Lawn Solutions Ferris WG Herbicide is for the post-emergent control of certain broadleaf weeds and grasses in turf and for the suppression of Winter grass and Bahia grass.
Ferris WG Controls
Broadleaf Weeds:Bindii, Black Thistle, Catsear, Cotula, Cudweed, Guildford (Onion) Grass, Medic, Mouse Ear Chickweed, Oxalis, White Clover, Onion Weed and False Onion Weeds.
Apply as a foliar application to actively growing weeds and not to weeds under stress.
Always apply with a non-ionic surfactant at the recommended rate on the surfactant product label.
How to Apply Ferris WG
Ferris WG Herbicide is a granular concentrate that requires mixing with water in a knapsack for application, with calibration involved to understand how much water to mix with the product.
Application Rate
Use 1g with approximately 10 litres of water for 100m2 of coverage.
Comes with 2g spoon – 1/2 x Full Spoon (1g/100m2).
Ferris WG Herbicide
Product Details
Provides control of hard to kill weeds.
High level of safety on Couch, Kikuyu and most Buffalo varieties.
Broad spectrum of weed control – Single pass solution.
Low application rates and low active ingredient output.
Provides suppression of difficult to control grass weeds like Wintergrass and Bahiagrass.
Vacate Dual Action Fungicide is a broad spectrum fungicide for use on Lawns, Azaleas, Roses, other general ornamental garden plants. The product provides systemic and contact disease control, both on a preventative and curative basis.
Vacate Dual Action Fungicide Controls
Anthracnose, Brown Patch, Winter Fusarium, Leptosphaerulina, Curvularia and Dollar Spot in lawn situations.
In ornamentals, it controls Azalea Petal Blight, Myrtle Rust, Botrytis Blight, Leaf Spots as well as Mildew.
Size
Vacate Dual Action Fungicide is available in a 100ml concentrate.
Vacate Fungicide
Approximate Area of Coverage
Coverage is dependent on situation being treated. Please refer to product information leaflet for more information.
How Vacate Fungicide Works
Vacate Dual Action Fungicide contains the active ingredients Trifloxystrobin (100g/L) and Tebuconazole (200g/L).
One active ingredient (Tebuconazole) is systemic in the plant and moves to the leaf tips once it enters plant parts. The other active ingredient (Trifloxystrobin) bonds strongly onto plant surfaces providing long lasted, weather protected disease control.
Vacate Fungicide Application
Vacate Fungicide is a concentrate that requires mixing with water in a knapsack for application, with calibration involved to understand how much water to mix with the product.
For preventive control, apply every 21-28 days when conditions favour disease development (e.g. warm, rainy weather).
For curative control, apply when disease symptoms first appear and repeat every 14-21 days. For Brown patch control use the watering can method to ensure product is washed into the crown and root zone.
Vacate Fungicide Application Rate
Anthracnose, Brown Patch, Winter Fusarium, Leptosphaerulina, Curvularia
Spray: 29 drops in 1L water over 10m2 or one entire 15ml tube in 7.5L water over 75m2.
Dollar Spot
Spray: 43 drops in 1L water over 10m2 or one entire 15 ml tube in 5L water over 50m2.
Product Details
Effective combination of two fungicides
Systemic and contact disease control
Tested on a range of different plants for suitability
For all lawns and most trees, shrubs and flowering plants, Lawn Launcher is a mix of fertiliser and Premium Water Crystals to give a new lawn a superior start. Launcher supplies essential nutrients for strong plant and root establishment. Plus, the moisture magnet water crystals reduce the risks involved in lawn establishment or plants dying off during water restrictions or extreme heat.
Lawn Solutions Lawn Launcher should only be applied on top of the soil prior to laying a new lawn. DO NOT apply Lawn Launcher above the lawn.
Launcher is a mix of high quality starter fertiliser and Moisture Magnets Premium Water Crystals, which are small free flowing white granules that resemble sugar crystals when dry. On the introduction of water they swell dramatically to become super absorbent sponges. When placed in the root zone of plants they capture and store several hundred times their own weight in water and soluble compounds such as fertiliser.
