Anthony, Author at Lawn Solutions Australia

Using Dolomite Lime to Reduce Soil Acidity for a Healthy Lawn

Posted on December 7, 2017January 30, 2018 by Anthony

What is soil pH?

You’ll often read the recommendation to check soil pH, a lot of people ask me what does pH actually mean? pH is simply a measure of how acid or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 6-7 is neutral, below 6 is acid, the lower the number the more acid the site. There are stacks of gardening books that list the preferred pH for specific plants.

What soil pH is best for grass?

The good news for most lawns is that they will tolerate a fairly wide range of soil pH. Anywhere from about pH 5.5 to 7 is great.

How does lime help reduce soil acidity?

A hungry lawn needs feeding but if your pH is not correct it simply won’t take what you feed it. Lime is very alkaline so helps by reducing soil acidity which in turn improves the uptake of major lawn nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. It also provides a great source of calcium and magnesium for the lawn and helps improve water penetration.

How to test the acidity of your soil

By doing a pH test on your site or underlay you can determine the acidity/alkalinity. With a simple soil test kit it’s really easy to do yourself. You can easily purchase soil test kits online from the Lawn Store.

How to apply lime to your soil or lawn

The amount of lime you should use depends on the acidity of your soil. Approximately 100-250g per m2 is the typical range. Ideally mix the lime into your soil and turf underlay prior to laying your turf. Otherwise, spread it on the top and water in well.

It’s well worth taking the time to reduce your soil acidity to get the lushest, healthiest lawn you can. Find your local Lawn Solutions Australia member grower for expert advice.

How To Top Dress Your Lawn

Posted on December 7, 2017December 7, 2023 by Anthony

When is top dressing a lawn necessary?

In most cases top dressing is done to correct poor preparation and lack of soil underneath or to fill in low spots and correct uneven areas in the lawn. If your lawn is well fertilised, healthy and even, then you don’t need to worry about top dressing.

How does top dressing help a lawn?

Top dressing brings many benefits to a lawn that is looking a little lacklustre, including helping to reduce the accumulation of dead grass clippings and stems, known as ‘thatch’. It helps to increase nutrient retention, improves drainage and increases disease and pest resistance.

When is the right time to top dress your lawn?

Should only be done during the growing season (this is when you need to mow your lawn weekly). The earlier in the season the better. Generally late spring to early summer is best.

How to top dress a new lawn

On new lawns top dressing is generally not required, but can be done to fill in any gaps or holes. However we recommend that you leave it for a few months and most of those issues will take care of themselves. Occasionally after a settling period some areas of a new lawn may need a slight correction to desired levels. Fertilise a few weeks prior to top dressing to ensure maximum growth at the time. Use river sand or a top dressing soil mix. Using a higher proportion of organic material for sandy soils is a good idea.

How to top dress an established lawn

For established lawns that need top dressing, prior to doing so mow low with a rotary mower equipped with a catcher. Aerate or core your lawn, spread the mix evenly over the desired area, then rake, level lawn or broom it into the lawn profile. Never top dress more than 1cm in a single application, making sure the grass tips are still exposed.

Topdressing to Improve Soil Profile

Your lawn needs a firm base that allows water movement downwards and allows for water retention, so the turf roots system can develop and establish. The aim is to promote a healthy root system that will protect the turf from weather conditions such as droughts and winter frost. When top dressing to improve the soil profile, we recommend using a sand/loam/compost mixture.

Topdressing to Improve Levels

For top-dressing material for level improvement, we always like to use washed or screened sand. It doesn’t compact quite as hard as brickies sand. It is generally easier to screed and level due to the lower clay and silt content and reduces the likelihood of the surface crusting and become hydrophobic.

For more hints and tips on top dressing your lawn check out our article here.

Five Common Lawn Weeds – Identification and Treatment

Posted on December 7, 2017September 19, 2024 by Anthony

Does your lawn have weeds, but you’re not sure what they are and how to remove them? We take a look at some common lawn weeds that might be growing in your lawn and look at a few different options on how you can remove them.

Cudweed

Amochaeta galviceps

Flat, shiny, mid-green leaves with a rosette shape
Various small flowers on stems
Fibrous roots
Control – hand removal and spot spray herbicide
Difficult to kill due to glossy leaves
May need two or more sprays.

Winter Grass

Poa annua

Is a low growing weed
Has soft, drooping green leaves
Grows in tufts with white seeds
Will start to appear in mid to late Autumn
Can stick around late winter or early Spring till the temperatures warm back up
Control – hand removal, pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.

