Sarah, Author at Lawn Solutions Australia

How To Help Your Lawn Stay Healthy in Extreme Weather

Posted on April 1, 2026April 1, 2026 by Sarah

Has recent extreme weather left your lawn looking worse for wear? Wondering how to help it bounce back before the cooler months arrive? In this blog, we take a look at how extreme conditions can impact your lawn and share some practical tips to help it recover.

Skip to: How to Help Your Lawn in Hot and Humid Weather? How To Help Your Lawn in Hot and Dry Weather? How To Help Your Lawn in Wet Weather?

How To Help Your Lawn in Hot and Humid Weather?

Hot and humid weather can create some challenging conditions for your lawn, including increased disease pressure, heat stress, reduced evaporation, and rapid growth. However, there are a few simple management practices you can follow to help your lawn cope during these conditions.

How Should I Water My Lawn?

Water your lawn in the morning before the heat of the day. Avoid watering in the late afternoon or evening, as this can leave the lawn sitting damp overnight and create ideal conditions for disease to develop.

How Often Should I Mow My Lawn?

Although it is best to avoid mowing when the lawn is wet, it is still important to mow regularly when possible. If there is a break in the weather and the grass has had a chance to dry out, even later in the day when there has been no rainfall, take the opportunity to give the lawn a mow and keep on top of its growth.

How Can I Stop Soil Compaction?

When soil remains damp and foot traffic continues, compaction can occur much more quickly. If your lawn is struggling or certain areas are experiencing drainage issues, aerating the soil can help relieve compaction and improve soil structure. This can also assist the lawn in drying out more efficiently.

How To Help Your Lawn in Hot and Dry Weather?

When the weather turns hot and dry, lawns can quickly become stressed. Common issues that may occur under these conditions include heat stress, dry patches, and hydrophobic soils. Here are some tips to help your lawn cope during periods of hot and dry weather.

Should I Apply A Wetting Agent To My Lawn?

Wetting agents like Lawn Soaker help the soil absorb water more effectively. This will help moisture to move down into the soil profile where the grass roots need it most. This helps your lawn make better use of available water and reduces the risk of heat stress.

If water is still struggling to soak into the soil, aerating the lawn can help improve penetration and further assist with water absorption.

When should I water my lawn?

Using the right watering practices is key to helping your lawn manage hot conditions. Rather than watering lightly and frequently, it’s better to water for a longer period but less often. This encourages deeper root growth and helps the lawn access moisture further down in the soil.

Always aim to water in the morning before the heat of the day, using a sprinkler that provides even coverage across the lawn. We have some further tips on correct watering practices here.

How To Help Your Lawn in Wet Weather?

During periods of wet weather, lawns can remain damp for extended periods, which may lead to a range of issues. Some common problems associated with prolonged wet conditions include waterlogged soil, drainage issues, and increased disease pressure.

How Can I Improve the Drainage on My Lawn?

If drainage has been an issue during wet weather in the past, improving your lawn’s drainage can help the grass dry out more quickly and reduce the risk of damage.

For minor drainage problems, there are some steps you may be able to take yourself to help improve water movement through the soil. We have some further tips on how to do this here. However, in more severe cases, it is best to consult with a drainage professional to determine the most suitable solution for your area.

Can I Mow After Rainfall?

After periods of prolonged rainfall, it’s best to wait until the lawn has had a chance to dry before mowing. Mowing wet grass can lead to uneven cuts and may place additional stress on the lawn.

If the grass has grown taller than usual while waiting for the lawn to dry, consider raising your mowing height for the first cut. You can then gradually lower it back to your usual mowing height over the next few mows. We have some further tips on mowing a wet lawn here.

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

Attracting Native Wildlife to Your Lawn

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Sarah

Australia has an incredible diversity of wildlife with many of these native animals providing benefits to your garden like pollinating plants, helping to control pests, and improving the health of your soil. By attracting these animals to your lawn, you can receive these benefits while also helping to keep the local ecosystem balanced. In this blog we’ll cover a few ways that you can attract native wildlife to your lawn. For more information on how to attract native birds to your lawn, you can check out our blog.

Skip to: Plant pollinator plants around your lawn, Bird baths and water sources, Leaf litter in garden beds, Native trees and shrubs.