95% of absorbed water and nutrient is available back to the plant on demand through their roots, which grow directly into the water swollen crystals. Moisture Magnets store water exactly where the lawn and garden needs it every time it rains, significantly reducing the need for hand watering of your lawn and garden.
Lawn Launcher’s water saving ability has been recognised with the Smart Drop Certified stamp of approval. Lawn Launcher will reduce your lawns water requirements during establishment and help it utilise the water available as efficiently as possible. Lawn Launcher is an essential water saving product when installing or establishing a new lawn.
Nutrient Analysis
15:0.7:4 + 19% S, 1.5% Ca, 2% Fe & 5% volume of water crystal.
Lawn Launcher
Product Details
Lightly rake into turf underlay to a depth of approximately 30mm before installing turf.
Water thoroughly once used for planting in both potting mix and soil.
A sprinkler is a crucial part of your lawn care regime. Keeping your grass well-watered throughout the year goes a long way to having a beautiful, luscious lawn. From fun flowers to cutting edge technology, here are five fun sprinklers you can use to upgrade your irrigation game.
This LED Water Sprinkler is a fun way to upgrade not only your irrigation game, but also your lawns curb appeal. These fun lights will water your lawn through the day and light up your lawn through the light. Not just serving a practical purpose, this is a great way to turn your lawn into the envy of your neighbours, day and night.
Arc Sprinkler for Corners and Garden Beds
Gardena 8133-20 Contour Adjustable Arc Sprinkler
Are you looking to make lawn watering a little easier? Well, this sprinkler might be the upgrade you need. The Gardena Contour Adjustable Arc Sprinkler is designed for irregular lawn shapes, helping water reach the areas that need it without wasting as much on paths, garden beds or corners. With adjustable spray distance, multiple spray patterns and custom contour settings, it brings a smarter, more tailored approach to keeping your lawn looking its best.
Fun Kids Sprinkler Sprayer
Helisoaker Rotating Helicopter Sprinkler
For a sprinkler that turns lawn watering into backyard entertainment, the Holman Helisoaker is a fun upgrade from a standard spray head. Its helicopter-style design spins in a circle, sending water from 21 spray nozzles to create a cooling zone that kids can run through on hot days. With a lawn mounting spike and the ability to daisy chain multiple sprinklers together, it’s a simple way to make summer watering feel more like a mini water park for your family.
Self-Propelled Metal 2-Speed Sprinkler
Pope 10m Adjustable Speed Lawn Water Tractor Sprinkler
Large lawns are no match for the Holman Solid Metal Travelling Sprinkler. Its self-propelled design follows the path of your garden hose, allowing it to move across the lawn and water a much larger area without needing to be constantly repositioned. With durable metal construction, a 2-speed gearbox and the ability to travel up to 60 metres, it’s a clever option for giving big lawn areas a more even, hands-off soak.
Garden Bed Flower Sprinkler
Crazy Daisy Sprinkler
If you want a sprinkler that brings a bit of personality to the backyard, the Crazy Daisy Sprinkler is a fun little upgrade from a standard lawn sprayer. Its dancing flower design wiggles and spins as it waters, creating a playful area that both kids and dogs can enjoy, while still giving the garden a drink. With a stable double-prong base and hose adapters included, it’s an easy way to make summer watering feel less like a chore and more like backyard entertainment.
For all your lawn care tips and advice, check out our lawn blogs here.
Carrot Weed, also known as Annual Button Weed and Common Cotula, is a low-growing annual winter weed, which is very similar in appearance to Bindii. In this blog, we take a look at what Carrot Weed is, its key identifying features, plus the best way to remove it.
What Are Carrot Weeds’ Identifying Features:
Low-growing weed
Fine, fern-like leaves
Tap root
Small, white, and pale yellow flowers
Carrot Weed Characteristics
Carrot Weed is a perennial herb that establishes quickly, flowering in late winter to spring and germinating in spring and autumn. This weed can be identified by its carrot-like leaves and its small yellow flowers.
What Are the Differences Between Carrot Weed and Bindii?