Bindii (jo-jo)

Soliva sessilis

Possibly the most annoying lawn weed due to the pain caused by the seeds to bare feet
Finely dissected, small, fern like leaves, light green in colour
Flat, small compact rosettes
Small green flowers deep in leaf axis
Fine, fibrous roots
Small brown, flat seeds with sharp spines that hurt bare feet
Control – hand removal or selective Bindii herbicides in winter or early autumn before the plant sets seed
Easily managed if tended to early.

Creeping Oxalis

Oxalis corniculata

Small, light green, clover like leaves on short petioles
Small, yellow, bell shaped flowers
Forms new roots wherever stems touch the ground, creeping under and through lawn
Thin tap-roots
Very difficult to remove as crown breaks off leaving roots for re-growth
Very invasive, nasty weed
Control – hand remove small plants
Dig out section of lawn
Herbicide for larger infestations.

Clover

Trifolium spp.

Clover shaped, green leaves with with circular markings, on thin stems
Small white flowers, ball shaped on stems with leaves
Tap-roots off stolons
Is a weed in lawn but in other areas can be beneficial due to high nutritional value
Four leaved plants are very lucky, so don’t poison those!
Control – hand removal and selective herbicide.

Lawn Weed Treatment

Hand removal

Many small weeds many be carefully pulled out by hand, however you will need to make sure you have removed the roots. Using a weeding trowel or long handled, mechanical device and prizing around the roots will help ensure total removal. The bigger the weed, the bigger and stronger the roots. In some cases, a weed spray might be necessary.

Herbicides

For Cudweed, Bindii, Creeping Oxalis and Clover, you can use a broadleaf herbicide like All Purpose Weed Control or Amgrow Bin Die. These herbicides are both safe to use on Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, Sir Grange Zoysia, Eureka Kikuyu, and most other lawn types.

For Winter Grass, we recommend using a selective herbicide like Amgrow Winter Grass Killer (not suitable for Kikuyu, Rye, and Fescue lawns). This will remove any Winter Grass that is currently growing. We also recommend using a pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert when the temperatures get cooler in your area to help prevent the winter grass from returning.

When using herbicides, remember to always follow manufacturer’s instructions on the pack.

How to Improve the Colour of Lawn Instantly

Posted on December 7, 2017July 13, 2023 by Anthony

For ColourGuard for Professionals please click here

Why use ColourGuard ‘lawn paint’

ColourGuard Plus will instantly improve the colour of your lawn.

As any real estate agent will tell you, kerb appeal is essential for getting your property sold for the highest price possible. ColourGuard means you can maximise your kerb appeal with a lush green front lawn, nature strip and backyard to show off your property at its best. Make sure you apply ColourGuard before your real estate agent takes photographs of your house for marketing your property!

Or maybe you’ve got an important party coming up and you want to have a lush green lawn for your guests. ColourGuard is so fast and easy to apply, your lawn will be party-ready in no time.

Benefits of ColourGuard ‘lawn paint’

Instantly restores the natural green colour of grass – year round
Substantially reduces watering needs
Stays green during droughts and water restrictions
UV fade resistant
Won’t bleed, run, or stain once absorbed into the grass
Safe for the environment, pets and people
Works in extreme heat, cold and frost
Organic and natural – no harmful chemicals
Reduces the amount of fertiliser and water used on lawns

How to use ColourGuard

Attach your hose to the 2 Litre Ready To Use bottle, or mix the 100ml concentrate with water in a pressure sprayer as per the bottle instructions.
Spray evenly across your lawn, working from methodically from one side to another.
When spraying near hard surfaces like paths and driveways, stand on the surface and spray the ColourGuard away from the surface onto your lawn.
Leave your lawn to dry for at least 2 hours afterwards (if in full sunlight), or longer if it is shady.

Tips for using ColourGuard

If you do accidentally spray onto a hard surface, simply wash the spray off into the lawn using hosed water.
Once you have applied ColourGuard, give it 2 hours to dry in full sunlight, or longer if the lawn is not in full sun.
You can mow your lawn after using ColourGuard has dried – just don’t set the mower too low and scalp your lawn.
ColourGuard is a permanent colorant, so it will disappear as the grass leaf grows.
Don’t worry if it rains – ColourGuard is not washed off by rain or water, once it has dried.

Buy ColourGuard online now

ColourGuard is available in three sizes:

Buy now

Fully Accredited Turf Suppliers

Posted on December 7, 2017January 30, 2018 by Anthony

Australia’s leading turf suppliers

Not all turf suppliers are the same, particularly when it comes to quality and after-sales service. Lawn Solutions Australia is a hand-picked group of Australia’s best and most experienced turf growers who have come together to offer a one-stop solution for all your lawn needs. When you deal with your local quality accredited Lawn Solutions Australia grower, you will know you are getting the best lawn variety to suit your needs and environment, backed by our unique 10 year Customer Product Warranty.

