Learn more about an exciting new turf variety, a direct result of this research and development program, coming in 2026 here –
Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) is strongly committed to the development of superior varieties of turf for the Australian landscape. Our Research and Development program now includes over 30,000 different cultivars of turf that we are constantly evaluating in the hope of finding a new variety that has a list of benefits for Australian consumers.
Together with our international turf breeding partners, we monitor new varieties for environmental benefits, water use, shade tolerance, drought tolerance, growing speeds and other aesthetic, environmental and practical factors. We continue to work closely with our exclusive international breeding partners The University of Georgia, BladeRunner Farms and Texas A&M University to make all this possible.
LSA has been working with Dr Ambika Chandra from Texas A&M University on a new buffalo for the Australian market for many years. New turf varieties are not shelf-stock items and take many years of research, data collection, morphological testing and comparable trials in the US and Australia before, and if, they are released to the market.
Important criteria for a new buffalo turf variety included winter colour, shade tolerance, improved drought tolerance and temperature variation from -7 to 45 degrees. These factors are all considered when assessing and observing whether a new cultivar is going to exceed what is currently already available to the Australian market. In most cases however, they fail to deliver significant results and are removed from further testing.
On Monday the 23rd of May 2022, 18 buffalo grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) cultivars arrived in Australia. It took a lengthy 12-month process of initial discussions, protocols, sourcing permits and planning before the cultivars could make their journey, but the precious cargo finally landed in good health.
These cultivars bred out of the world’s leading Texas A&M University Turfgrass Program are the best of the best in newly developed buffalo grasses. This was an incredible milestone achievement for LSA which is exclusively partnered with the world’s best to bring these new grasses to Australia.
These outstanding grasses were then assessed in Post Entry Quarantine in Melbourne for the next 12 months. Once cleared, these buffalo grass cultivars were given to LSA for evaluation trials. This has been a massive investment for LSA and one that aimed to secure the pipeline for the ‘next big thing’ in buffalo grasses for Australia’s future.
These grasses have been assessed throughout Australia in various climates and conditions over the last two and a half years. Data was recorded throughout these trials, with current buffalo grasses in the market also included for comparison.
During trials and assessments, the buffalo grasses were narrowed, with factors like density, harvestability, colour, disease susceptibility and seedhead production used to find the best performers.
While cultivar performance varied across different sites, one consistently outperformed the rest, excelling in all key areas. It proved to be the best-performing cultivar during winter in some very cold and harsh environments, which is a crucial factor for many turf producers. Remarkably, this same cultivar remained unaffected by disease during the humid summer, whereas most other buffalo cultivars were impacted. Additionally, it boasted an impressive appearance and excellent harvest quality.
Stampede Hybrid Buffalo is an interploid hybrid St. Augustinegrass (buffalograss; Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze). It was developed using embryo rescue technology through controlled pairwise crossing between a polyploid buffalograss (chromosome number: 2n = 2x = 30) and a diploid buffalograss (chromosome number: 2n = 2x = 18).
The next step in releasing this new grass to the market has involved stock expansion. When a new variety enters Australia through quarantine, we receive only a few runners of plant material to expand from for testing.
This year, LSA has set up propagation facilities for planting stock to be available to LSA foundation farms to expand and make the grass available for each member for planting. All the grass material supplied to LSA Members throughout this process has been expanded from these few pieces of trial stock that came through quarantine in 2022.
LSA engaged the services of the Australian Genetic Assurance Program (AusGAP) to monitor and enact protocols to ensure the purity of this selected variety every step of the way. As you can imagine, the process of creating a supply of a new variety of grass is slow and tedious, but it is pertinent to ensure the purity of the grass so that it performs as it has throughout trials.
Turf Talk is suitable for all turf professionals, from turf growers to landscapers, golf courses and sports ground curators, to government and related industry organisations.
Turf Talk is here to share with you the latest information on the turf industry, the exciting developments in turf research and to keep you up to date with everything you need to know about turf.
Some topics in this issue include:
Click here to download a pdf copy.
Phone – 1300 883 711
Email – news@turftalk.org.au
What is the best lawn fertiliser to use on my lawn and how should I apply it? This is a common question we get as there are so many different types and kinds of lawn fertilisers available. In this blog, we look at what exactly fertilisers are, the different types of premium quality lawn fertilisers that are available, and when you should use them on your lawn.