Plant Pollinator Plants Around Your Lawn

Growing a variety of pollinator plants in your backyard will create a food source for a range of native animals, attracting them to your lawn. The pollinator plants can attract native birds, bees, and butterflies. By having a variety of pollinator plants, you will provide several options for the native animals in your area.

Smaller insects like native bees and butterflies will prefer open flowers that they can easily access.

Native birds like lorikeets will prefer plants with blooms rich in nectar providing a tasty food source.

Native pollinator plants options include bottlebrush, banksias, and kangaroos paw. Some of these plants will be better suited to specific regions of Australia. Get in contact with your local nursery to find out which ones will be best suited to your garden.

Bird Baths and Water Sources

When it comes to supporting native wildlife, water sources are just as important as food sources, especially in the hot summer months. Bird baths can provide a place to bathe and drink for birds in your lawn. The best way to place these is to find a spot that is raised off the ground and near trees and shrubs, so that they feel safe from predators. Changing the water in the bird bath every few days will help to keep it clean and keep native birds visiting your garden.

If you have enough space in your lawn, a small pond can attract several different kinds of animal. Frogs, lizards, and dragonflies will all use ponds as a place to rest, breed, and drink. Surrounding a pond with some small rocks or dense plants provides shelter and protection, making it more enticing for the native wildlife.

Leaf Litter in Garden Beds

Leaf litter plays an important role in the ecology of your lawn. Leaves and debris create a habitat for insects. This, in turn, creates a food source for native birds, lizards, and frogs who will all be attracted to your lawn. This leaf litter can also provide shelter for smaller lizards and frogs. They will use it to hide from predators and regulate their temperature in hotter weather.

As it decomposes, the debris will improve the soil health in your lawn. It releases nutrients into the soil and helps retain moisture in the ground.

Instead of raking and throwing away leaf litter and debris, try to leave some in garden beds or in quiet corners of your lawn. You may even want to mix in some sticks and barks to make a functional habitat for reptiles and insects.

Native Trees and Shrubs

Native trees and shrubs provide wildlife with essential shelter, nesting sites, and protection from predators.

Dense shrubs and bushes like westringia or tea trees provide shelter for smaller birds like wrens and finches. These small birds prefer thick plant cover that allows them to hide from predators and build nests that are hidden.

Larger trees like eucalyptus and paperbarks provide nectar and seeds, and attract insects which many animals feed on. The canopy of these larger trees also provides perching and nesting spots for birds like cockatoos, kookaburras, and rosellas.

By filling your lawn with native trees and shrubs, you provide native wildlife with a safe, long-term home.

For more advice on how you can improve your lawn, check out our other blogs.

What is Slime Mould, and Do I Need to be Worried?

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Sarah

Have you noticed unusual or strange growths appearing on your lawn lately? It could be Slime Mould, a curious, harmless growth that can show up in wet and cool weather or hot and humid conditions, like we’ve been experiencing recently. So, what should you do if Slime Mould appears on your lawn? Let’s find out…

Scientific name: Myxomycetes

Skip to: What Are Slime Moulds? Why Do Slime Moulds Grow? What Do Slime Moulds Look Like in Lawns? Are There Different Types of Slime Moulds? Do I Need to Remove Slime Moulds?

What Are Slime Moulds?

Despite the name, Slime Moulds aren’t true moulds. They belong to the group Myxomycetes, part of the kingdom Protozoa, which means they are neither plants, animals, nor fungi.

Because slime moulds aren’t true fungi, they cannot cause lawn diseases and are completely harmless to your lawn.

Why Do Slime Moulds Grow?

Slime Moulds usually start to appear after periods of heavy rain, excessive irrigation, or high humidity. They are also more likely to thrive when the lawn contains plenty of organic matter and microorganisms, including decaying plant material, soil fungi and bacteria, or a thick layer of thatch in the turf profile.

What Do Slime Moulds Look Like in Lawns?

Slime Moulds can come in a variety of colours, including grey, white, orange, purple and black.

They can appear in a variety of forms. Some look like a powdery or crusty coating on the grass blades, others resemble thousands of tiny eggs, and some are compared to dog vomit!