Trusted brands from experienced turf growers

Our turf suppliers are the same ones who brought you Sir Walter soft-leaf buffalo grass, Australia’s favourite lawn, so you know you’re in good hands. They are committed to applying that same commitment to quality and performance across their range of turf brands.

The AusGAP ‘Peace of Mind’

AusGAP – The Australian Turf Accreditation Program, provides turf buyers the assurance that the turf you are purchasing adheres to a stringent set of quality standards. When you purchase turf from an AusGAP Certified producer you can be sure you are purchasing from the best producers in the industry. AusGAP certified producers must adhere to a strict set of guidelines in a variety of areas which include;

Turf is free of weeds, disease and pest damage
Accurate turf knowledge and information provided at point of sale
After sales care
Environmental impact
Work Health and Safety legislation
Delivery methods
Turf is genetically pure and true to type
Appropriately trained and licensed employees

All Lawn Solutions Australia members are AusGAP certified. More information on AusGAP Find my local AusGAP certified Lawn Solutions member

10 Year Lawn Warranty

Posted on December 7, 2017January 30, 2018 by Anthony

Product Warranty Certificate

Lawn Solutions Australia are committed to our products. At the time of purchase of your new lawn, we will provide a Product Warranty Certificate that guarantees your lawn for up to 10 years from the date of installation.

What does the 10 Year Lawn Warranty cover?

Lawn Solutions Australia’s unique 10 Year Lawn Warranty certifies that turf supplied by a Lawn Solutions Australia member has been grown and harvested to stringent standards. That it has been inspected upon harvesting (according to our policy and guidelines) to be free of weeds and disease before delivering, is freshly cut, and, for a period of 10 years from instalment, will perform to its maximum potential in its new environment (subject to conditions). No other turf supplier in Australia can offer this same guarantee of quality. Please note that while we are 100% committed to our products and have the utmost faith in them, it is essential to follow the laying and care instructions supplied by your Lawn Solutions Australia supplier at the time of purchase.

What to do if you have a problem with your lawn

If for any reason you feel there is a problem with your purchased turf, in the first instance contact your turf provider immediately. All Lawn Solutions Australia turf growers and turf resellers are committed to our 100% product warranty.

About Lawn Solutions Australia

Lawn Solutions Australia is a hand-picked group of Australia’s leading turf growers, some of whom have been in the industry for 40 years or more. All are growers of Australia’s favourite lawn – Sir Walter soft-leaf buffalo, and are promising the same ‘gold standard’ of quality across their whole range of turf brands and lawn care products.

Highest Quality Grass Varieties

Posted on December 7, 2017January 24, 2018 by Anthony

What is the International Turf Grass Genetic Assurance Program?

Any grass type that Lawn Solutions Australia grows that is also available in other parts of the world we grow under the International Turf Grass Genetic Assurance Program. This is the highest standard for turf on the global market.

What is the AusGAP Certification?

For our grass varieties that are especially developed for Australia, we grow them under the AusGAP Certification program. This means that all Lawn Solutions Australia growers must go through a strict set of protocols even before planting the crop begins. This includes having the paddock be pre-inspected prior to planting to ensure it’s free of pest, disease and weeds. Only genetically assured and DNA certified planting stock can be used. It must be grown to the most stringent quality control methods for turf production. It must be certified by a qualified inspector prior to harvest and sale. The Lawn Solutions Australia member must also have complied with strict LSA WPH&S procedures, employee compliance and training, as well as strict customer services sales and delivery protocols to adhere to AusGAP Certification protocols. So when you buy turf from Lawn Solutions Australia growers, it’s not just about the turf, its about the whole experience and getting a “lawn for life.”

You’re guaranteed to get what you pay for

All this means that for homeowners and commercial customers, you’re guaranteed to get what you pay for. We have taken the risk out of you getting a ‘me too’ grass, a ‘just like’, ‘son of’ or ‘bred from’ lawn. We give you what you pay for, and its backed by our 10 Year Lawn Warranty. All our grass types are either protected by Plant Breeder Rights or International Plant Patents and Trademarks, and must be grown under the AusGAP Certification program. All turf supplied by Lawn Solutions Australia growers must come with our 10 Year Warranty and the AusGAP Certification seal.