Both Carrot Weed and Bindii are very similar in appearance due to their fine, fern-like and carrot-like leaves. However, there are a few key differences.
Carrot Weed Features:
Flowers in early winter
Doesn’t produce any burrs when it flowers
Has a taproot
Bindii Features:
Flowers late winter and spring
Produces sharp and painful burrs when it flowers
Has fibrous roots
Where Does Carrot Weed Grow?
You will mostly find this weed growing in moist, damp soils. If you do have this weed growing in your lawn, ensure you are not overwatering your lawn. We also recommend addressing any drainage issues that may be causing your lawn to remain damp for an extended period.
This weed is mostly found across SE QLD, NSW, Victoria and some regions of SA and WA.
How Does Carrot Weed Spread?
This weed spreads only by its seeds. One flower from this plant can produce up to 50-90 seeds, with a mature plant producing 205 to 1,275 seeds.
How Do I Remove Carrot Weed?
If there is only a small amount of the weed growing in your lawn, the best and easiest way to remove it will be to simply pull it out by hand. Find the centre of the plant where the taproot is located and carefully pull it out.
If there is a bit too much growing there to remove by hand, we recommend treating it with a broadleaf herbicide. Something like Estate Herbicide, Ferris WG Herbicide or a Dicamba based herbicide (Dicamba products are not safe for use on buffalo lawns).
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.
Are you just getting started on your lawn care journey and feeling a bit unsure about whether to repair or replace your grass? Sometimes, a little TLC is enough to get things back in good shape. Other times, starting fresh is a simpler way to save time and get the results you want a little sooner.
When deciding whether to repair or replace your lawn, we recommend asking yourself two questions:
How Much of Your Preferred Grass is Present?
When assessing your current lawn, one of the most important factors is how much of your preferred grass type is growing.
If a fair amount of your preferred lawn type is already growing, repairing your existing grass is a viable option.
However, if there are large bare areas, or grass coverage is very minimal, or if the majority of the yard is covered with weeds with little to no grass, your best option in most cases will be to returf your lawn.
What Is Your Timeframe for Getting Your Lawn in Better Shape?
If you only have a short timeframe to work with and need to get your lawn looking good quickly, returfing will be the best option if extensive damage is present. However, if you have a longer timeframe to work with, repairing your lawn remains a great option.
How Do I Install a New Lawn?
When looking to install a new lawn, there are a few simple steps to follow to ensure you get the best results:
Remove all plant material with a non-selective herbicide like Roundup or Zero. Repeated applications may be needed.
Give the area a low mow with a catcher on to pick up and remove dead plant material. Turn over the soil base with a rotary hoe to help loosen up the soil profile.
Bring in a quality sandy loam (80% sand, 20% loam) of around 100mm and level with a rake or lawn leveller.
Just before you roll out your new lawn, apply a starter fertiliser like Lawn Launcher to help give your new lawn an extra boost.
Roll out your new lawn!
When choosing your new lawn type, consider who will be using the lawn, how much sunlight it will receive, and how much lawn maintenance you wish to do. For more information on choosing the best grass for you, have a chat with your local Lawn Solutions Member.
Lawn Solutions Australia offers a wide range of turf types to suit every home and budget. You can check out our extensive range of premium turf options here.
For a more in-depth guide on how to install your new lawn, check out our Laying Turf page.
How to Repair an Existing Lawn?
If you are planning on repairing your existing lawn, we recommend the following:
Assess Your Soil
Before getting started on the lawn itself, you will need to ensure the grass has the right foundation to thrive. Some factors to consider include:
Is the soil hard or compacted? If so, aerate your soil. This will help ensure the roots of your lawn can spread back over the soil more easily.
When watering the area, does it absorb down into the profile or pool at the surface? If water pools at the surface, consider aeration and applying a soil wetter like Lawn Soaker to help water penetrate.
Is my soil’s pH within its ideal range? For more information on ideal pH ranges, checking, and correcting soil pH, check out our Soil pH blog.
Check out our Healthy Soil blog for more information on how to improve your soil health.