Are There Different Types of Slime Moulds?

When it comes to Slime Moulds, there are two main types: cellular and plasmodial. Of these, plasmodial Slime Moulds are much easier to spot in nature.

Some of the most common plasmodial Slime Moulds include:

Fuligo septica – also called the “dog vomit” Slime Mould, yellow in colour.
Physarum cinereum – appears as black or grey spots.
Mucilago crustacea – forms a white or yellowish mass.

Facts:

There are over 1,200 known species of Plasmodial Slime Moulds.
Australia has the largest number of known Slime Moulds of any region of the southern hemisphere.

Do I Need to Remove Slime Moulds?

Slime Moulds usually look worse than they actually are! They won’t harm your grass, but they aren’t the most visually appealing thing to have growing in your lawn. To remove them, simply use a broom or garden rake to brush the slime off the lawn.

Once the weather dries out and the ideal growing conditions disappear, Slime Mould will usually clear up on its own.

If damp conditions persist longer than you’d like, aerating the soil and reducing excess irrigation can help keep Slime Mould at bay.

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

Can I Install a New Lawn in Autumn?

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Sarah

While most people think that they must install a new lawn in spring or summer, autumn can often provide better conditions for laying new turf. With cooling air temperatures but warm soil, conditions are primed for turf to establish. In this blog, we look at why you should install a lawn in autumn. For more information on the installation process, you can check out our blog on how to install a new lawn.

Skip to: Why lay a new lawn in Autumn? What if temperatures have dropped? What turf variety should I lay? What’s next?

Why Lay a New Lawn in Autumn?

Warm soil temperatures which encourage root growth, but cooler air temperatures that reduce heat stress on the grass.
Less irrigation is required in autumn due to the temperature being cooler than in summer and spring.
You allow the turf to establish before winter dormancy, ensuring a fast recovery and strong growth once spring arrives.

By laying your new lawn in autumn you can greatly reduce your water usage. As air temperatures are lower than in spring and summer, and rainfall is often far greater, you can significantly reduce the amount of watering the lawn requires. In some colder areas this can mean watering half as often as you would during spring and summer.

The autumn weather also provides ideal conditions for grass to establish. Warm soil temperatures allow the roots of the grass to develop before the cold of winter arrives and the grass becomes dormant, but cooler air temperatures reduce the stress on the grass. As temperatures begin to decline through the season, the risk of your lawn suffering heat stress and having its establishment stunted decreases.

What if Temperatures Have Dropped?

In many areas of Australia, towards the end of autumn temperatures can begin to drop rapidly. Though this may lead to some hesitancy regarding laying new turf, this is nothing to worry about. Laying turf once the weather is cooler and the grass is in dormancy means that the lawn won’t root down properly until the weather begins to warm again in spring. This doesn’t mean the grass is dead, simply that it is waiting until temperatures rise to properly establish itself. Keep traffic and mowing to a minimum and the lawn will be fine once spring arrives. You can check out our blog on installing a new lawn in winter for more information.

What Turf Variety Should I Lay?

There are many factors that affect which turf type will suit you best. Your climate, budget, sunlight, and the amount of wear the lawn receives are just a few.

If you have a lawn that receives direct sunlight throughout the whole day, you can take your pick of almost any grass variety. However, if your lawn is shaded during the day and only receives a few hours of direct sunlight, your options are restricted. Sir Walter DNA Certified, will be the best option for you as it is an industry leader in shade tolerance, requiring as little as 3-4 hours of direct sunlight a day. We also have our beautiful zoysia grasses Zoysia Australis and Sir Grange Zoysia, both of which have gorgeous soft leaves and a beautiful green colour which gives a lawn a lovely aesthetic. Alternatively, if you are looking for a hearty grass that is drought resistant and can stand up to the wear and tear of pets and kids, take a look at our fast-repairing TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. TifTuf is the only grass to be SmartDrop Certified globally for its high drought tolerance and minimal water requirements. This, in combination with the cooler temperatures and higher rainfall of the autumn months, means you can significantly reduce the amount of water required for the establishment of your lawn.

Turf Selector

What Next?

