult to control as this is mainly occurring beneath the surface. This can be difficult to control especially if you have low shrubs growing in your garden as the Kikuyu and the shrubs tend to become interlocked and the plants ultimately suffer.
Although a Kikuyu lawn’s initial cost is lower than that of a soft-leaf buffalo lawn, the long-term maintenance and upkeep costs are much higher. Kikuyu is highly susceptible to both weeds and pests, and as its growth is vigorous, you will be spending a lot more time pushing your mower around. A higher initial investment in a superior lawn variety will save you time, effort and money over the long run, not to mention you will have a better looking lawn for it! Not sure which grass type is right for you? We can help you choose.
Zoysia grasses, such as Platinum Zoysia, can offer you a finer-textured alternative when selecting a turf grass for your tropical, sub tropical and warm temperature conditions.
Platinum Zoysia, although producing a much finer leaf to most varieties suited to warmer climates, thrives in extreme heat and humidity. This is due to the ability Platinum Zoysia grass has to roll their leaves when under heat stress, which enables the plant to conserve water.
In addition to this, Platinum Zoysia grass has a very slow growth habit, which will greatly reduce the amount of time you will be pushing your mower around in the heat!
Furthermore, Zoysia Japonica grasses such as Platinum Zoysia have an appealing dark green colour, good shade tolerance and the ability to outcompete weeds once established. Platinum Zoysia grass provide a fine textured alternative for lawns in warmer climates, and are definitely worth considering as an option for your next turf project!
How much does turf cost? Priced per square metre, the cost of natural turf is much more affordable than a range of alternatives that you may be considering for your garden. As a guide, this table offers an indication of the average cost of artificial turf, concrete and pavers per square metre compared to what turf costs. The price of turf varies depending on the grass variety chosen and also varies significantly depending on the quantity purchased, with larger quantities having a cheaper price per square metre. What stands out however is that the cost of natural turf, even at the higher end, is far more inexpensive. Coupled with the many other benefits turf offers, it really is an optimal solution.
| Outdoor Surface | Price Per Square Metre (m2) |
| Natural Turf | $25.30 – $31.75 |
| Artificial Turf | $56.75 – $279.25 |
| Concrete | $80.00 – $150.00 |
| Pavers | $143.50 – $216.50 |
It is important to be aware that opting for the most inexpensive turf may not always be the best solution for your needs. You need to ensure that the variety of lawn you purchase will happily grow depending on the amount of sun or shade your outdoor area gets and is best suited to current soil conditions. That’s why you should always rely on expert advice from an accredited Lawn Solutions Australia turf grower. They understand the climate you live in, and will come to your home and accurately measure the space, recommend the best turf to match its intended use, and provide a quote for the required quantity you need.
For turf suppliers in your area click here.
Different grasses behave differently in varying climates and soil types, which type of grass is best for you?
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.
Finding the best lawn for your situation can mean making trade-offs.
We can then help you find out what grass types are appropriate for your climate and growing conditions.
To get started, try selecting various options to see the characteristics and strengths of each of our grass varieties. As well as general advice on which grasses perform best in different climates. Click here to visit our turf selector.
Then get in touch with your local Lawn Solutions Australia turf supplier, as they will be best placed to discuss what options work best in your local climate and conditions. Our network of members across Australia are waiting to hear from you.
Once you’ve chosen your grass, feel confident knowing that all Lawn Solutions Australia grasses come with our unique 10 Year Product Warranty and that turf supplied is AusGAP Certified which ensures:
Whilst some people find turf installation to be a straightforward job – especially with our easy-to-follow Laying Turf how to guides and videos – others just don’t have the time. If you want a new lawn without the hassles of all the measuring, preparing the ground, spreading underlay and laying turf, Lawn Solutions Australia can help. Depending on where you live, our fully accredited turf growers can take care of everything for you:
If that sounds like the lawn solution for you, get in touch with your local Lawn Solutions Australia grower to ask about their turf installation and laying services in your area, and look forward to a lush new lawn without the hassle! With 40+ leading turf growers across Australia, our expert lawn professionals are only a phone call or email away.
Laying turf doesn’t have to be hard – you just have to get the preparation right and your lawn will be looking amazing in no time. Our simple steps and online turf area calculator makes it easy! It is important that you take care to be accurate.
Once you have measured each part of your lawn, our online turf area calculator will calculate the areas for you and total them together.
Once you have measured each part of your lawn, you can calculate the area of each shape manually using these easy formula, not much beyond the simple arithmetic and geometry you probably learned at primary school. Although most of the necessary calculations are generally straightforward, it is nevertheless important that you take care to be accurate. Read on to see how to calculate even the most difficult of shapes.