Remove Weeds and Unwanted Grasses
Your next step will be to remove any weeds or unwanted grasses. If there are only a handful of weeds growing, the best and easiest way to remove them is usually by hand. However, if there are too many to pull, an herbicide may be required.
For removing common broadleaf weeds like Clover, Bindii, Oxalis, All Purpose Weed Control and Estate Herbicide are ideal options. For more information on how to remove other weed types, please check out our Ultimate Weed Guide for weed identification and treatment tips.
When it comes to removing invasive grasses, hand removal is usually the best option. However, for grasses with a bulb in the soil, such as Nutgrass, Onion Weed and Mullumbimby Couch, an herbicide is required. Please check out our Invasive Grasses blog for the best way to tackle invasive grasses in your lawn.
Encourage New Growth
Now that the weeds are gone, it’s time to focus on recovery. Keep in mind that during winter, you may not experience as much growth and repair as you would in the warmer months of the year.
If your grass hasn’t had any fertiliser applied over the last few months, now is a great time to do so.
For spring, summer and autumn applications, we recommend using a granular fertiliser like our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser. This contains a great combination of fast- and slow-release granules, giving the lawn a good up-front boost and continuing to feed it over a longer period.
Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser 10kg
In winter, it is best to stick to a liquid fertiliser like Exceed, which is absorbed by the grass’s leaves for more effective nutrient uptake.
Exceed 2L Hose On
Follow Up with Regular Mowing
Moving forward, the most important thing you can do is mow your lawn regularly. By doing so, you will help encourage new and consistent lateral growth. Regular mowing also reduces plant stress by avoiding excessive leaf blade removal.
This entire process of getting your lawn back into better shape will take some time. However, with some perseverance and regular, ongoing maintenance, you will see improvement in your lawn’s health and appearance.
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.
Are you interested in the thought of never having to mow your lawn again? Well, a robot lawn mower might just be the solution you’re looking for! In this blog, we take a look at whether robot mowers are actually worth the hype.
Robot mowers have been around for a few years now, with new technology continually entering the market.
Older models commonly use a physical boundary wire placed within the soil around the perimeter of your lawn.
Newer models utilise advanced technology like GPS, LiDAR, and on-board sensors to create a precise virtual map of your dedicated mowing space—no wires required.
What Should I Look for in a Robot Mower?
When choosing the right robot mower for you and your home, there are a few key factors to consider so that your new mower will be suited to your space.
Lawn Size
Every robot lawn mower comes with a maximum coverage capacity. However, to ensure reliable performance and prevent overworking the machine, it is recommended to choose a model with a slightly larger area capacity than your actual lawn size.
Slope
Another consideration is your yard’s terrain. Different models are rated for different gradients. While most entry-level mowers can handle a slight slope of around 25%–30%, you will need a more powerful, specialised option if your property has steeper hills.
What Are the Maintenance Requirements of a Robot Mower?
Maintenance requirements for robot mowers are generally quite low. However, doing a quick once-over every couple of weeks will help your device achieve a cleaner cut and improve the mower’s longevity.
A general maintenance schedule may include the following:
**Firstly, ensure mower is completely turned off**
Remove loose grass and debris using a soft brush
Check over mowers blades and ensure they are sharp and free from damage
Wipe the sensors to remove dirt and dust buildup
Clean over charging contacts
What Are the Advantages of Using a Robot Mower?
Time saving and convince.
Quite operation.
Mowing can be set at any time of day, even when you are asleep!
Regularly mown grass will encourage the lawn perform better.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Robot Mower?
Higher up-front costs.
Some models may require a boundary set up which can be time consuming to set up.
Are not effective at mowing overgrown grass. If grass becomes overgrown, you may need to use a standard rotary mower to knock back the grass to a more manageable level.
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.
Are you looking to install a new lawn but aren’t quite sure where to start? In this blog, we walk you through the entire process; from removing your existing grass and choosing the right soil type to perfectly leveling your underlay.
Whether weeds or patchy old turf currently occupy the space, removing all existing plant material properly will set your new lawn up for success.