Once you have decided on a turf type, the next step will be contacting your local Lawn Solutions turf supplier. All our turf suppliers are AusGAP certified, guaranteeing that you will always get turf of the highest quality. This certification requires constant monitoring and assessment of the grass, ensuring it is free of weeds, pests, and diseases.

Don’t wait, install your lawn this autumn and have the lawn of your dreams ready for spring.

Find your local Lawn Solutions turf provider here.

How Simple Changes Now Can Help Your Lawn in Winter

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Sarah

With a few weeks of warmer weather still ahead, now is the perfect time to give your lawn a boost and get it in tip top shape before winter sets in. So, what can you do to get your lawn in its best shape? Let’s take a look…

Skip to: Should I Remove Weeds from My Lawn in Autumn? How Can I Help Prevent Weeds from Growing in My Lawn in Autumn? Should I Apply Fertiliser to My Lawn in Autumn? Is It Important to Mow in Autumn?

Should I Remove Weeds from My Lawn in Autumn?

Did you know there is no “right time” to remove weeds from your lawn? If weeds are present, it’s always best to act quickly to prevent them from spreading.

During Autumn, you may notice lingering summer weeds such as Summer Grass, Creeping Oxalis or Paspalum. You may also see some Clover or Winter Grass start to appear.

If there are only a few weeds growing, the best and easiest way to get on top of them is to pull them out by hand. However, if there are a few too many, you may want to consider using an herbicide to remove them.

For removing common broadleaf weeds like Creeping Oxalis and Clover, we recommend applying All Purpose Weed Control 2L Hose-On. Alternatively, if you prefer to use a concentrate product, we recommend Estate 250ml Concentrate.

How Can I Help Prevent Weeds from Growing in My Lawn in Autumn?

If your lawn often gets invaded with weeds in winter, now is also an ideal time to get on the front foot and look at using a pre-emergent herbicide. Pre-emergent herbicides work by creating a barrier at the soil level, preventing weed seedlings from germinating, stopping them from growing in your lawn.

When applying pre-emergent herbicides, timing is key. You want to ensure your application is done just before weed seedlings start to germinate. The two most important times of the year to apply are:

In autumn, just before temperatures start to cool
In spring, just before temperatures warm up

The exact time of when to apply these will be dependent on your local climate and the weather conditions in your area.

For pre-emergent herbicides, we recommend using either Oxafert 3kg (granular), or Barricade 250ml (liquid).

oxafert preemergent — Oxafert Pre Emergent Herbicide

Should I Apply Fertiliser to My Lawn in Autumn?

Did you know that autumn is one of the most important times of the year to apply a fertiliser to your lawn? By applying a fertiliser in autumn, you will be helping replace any nutrients that have been lost over summer. Fertilising your lawn now will also help prepare your lawn for the cooler conditions ahead.

When it comes to choosing a fertiliser for your lawn, our all-round favourite is the Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser. This contains a balanced NPK ratio and other trace elements your lawn needs to thrive. The premium fertiliser also contains both a fast and a slow-release granule. This helps provide a quick boost in the lawn’s health, as well as a sustained boost over 12 weeks.

The Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser is available in both a 10kg bucket and a 4kg bucket.

lawn fertiliser — Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser 10kg

If liquid fertilisers are your go-to, we recommend our Exceed Liquid Fertiliser. It is a great option for quickly correcting nutrient deficiencies, delivering a quick boost to your lawn’s health, and helping it recover from stress-related issues.

Exceed Liquid Fertiliser is available in both a 2.5L Concentrate, which covers up to 1,250m2 and a 2L Hose-On, covering up to 150m2.

Is It Important to Mow in Autumn?

You’ve probably heard it before, and for good reason, regular mowing is the key to a healthy lawn. Keeping up with a regular mowing schedule helps your lawn develop stronger roots, grow thicker and denser, lower the risk of disease, and can even help keep weeds at bay if you are not using a pre-emergent.

When it comes to mowing frequency, we recommend mowing regularly enough so that only one-third of the leaf blade is removed with each pass. This means mowing more regularly throughout summer, and less regularly in the cooler months.

For more lawn care tips and advice, please check out our other lawn care blogs here.