Measure one side of the square, then multiply it by itself (area = s x s)
Example – If the width of the square is 4 metres: 4m x 4m = 16m2
Measure the height and width of the square, then multiply them together (area = w x h)
Example – If the height is 4 metres and the width is 6 metres: 4m x 6m = 24m2
Measure the height and base, then multiply the height by half of the base (area = ½b x h)
Example – If the height is 9 metres and the base is 10 metres: 9m x 5m = 45m2
Measure the height and base, then multiply together (area = b x h)
Example – If the height is 5 metres and the base is 8 metres: 5m x 8m = 40m2
Measure the height and the top and bottom edges. Add the top and bottom edges together (b1 + b2). Divide this figure by 2. Multiple by the height. (area = ½ (b1 + b2) x h)
Example – If the top edge (b1) is 5 metres and the bottom edge (b2) is 9 metres, and height is 6 metres: 5m + 9m = 14m. 14 ÷ 2 = 7. 7 x 6 = 42m2
d = diameter, r = radius Measure the diameter of the circle, then divide this by two to calculate the radius. Multiply the radius by itself, then multiply the total by 3.14. (area = r x r x 3.14) Example – If the diameter is 12 metres, the radius will be 6 metres; multiply 6 metres by 6 metres, then multiply the total by 3.14: 6 x 6 = 36. 36 x 3.14 = 113.04m2
Measure the width and height of the oval, then divide each measurement by two to calculate r1 and r2 (area =r1 x r2 x 3.14). Example – If r1 is 3 metres and r2 is 5 metres: 3m x 5m = 15m. 15m x 3.14 = 47.1m2
Materials such as soil and sand are measured and ordered in cubic metres and tonnes. To calculate the volume of material required, first work out the area in square metres, and then multiply by the depth to get the cubic metres. Typically you might need 100mm or 150mm of turf underlay (0.1 or 0.15 metres).
Example 1 – You have a rectangle measuring 10m x 6m and need to add 100mm of turf underlay soil. 10m x 6m x 0.1m = 6m3.
Example 2 – You have a circular area with a diameter of 14 metres and a radius of 7 metres, needing 150mm of soil. The area is 7m x 7m x 3.14 = 153.86m2. The volume is 153.86m2 x 0.15m = 23.079m3, rounded down to 23m3.
You can order premium turf underlay from your local Lawn Solutions Australia turf grower, for delivery along with your turf.
Now you know how to measure, get ready for summer and get a quote.
You will need to keep your new lawn moist at all times. Watering 4 times a day in warm conditions is quite normal. An example schedule would be:
You don’t need to flood your lawn, just be sure to keep the turf and immediate underlying soil moist. You must be systemic, ensuring you water all areas. Keep in mind that during hot conditions, especially if it is windy, the lawn will dry out very quickly and additional watering may be required. Your lawn will let you know if it is drying out by its appearance and behaviour. The leaf blades will start to curl, shrivel and dry out so you’ll know when it needs a drink.
The best way to water is by overhead irrigation, in fact to establish a new lawn, overhead watering is the only way to go. Portable sprinklers attached to the end of a hose are cheap and efficient. Just move them around the lawn as required. A tap timer will ensure you don’t leave the water on for too long and waste water. An in-ground, pop-up irrigation system takes this a step further. This can be connected by a manual tap timer, or a computer controlled timer that is programmed to run as required. Hooking up a pop-up system to a rain water tank or using recycled water is the most environmentally friendly and cost effective method.
Grey water is the wastewater from washing machines, laundry tubs, baths, showers and wash basins. It does NOT include wastewater from the toilet, dishwasher or kitchen sink, as these can contain unwanted solids and potentially nasties. Grey water can be used on the garden and lawn by bucket or water re-use system. This is a good way to recycle your grey water, reduce pressure on grey water waste systems, save on valuable drinking water reserves as well as save money. If you want to use grey water be sure to use environmentally friendly, sustainable detergents that won’t harm your lawn. Before using grey water it is best to check with your local Council for advice as there may be regulations regarding the use of grey water in your area.
If you live in sand belts such as Perth underground water can be tapped into a bore or a spear. Contact your local Council to see if underground water is available in your area.
Always check the relevant water restrictions in your area as these vary greatly around the country. Your water supplier will have all the necessary information on their website. Also, your local turf supplier should have helpful advice on the local conditions and ways to use and save water.
Once your lawn sets root into the soil, it is starting to become established. You can test for this by trying to gently lift a corner of a roll or slab, if it doesn’t lift easily, the roots have set into the soil. This is a good thing as it means your lawn is growing well.
Once establishment is happening you can start to back off the watering depending on the weather and the climate in your region. The idea is to get to a point where you water less frequently, but give the lawn a deep soaking when watering does occur. This encourages deep root systems and ultimately a more self sufficient and drought tolerant lawn. As the water drains through the soil, the roots seek the water out deeper in the soil rather than just hanging around near the surface, which is what will happen if you just give short, regular waterings. Educate your lawn to go the distance.
Drought tolerance one of the key characteristics of buffalo lawn, like Sir Walter. In many areas that receive fairly regular rain, you will almost never have to water a drought tolerant lawn at all, except during routine maintenance tasks like fertilising when you have to water the fertiliser in. During extended dry periods you may have to water your lawn more regularly to maintain a lush green look, but this is purely for cosmetic reasons.
The best time to water your garden is early morning or late in the afternoon/early evening, when there is no wind and less chance of water loss due to heat related evaporation. In humid areas, avoid late afternoon or early evening watering as this can increase the chance of fungal diseases. In these areas early morning is best.
Gypsum is a soft white-grey mineral known as a ‘clay breaker’ because it helps to improve the physical condition of heavy clay soils. In layman’s terms, if you look at compacted soils under a microscope they look like a jar full of sand. If you mix gypsum with the soils it will then look like a jar full of marbles, with air pockets around them. The result of this occurring is to allow better water and root penetration. Root development and the intake of other essential nutrients are assisted as well by the calcium content of gypsum.
As a rule, gypsum is best cultivated and mixed into clay or heavy soils prior to laying turf or adding turf underlay. If you have an existing lawn that is suffering from compaction, using gypsum will also help relieve compaction in most clay or heavy soils. First aerate the lawn, then spread 1-2kg/m2 of gypsum over the lawn and rake in. If you’re unable to aerate the lawn first, water the gypsum in heavily once spread. Remember good soil structure will give you a great lawn. If you want more advice, get in touch with your local Lawn Solutions Australia member.