The easiest and most effective way to remove old vegetation is to apply a non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate (such as Roundup or Yates Zero). About a week after your first application, once the plant material is dry and dead, drop your lawn mower to its lowest height setting and mow over the area with the catcher on.
Next, wait another week to see if any stubborn weeds or grass strike back. If you see new growth, simply repeat the herbicide application.
Tip: If your old lawn was Kikuyu or Couch, these grasses have aggressive, deep-rooting growth habit. You will likely need to repeat this eradication process a few times to ensure they are completely gone.
Do I Need to Till Soil for New Turf?
Once all vegetation is gone, turn over the soil using a rotary hoe or a garden fork. This helps alleviate soil compaction and allows you to clear away any rocks and debris.
If your soil has a high clay content, applying a clay breaker like gypsum will drastically improve the soil structure. For more information on applying gypsum to your soil, please check out our blog here.
Should I Test My Soil’s pH?
With the soil turned over, now is the perfect time to run a soil pH test to ensure it sits within the ideal range of 5.5 to 7.
Soil pH kits are easy to use and readily available at your local garden centres, hardware stores, or directly from the Lawn Solutions Lawn Store.
For more information on testing, adjusting and correcting your soils pH levels, please check out soil pH blog for more information.
Assess Your Lands Drainage
Before bringing in new soil, take a close look at your yard’s drainage. Consider the natural slopes and how water flows across the area during heavy rain. Correcting any drainage issues now will prevent pooling water and soggy patches later.
What Soil Should I Use for a New Lawn?
Now it’s time to get down to the dirt! When choosing your soil, we highly recommend using a free-draining sandy loam (roughly 80% sand and 20% loam), or a specific turf underlay mix from your local landscaping yard.
How Thick Should My Turf Underlay Be?
As a general rule, bringing in 100mm of fresh soil is recommended. Your local landscaping yard or soil supplier can easily calculate exactly how much soil you’ll need based on your lawn’s square meterage.
When ordering your soil, don’t forget to factor in the thickness of the turf slabs themselves so your finished lawn sits flush with surrounding concrete or garden edges. Turf is usually cut 30mm to 40mm thick, but it’s always best to ask your local turf supplier for exact measurements.
How Do I Level Out Soil for a New Lawn?
Once your new turf underlay arrives, use a wheelbarrow to tip the soil into small, manageable piles evenly across the yard. Then, grab a soil leveller or a sturdy rake to spread, distribute, and level the soil surface.
Which Grass Type Should I Choose for My New Lawn?
The best lawn for you depends heavily on your lifestyle and your lawns environment. Consider factors like shade, maintenance requirements, and who (or what) will be using the space.
For an everyday, low maintenance backyard suitable for pets and kids, Sir Walter DNA Certified is a great all round option.
If you don’t mind mowing a bit more frequently or are after a lawn type that can withstand lots of foot traffic from pets and kids, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda may be the best option for you.
For more specific advice on choosing the best turf type for you and your family’s needs, it is best to have a chat with your Lawn Solutions Member. You can see who your local members are and their contact details here.
For more lawn care tips and advice, check out our other lawn care blogs here.
For turf producers, weed contamination remains one of the most persistent and costly challenges. Unlike end-use turf situations, where minor contamination may be tolerated, turf farms operate under tight quality standards where even low levels of off-type grasses or weeds can render turf unmarketable.
Over successive harvest cycles, weed seedbanks accumulate in the soil, particularly from species such as winter grass (Poa annua), summer grass, crowsfoot, and sedges. Once established, these species are difficult to remove selectively without damaging the crop.
For this reason, soil fumigation plays a critical role in weed seedbank management, particularly prior to replanting or when transitioning between turf varieties. It provides a reliable method of reducing weed pressure across the entire soil profile, enabling clean establishment and maintaining varietal purity.
Why fumigation is critical for weed control in turf production
Seedbank reduction
The primary value of fumigation in turf production is its ability to significantly reduce the viable weed seedbank in the soil. Unlike post-emergent herbicides, which target actively growing weeds, fumigants act on germinating seeds and emerging seedlings, reducing future weed pressure.