Your lawn is like any other plant. It needs oxygen, water, sunlight, and nutrients to thrive. If your soil is lacking in nutrients, it won’t be able to perform to its full potential. Fertilisers can be used to help replace missing nutrients.
The 3 main macro-nutrients your lawn needs to thrive are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium otherwise known as NPK.
Nitrogen is largely responsible for the growth of the leaves and is the most talked about nutrient when it comes to lawns.
Phosphorus is largely responsible for root growth.
Potassium is a nutrient that helps the overall functions of the plant perform correctly. Potassium also helps the plant use nitrogen efficiently.
Lawn Fertilisers usually contain other micro-nutrients like iron, calcium, sulphur, zinc, manganese… the list goes on!
There are many different types of lawn fertilisers available, from liquids to granular, slow release, fast release, and controlled release.
Granular lawn fertilisers are a popular option and are easy to apply. Granular options are usually available as a slow release and will deliver nutrients to the lawn over a certain period. They are best spread out using a fertiliser spreader to help apply the product evenly.
Liquid lawn fertilisers will provide much quicker results as they are absorbed into the leaf blade of the grass. They are best applied to a lawn using a knapsack or pressure sprayer.
Granular lawn fertilisers are best applied 2-3 times a year. Once in Spring, Summer, and Autumn. We recommend using the long weekends as a guide on when to do this, October long weekend, Australia Day, and the Easter long weekend.
Liquid lawn fertilisers can be applied more frequently as they are absorbed and used by the plant faster. Monthly applications of liquid fertilisers are usually recommended when active growth is present or when nutrient deficiency symptoms are visible.
Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser is a granular lawn fertiliser that contains a combination of slow and fast release granules that will give your lawn a quick initial boost and will continue to feed the lawn for up to 12 weeks. This is a well-balanced lawn fertiliser that contains all the essential nutrients your lawn needs to stay healthy and is suitable for all lawn varieties.
Lawn Solutions Australia’s ProPlus Natural Carbon Fertiliser is a professional extended-release fertiliser in a mini-prill. This newly developed natural carbon based fertiliser minimises leaching by binding nutrients to naturally occurring carbon and is suitable for all lawn types. If you cut your lawn short with a cylinder mower, if you manage your nutrient inputs closely or maintain a specialised program, this is a great fertiliser for you.
Exceed Liquid Fertiliser is a great liquid lawn fertiliser option. This liquid fertiliser will give your lawn a quick boost as it is absorbed by the leaf of the grass. Exceed Liquid Lawn Fertiliser is available in both an easy to use hose-on product, as well as a concentrate for mixing in a garden sprayer or knapsack.
Turf Talk is suitable for all turf professionals, from turf growers to landscapers, golf courses and sports ground curators, to government and related industry organisations.
Turf Talk is here to share with you the latest information on the turf industry, the exciting developments in turf research and to keep you up to date with everything you need to know about turf.
Some topics in this issue include:
Click here to download a pdf copy.
Phone – 1300 883 711
Email – news@turftalk.org.au
Last week, we had the LSA UK Study Tour, visiting England’s most iconic sporting facilities, including Wimbledon, Lords Cricket Ground and more. Here’s a little sneak peek of the tour with more detail to be provided through Turf Talk and other communications.
A special thanks to Simon Hutton from Tillers Turf Company Ltd in the UK for helping put together this incredible trip.
On Sunday evening we officially launched the tour with all delegates attending the Welcome Reception at the London Wimbledon Hotel Broadway.
On Monday we began our tour by jumping on the bus and heading to the home of tennis, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) at Wimbledon. We were hosted by the Head of Courts and Horticulture Neil Stubley who gave us a presentation and tour of the facilities and lawn surfaces.
From Wimbledon, we headed to Lords Cricket Ground where we were hosted by Head Groundsman Karl McDermott. For fans of cricket this was a very exciting stop to see and we learned a lot about what goes into preparing the turf surface for big events like the Ashes.
We started day 2 by heading straight to the home of English Rugby – Twickenham Stadium. Here we were hosted by Head of Grounds and Technical Operations Jim Buttar who gave us incredible access to all areas, sharing their full turf management program and allowing us to spend some time out on the turf.