More Than Just Turf

Posted on December 7, 2017January 24, 2018 by Anthony

Help with calculating lawn area and turf costs

Confused about how much turf you will need for your garden? Find your local Lawn Solutions Australia turf supplier to get expert advise on how to measure your lawn area, or read our online guide about how to measure your lawn. Some of our turf suppliers may even offer a service to measure your lawn area for you. Once the area of the lawn is known, all our suppliers can help you calculate how much turf and underlay you need, and provide you with a written quotation.

Turf installation services

Save yourself time and get the job done right by asking your Lawn Solutions Australia turf supplier to lay your new lawn for you. Lawn care professionals can take care of removing your old lawn surface, installation of quality turf underlay, turf laying, cutting, watering and rolling. They can even provide you with the right fertiliser and watering advice to ensure you know exactly what to do in the immediate days and weeks after installation.

Expert lawn advice

Not sure what to do about your tatty old lawn? Visit our Lawn Care area or contact your local Lawn Solutions Australia supplier for advice and a quote.

How To Identify Lawn Grubs

Posted on December 7, 2017November 15, 2024 by Anthony

If you find your lawn afflicted with the curse of the lawn grubs don’t despair. Treating and eradicating these pests is relatively easy.

Here’s some signs to look out for:

Increased bird activity on your lawn

One of the most easily spotted symptoms is an increase in bird activity on your lawn. These grubs make a great snack for the local birds and you’ll find them popping over to your place for lunch!

Greyish-brown moths

Small, greyish brown moths fly around looking out for the healthiest lawn to leave their eggs on, giving their larvae the best chance of survival. These moths can be seen flying around just above the grass normally around dusk. These moths lay their eggs en masse, and in 2–5 days these eggs become grub larvae. These caterpillars are the critters doing the damage as they spend between 18–24 days chewing through your beautiful lawn before becoming pupae and around 5–8 days later moths and so the cycle begins again!

Brown patches in your lawn

As your lawn recovers from the winter chill and spring sees your lawn becoming greener, especially after your spring fertilising, keep an eye out for brown patches that stay brown. You can lift some of the grass in the patched and if lawn grubs are the culprit you’ll find that the grass will roll up like a carpet, as it has no roots.

Spongy lawn

A spongy lawn can also be a good indicator of grub activity.

Grub test

If you are unsure if you have grubs in your lawn, it is best to do a grub test. To do a grub test, mix a bucket of soapy water and pour it over the edge of an affected area (where the grass is brown or dry). Keep an eye on it and after about 10 minutes or so, usually if they are there, they will come up to the surface. This test is best done at dawn or dusk when they are most likely to be active.

How to treat lawn grubs

So how do you fix it? We recommend using a fast acting knock down insecticide like Lawn Solutions Battle Insecticide. Battle Insecticide is a powerful knockdown and residual pesticide that works through direct contact and by residual action as the pest comes into contact with treated surfaces.

Prevention

Unfortunately attack by these grubs can happen to any lawn and can occur numerous times during a season.

This is why we recommend Grub Guard Ultimate, Acelepryn GR, Acelepryn Liquid. Acelepryn provides safe and effective control of black beetle while minimising the impact on the environment and non-target organisms, such as bees and earthworms.

Acelepryn targets pests such as black beetle, stem weevil, cut worm and army worm. The great thing about Acelepryn in comparison to other pesticides, is that it’s preventative. This is why spring is a great time to spread it out and protect your lawn for up to six months.

For more advice contact your local Lawn Solutions Australia turf supplier, and send those grubs packing.

Lawn Solutions Centres

Posted on December 7, 2017September 16, 2019 by Anthony

Accredited Resellers

All Lawn Solutions Centres are run by accredited resellers backed by our extensive network of growers and producers, as well as our extensive research and development program. They are committed to upholding the stringent standards that the entire Lawn Solutions Australia network strives for, and delivering a professional, industry best service. Whether you need a measure and quote, installation services or just advice on the best grass for your lawn, your local Lawn Solutions Centre will be able to help. To complement this, all our centres offer premium lawn care products to make sure your lawns looks great all year round.

Get the best results for your lawn

Not sure what product will give you the best results for your lawn? We’ve done the legwork for you. The team behind the Lawn Solutions Centres have put their vast, collective knowledge together and come up with the best products on the market. From your local Lawn Solutions Centre you can purchase quick and slow release fertilisers, weed control, pest control, fungicides and everything else you need to keep your lawn looking the best in the street. They even have the best-selling Lawn Launcher – the perfect way to establish a new lawn and ensure that you are laying the foundations for a lawn for life.

160 locations Australia wide

At over 160 locations Australia wide, there’s bound to be a Lawn Solutions Centre near you – take the guess work out of your lawn care products and visit a Lawn Solutions Centre today.