This is particularly important in high-intensity turf systems, where repeated cropping cycles can provide a window for weed populations to build.
Whole-profile control
Fumigants move through the soil as gases, allowing them to act throughout the entire growing medium, rather than just at the surface. This is critical for controlling deeply buried weed seeds, rhizomes and vegetative propagules and weed flushes that occur after irrigation or rainfall.
Clean start for high-value turf
Turf consumers expect uniform, contaminant-free turf. Even minor weed contamination can lead to rejection or reduced value. Fumigation ensures a clean establishment phase, allowing the desired turf species to dominate without early competition. This is particularly important for slower establishing varieties, where early weed pressure can significantly impact coverage and uniformity.
Fumigation and turf variety changeovers
One of the most important, but often underestimated uses of fumigation in turf production is during variety transitions.
As the industry shifts toward improved turf varieties (e.g. hybrid couches, improved zoysia or Buffalo lines) producers must ensure that previous turf species and off-types are completely removed before replanting.
Why this matters
Contamination from previous varieties can persist through stolons, rhizomes, or seed.
For licensed or premium turf varieties, maintaining genetic purity is critical. Fumigation helps ensure compliance with quality assurance standards.
Mixed swards reduce visual uniformity, texture consistency, and performance. Even small amounts of contamination can compromise market acceptance.
By removing competition, fumigation allows new varieties to establish faster and more uniformly, reducing time to harvest.
Fumigation provides the only reliable method of achieving a true species reset, particularly where previous turf has been grown for multiple cycles.
Key fumigant options for weed-focused programs
Metham sodium remains a key soil fumigant in agriculture in Australia. Applied as a liquid, it rapidly converts in moist soil to methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), a volatile compound that diffuses through the soil profile and delivers broad-spectrum weed and pest control.
Role in turf systems
Metham sodium is registered and commonly used in turf production where multiple weed and pest pressures exist. It is particularly valuable in situations requiring simultaneous suppression of weed seeds, nematodes and fungal pathogens.
Key benefits
Broad-spectrum efficacy, controlling a wide range of soil weeds and pests in a single operation.
Flexible application techniques.
Proven cost-effectiveness for large-scale turf operations.
Rapid breakdown in soil, reducing long-term residue concerns.
Limitations
Performance is very dependent on soil moisture, temperature, and sealing.
Risk of vapour drift if not correctly applied and contained.
Requires careful site preparation and operator expertise.
In practice, metham sodium is best suited to situations where a full soil reset is required prior to turf establishment and experienced operators are on hand to apply the product correctly and safely.
Dazomet provides similar pest control to metham sodium but in a convenient granular formulation. Once incorporated into moist soil, it decomposes to release MITC gas, delivering fumigation activity throughout the treated zone.
Role in turf systems
Dazomet is particularly suited to turf managers seeking a simpler, non-injection-based fumigation approach. It is widely used in turf production throughout Australia and is available via Indigo Specialty as the brand ProForce Miticor 980G.
Key benefits
Ease of handling and application, with no need for specialised application equipment.
Improved application uniformity when evenly spread and incorporated correctly.
Reduced operator exposure risk compared with liquid fumigants.
Effective against fungi, nematodes, weeds, and insects.
Limitations
Requires thorough incorporation and irrigation to activate.
Slightly slower release of fumigant gas compared with liquid formulations.
Dazomet is often considered the most practical fumigant for turf operations lacking specialised fumigation equipment, while still delivering strong multi-pest control of weeds, diseases, pests and nematodes.EPTC (S-Ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate), also known as Eptam is a thiocarbamate compound with volatile properties that allow it to act within the soil vapour phase. While not a true broad-spectrum fumigant in the traditional sense, it plays an important role in targeted weed management during soil preparation.
Role in turf systems
EPTC is most effective where weed seedbanks, particularly annual grasses and seed viable sedges (Mullumbimby Couch) are the primary constraint to turf establishment. It is typically incorporated into the soil prior to planting as part of a broader weed management strategy.