From Twickenham we headed up North away from the London area to Sudbrook Moor Golf Club, owned by Simon Hutton of Fineturf and Tillers Turf.
Here we were met by delegates from the TGA UK (British Turfgrowers Association) where both LSA and the TGA presented to all in attendance, sharing an insight into each respective country’s industry. Finishing off the day with some golf on the driving range and putting greens, before drinks and dinner to finish off the day.
We jumped on the bus for day 3 of the UK Study Tour, with the day spent at Simon Hutton’s Tillers Turf in Newark. During the day we learnt all about the production, machinery and varieties grown and supplied to the UKMarket and the sporting facilities we have been visiting during our time here. Simon graciously showed us his extensive turf production locations, with a large number of exhibitors and machinery demonstrations also on display.In the evening we met up with the British growers once again for a dinner in Lincoln.
Earlier start for Day 4 with the tour heading to the JCB Factory in Rocester for a tour of their world headquarters. A massive facility rich in history with innovation and production of machinery leading the industry.
Then we were off to the home of the Red Devils, Manchester United Football Club and Old Trafford.
Head Groundsman Tony Sinclair presented to us inside the stadium providing us an insight into of one of the world’s most famous and successful sporting organisations. The ground is currently being resurfaced by Simon Hutton’s team at Fineturf.
Fast train from Manchester back to London where we completed the tour and headed home or onwards. Thanks to all who have joined us on this insightful tour, we’re sure a great deal has been learned and international connections developed supporting the Australian turf industry into the future.
We’ve had a great time being the exclusive turf supplier network for this year’s season of Selling Houses Australia. By the looks of these photos, Dennis Scott and the team had a great time too. Throughout series 16, a range of premium turf varieties were utilised including Sir Walter DNA Certified, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda and Sir Grange Zoysia. Thanks to all LSA Members who supplied turf throughout the series to ensure quality turf was featured throughout each program.
If you missed the series it’s not too late to catch up on all the episodes through Foxtel Now on the LifeStyle Channel with watch on demand.
https://www.foxtel.com.au/watch/selling-houses-australia.html
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda installed by Landscape Guru Dennis Scott at this beautiful house in Ellalong, NSW.
Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, supplied by Lilydale Instant Lawn. Dennis Scott and the team did a fantastic job of transforming this beautiful outdoor space in Brunswick.
Sir Walter DNA Certified installed in Turramurra, NSW.
Sir Walter DNA Certified at Mermaid Waters, Queensland.
The Smart Approved WaterMark (SAWM) by the Water Conservancy is the first water efficiency accreditation scheme in the world to recognise drought-tolerant turf.
The Smart Approved Watermark was established by the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), Irrigation Australia, The Nursery and Garden Industry Association and the Australian Water Association, to provide an identifiable label for consumers so that they can make informed choices when choosing products, services and organisations that use water efficiently, reducing per capita water consumption and helping in the end goal of preserving such a precious resource.
In 2017, Lawn Solutions Australia applied for TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda to the Water Conservancy for Smart WaterMark Approval. TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda has led the way with independent testing through the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) with significant trial data provided in its application demonstrating its superior drought tolerance characteristics. As a result, TifTuf was awarded the Smart Approved WaterMark, but with an exemption for Western Australia and the Northern Territory with data yet to be finalised for performance in these states and territories at the time.
Additional testing data was submitted to SAWM on the 23rd of February 2024 and was presented to the SAWM Expert Panel for deliberation.
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is the first turf grass to receive this for drought tolerance in Australia or anywhere in the world.
About Smart Approved WaterMark
Smart Approved WaterMark (SAWM) is the one-stop shop for water efficiency in Australia. Through its Smart Water Advice program, SAWM delivers a range of educational, interactive water-saving resources for councils and water utilities to take to communities about saving water around the home, garden, and business. SAWM certifies water-efficient products and services in Australia. With Smart Water Solutions, SAWM helps businesses reduce their water use and save money by delivering water audits and recommendations. SAWM has also published the ‘Water Efficient Australia’ 2019 report and ‘Water Efficiency 2017’ in partnership with Water Services Association Australia (WSAA). Smart Approved WaterMark works towards a blue future that celebrates the many amazing qualities of water, its strength, and its vulnerability.