Key benefits
Highly effective on germinating weed seeds and seedlings, especially grassy weeds.
Can be mechanically incorporated, aligning with standard cultivation practices.
Provides a targeted solution where weed pressure dominates.
Limitations
Limited activity on nematodes and soil-borne pathogens.
Requires immediate incorporation to minimise volatilisation losses.
Not suitable as a standalone solution where multiple pest groups are present.
EPTC is best viewed as a specialist tool, complementing broader fumigation programs rather than replacing them.
Ethanedinitrile (EDN) represents a newer generation fumigant, gaining attention globally as a potential alternative to older chemistries. It is a gaseous fumigant with rapid diffusion and breakdown characteristics. EDN is well suited to high-value turf construction projects, such as elite sportsfields and golf greens, where rapid turnaround and minimal residue are critical.
Broad-spectrum activity against weed seeds, nematodes and pathogens.
Breaks down into naturally occurring nitrogen-based compounds.
Limitations
Requires specialised gas handling and application systems.
Limited commercial availability and operator familiarity.
EDN is likely to play an increasing role as the industry moves toward lower-emission, high-efficiency fumigation systems.
*Waiting periods indicative only and vary with soil temperature, moisture, rate and label requirements. Consult and follow label directions.
Practical considerations for weed control success
Soil preparation
Effective weed control depends heavily on soil preparation. A fine, moist, and uniform soil profile ensures even distribution of fumigant gases. Poor preparation can lead to patchy weed control and uneven turf establishment.
Timing
Fumigation should be timed to coincide with optimal soil temperature and moisture, promoting gas movement and seed germination activity. This increases exposure of weed seeds to the fumigant.
Sealing and retention
Sealing the soil surface, through rolling or irrigation is critical for retaining fumigant gases. Without proper sealing, fumigant loss reduces weed and pest control efficacy and increases environmental risk.
Conclusion
For turf producers, weed control is not just a maintenance issue, it is a core determinant of product quality and profitability. Soil fumigation provides a powerful tool for reducing weed infestations, enabling clean establishment, and supporting successful transitions between turf varieties.
Whether using metham sodium, dazomet, EPTC, or emerging options like EDN, the key to success lies in understanding their role within the broader production system. When applied strategically, fumigation delivers a true reset of the soil profile, allowing producers to maintain high standards of turf purity, uniformity, and market value.
If you’ve spent any time around the Hunter Valley region, chances are you’ll have heard of AGTurf. A proud, family-run business with deep local roots, AGTurf has built a reputation the old-fashioned way, through consistency, quality, customer service and genuinely knowing their patch of dirt better than anyone else.
A Family Legacy That Still Leads the Way
AGTurf’s story began with Judy and Glen Mead, whose hard work and commitment laid the foundation for what the business is today. While Glen has since passed, his legacy is still very much alive in the day-to-day running of the farm.
Today, that legacy is carried forward by their son Adam, daughter Brooke, and son-in-law Jeremy, who have been part of the team for many years. Alongside them is Jill, a long-term and highly respected member of the turf industry, and valued team members Jarrod and Jake. It’s a close-knit crew, and that family feel flows through everything they do.
A Region on the Rise
The Hunter region has seen significant growth over recent years, with new housing, landscaping projects, and infrastructure driving demand for quality turf. AGTurf has been right there through it all.
With the ongoing success of well-known varieties like Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo and later TifTuf Bermuda, the timing felt right to invest in something new. The market was ready, the region was expanding, and customers were increasingly looking for turf that balanced performance with lower maintenance.
Why Zoysia Australis?
Every now and then, a variety comes along that makes you stop and think, this could be something special. For AGTurf, that moment came with Zoysia Australis.
The Hunter’s climate isn’t always predictable, hot, humid summers paired with periods of inconsistent rainfall mean turf needs to be tough. Around this region, soil types can vary as well, from heavier clays to more free-draining profiles. So, any new variety needs to handle a bit of everything.
Zoysia Australis showed early promise. Compared to more traditional options, it offered strong resilience, excellent colour retention, and a noticeably lower demand for water and inputs.
Planting the First Paddock
The first paddock of Zoysia Australis was planted as a practical, real-world trial. It wasn’t about going all-in immediately, it was about seeing how it performed under genuine farm conditions.
During establishment, it proved steady and reliable. While not the fastest out of the ground, it showed consistent growth and handled the local conditions without fuss, often outperforming expectations when compared to other varieties.
One of the real tests came with the significant rain and flooding events across the Hunter region last year. Many properties experienced waterlogging and challenging recovery conditions. Zoysia Australis handled it impressively well. Once waters receded, it showed strong recovery, maintaining density and bouncing back without the level of damage seen in some other turf types. That resilience gave the AGTurf team even more confidence in its suitability for the region.
Performance on Farm
Once established, Zoysia Australis quickly proved its value on farm, standing out across several key performance areas. Its growth habit delivers a dense, tightly knit sward, providing excellent coverage and a clean, uniform finish. This consistency has been a defining feature, creating a visually appealing surface that holds together exceptionally well under a range of conditions.
In terms of colour, the variety exhibits a rich blue-green tone that remains strong and consistent throughout the seasons. It performs particularly well during the warmer months, where its growth and colour truly excel, while still maintaining stability and presence through cooler periods. It delivers that premium look, without the premium workload.
Maintenance
Once established, Zoysia Australis really began to stand out. Beyond its visual appeal, Zoysia Australis has impressed with its practical, low-maintenance characteristics. Its naturally slower vertical growth reduces the need for frequent mowing, making it an efficient option for both homeowners and turf managers. Fertiliser requirements are also modest, with the variety maintaining strong health and colour without excessive feeding.
Water efficiency has been another standout feature, particularly during dry periods where its ability to perform with less irrigation becomes highly valuable.
One of the biggest surprises has been just how well it holds its appearance with minimal intervention, a big win for both homeowners and professionals.
From Farm to Market
After proving itself on-farm, Zoysia Australis was released into the market, and the response has been strong. With the help of Lawn Solutions Australia’s marketing, combined with targeted local social media and search engine campaigns, awareness has grown significantly and demand continues to build.
Interest in Zoysia Australis has come from a broad and diverse customer base, reflecting its versatility across both residential and commercial applications. Landscapers have been among the early adopters, drawn to its premium finish and the confidence it delivers in customer satisfaction. Homeowners are also showing strong demand, particularly those seeking a soft, attractive lawn that remains low maintenance year-round.
Designers and builders are increasingly specifying the variety as well, valuing its consistency and ability to deliver a clean, high-quality finish across a range of projects.
The rollout of Zoysia Australis has been broad, with strong uptake across new residential builds, display homes, and premium landscape projects. It is also finding a place in backyard renovations and lifestyle properties, where homeowners are looking to elevate outdoor spaces with a durable yet refined turf solution. Across these applications, it is being positioned as a reliable option for achieving a high-end result with long-term practicality.
Early feedback on Zoysia Australis has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong comments across performance, appearance and maintenance.
Its medium leaf texture combined with a rich, vibrant colour gives it strong visual appeal, while also feeling soft and comfortable underfoot. From a maintenance perspective, users are reporting clear benefits, particularly in reduced mowing frequency and overall ease of care. Establishment performance has also been noted as a strength, with the variety showing hardy, reliable growth and consistent results once in the ground.
Overall, it is quickly building a reputation as a turf that delivers a premium look and feel, without demanding constant attention.
The AGTurf Way
At its core, this isn’t just about a new grass, it’s about doing things properly. Trialling before scaling, understanding the land, and backing what you grow. It’s also about recognising the opportunities that are presented and making them work, such as becoming an AusGAP accredited member and using turf certification to strengthen credibility, expand market reach, and drive long term growth.
That approach started with Judy and Glen nearly four decades ago and continues today with the next generation and their team; the commitment to delivering premium fresh cut lush lawns, backed by expert advice and outstanding customer service.
Zoysia Australis is simply the latest example of that mindset in action. If the early signs are anything to go by, it’s going to be a defining feature of the Hunter’s landscape for years to come.