After careful consideration, The Water Conservancy’s Advisory Panel has made a decision to rebrand the Smart Approved WaterMark in order to build consumer awareness. TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda has now adopted the new Smart Drop Certified Logo.
In the US, TifTuf has now also been certified under the program which means TifTuf is the first turf grass not just in Australia, but throughout the world, to receive recognition to this level of water saving efficiency.
Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) featured prominently at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show held recently promoting the LSA network of turf suppliers and their range of premium lawn varieties.
Staged at the world heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens from the 20th to the 24th of March, this year’s event was an incredible experience. Over 107,000 people came through the gates across the five days, with a huge number of people converging on Melbourne for both the Show and the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The Show features the best talent in landscaping, gardening, and floral design from right around Australia each year. With a large range of exhibitors showcasing their garden products and innovations.
The LSA range of turf grasses featured heavily across the world-class display gardens, showcasing their versatility to be used across a variety of spaces and designs. LSA members and staff, including ambassadors Charlie Albone and Jason Hodges, experienced an incredible number of enquiries and interactions throughout the week, handing out thousands of turf information guides and answering a range of lawn-related questions.
Lawns are such an integral part of the environment and gardens, and it was great to see how interested the public is in using the different turfgrass options available in a range of spaces and functions. The incredible artistry on show throughout the display garden entries exemplified the versatility of grass and how it can be used as a feature component within the landscape.
Lawn Solutions Australia has enjoyed being an exhibitor and presenting partner at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show for many years.
This year’s lawn display was simple yet striking with Charlie Albone and the team at Venus Landscaping designing and building the display over the week leading into the start of the event.
The display featured Lawn Solutions Australia’s premium turf varieties Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, Sir Grange Zoysia and the newly introduced Zoysia Australis.
Thank you to everyone involved and special mention to the team at Venus Landscaping for their efforts on the build.
In light of increasing reports of Asbestos being found in contaminated woodchips and bark material across various public space areas, we must identify superior contaminant-free, safe solutions and alternatives for these areas.
Woodchips, mulch and other mediums like sand are often used in playgrounds and swing areas as a low-maintenance ground covering, but they rarely stay clean and user-friendly for very long and have been found to suffer from asbestos contamination. This is highly concerning when there is a much better ground covering that could be used, a green and low-maintenance solution that is free of contaminants and safe for our families and environments.
This turf variety is Sir Grange Zoysia. Sir Grange is a Zoysia Matrella grass that offers a level of versatility in turfgrass that has been unseen until recent years. It has a stunning fine blade and a beautiful dark green colour. But most importantly, it can be left completely unmown and still look fantastic.
This makes Sir Grange Zoysia the perfect solution to the current asbestos issue. Woodchips can be removed and replaced with an incredible grass that requires next to no mowing at all, is soft and safe for playgrounds, is much more aesthetically pleasing and provides the assurance that the new ground covering will be asbestos free.
Often when we think about grass, it’s in the context of a lawn, sporting field or expansive park areas, and Sir Grange Zoysia can certainly be used in these applications. But its areas that we wouldn’t traditionally adopt grass where Sir Grange is truly providing an alternative floor covering and solution for troublesome landscaping areas. Garden beds, playgrounds, median strips, alongside bike paths and pedestrian footpaths – all of these areas are high maintenance areas for councils to maintain and are commonly filled with woodchips and other materials that requires regular replacement and upkeep. Sir Grange Zoysia can be used in all of these areas providing a much better outcome for councils and for the public.
Sir Grange is great in areas that are difficult to get to for maintenance purposes and can tolerate high wear once established. The reason this turf requires less mowing is due to it having a very slow growth pattern and limited height of growth. Sir Grange will grow until it reaches a certain height (about 15 to 20cm). After that, it virtually stops growing vertically and looks fantastic.
This makes Sir Grange the ideal solution for public parks and playgrounds, council verges, roadsides, sloping areas, sporting applications like golf courses and in the home lawn and play areas just like this one.
When purchasing your Sir Grange Zoysia lawn, make sure you are dealing with a genuine Lawn Solutions Australia turf supplier.
You can find the contact details of these suppliers near you here.