What is Your Lawn Telling You? How to Identify Potential Issues to Get Your Lawn Back on Track

Posted on February 26, 2026February 27, 2026 by Sarah

Has your lawn not been looking its best and are you often left wondering what your lawn actually needs to help get it back on track? In this blog, we take a look at some of the common signs that your lawn is in distress, and how you can help get it on the mend.

Skip to: Why Does My Lawn Have Blue/Grey Patches? Why Has My Lawns Leaf Curled Up on Itself? Why Is My Grass Dying Off Quickly Over a Matter of Days? Why Does My Lawn Lose Its Colour After Mowing Why Does My Grass Look Pale/Yellow?

Why Does My Lawn Have Blue/Grey Patches?

During recent hot weather, has your lawn started developing brown patches with a blue/grey tinge like this?

When turf starts to show these blue/grey tinge patches, this is a common sign that your lawn is facing heat stress. So, what can you do to help get your lawn back on track?

First, it is best to give the patches a light rake through to pick up and remove the dry plant material. This will help create more space for the healthy grass to grow back over. Then, give your soil a good aerate to help decompact the soil profile. This will help better allow for air, water and nutrients to reach your lawns roots. Following this, we also recommend applying a soil wetter like Lawn Soaker to help the soil better absorb water down into the soil profile.

wetting agent — Wetting Agent | Lawn Soaker

Over the following days and weeks, ensure you mow and water the lawn regularly to help it recover. When watering, ensure you water in the morning, before the heat of the day, for around 25 mins. Do this two to three times a week with a sprinkler that evenly covers the area.

Why Has My Lawns Leaf Curled Up on Itself?

Leaf blades that curl or fold in on themselves are a classic indicator that the lawn is not getting enough water. This response is common during prolonged hot and dry conditions as the plant tries to conserve water.

If your lawn is doing this, give it a good watering with a sprinkler that evenly covers your area. Water for around 25 mins, and water in the morning before the heat of the day.

Why Is My Grass Dying Off Quickly?

Has your grass has started to rapidly die off (over a few days) and damage is spreading? If so, this is a sign that your lawn may be facing an invasion of a pest called Armyworm. As the name suggests, Armyworm travel in large numbers, munching on your lawn.

Key identifying features of Armyworm include:

Three prominent white or cream stripes down its body
2mm to 40mm in length
Will curl up when disturbed
Are most active at dawn or dusk

If you are unsure whether there are grubs in your lawn, there is a quick and easy way to test. Use a big bucket of water, add some dishwashing liquid so it is a soapy mix. Then pour this over the edge of the grass where it is declining and where the grass is still healthy. If there are grubs present, they will then rise up to the surface to breathe. This is best done at dawn or dusk when they are most likely to be active.

If you do find Armyworms in your lawn, it is best to act quickly to help prevent any further damage from occurring. Please check out our blog here for more information on Armyworm treatment and prevention options.

Why Does My Lawn Lose Its Colour After Mowing?

If your lawn suddenly loses its colour after mowing, this is a sign that you are removing too much of the leaf. This process is known as scalping. Scalping your lawn can occur for two different reasons. The first, if your lawn is not mown regularly enough. The second is if your lawns levels are uneven.

When mowing, it is best to ensure you are mowing your lawn regularly enough so that only one third of the leaf is removed with each pass.

For more information on how you can help avoid scalping from occurring to your lawn, check out our blog here.

Why Does My Grass Look Pale/Yellow?

Is your lawn not looking as vibrant as it once was or is looking pale or yellow? This may be a sign that your lawn is lacking in nutrients. The best way to help replenish these nutrients is to apply a well-rounded fertiliser like the Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser.

The Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser has a balanced ratio of Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron and other important trace elements. This fertiliser also contains a fast and slow release granule. This gives your lawn a good up front boost in nutrients, as well as a sustained boost over a 12 week period.

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

What is a Red Parasitic Wasp, and Should I be Concerned?

Posted on February 26, 2026February 27, 2026 by Sarah

Don’t fear the name. While parasitic wasps may sound like something straight out of a horror movie, they are in fact, a protector of your lawn. These little wasps help remove insects and pests from your grass to keep it looking great year-round. However, when large numbers start to appear in your yard, that may be a sign that you have a grub infestation and need to act.

Skip to: Why Are Red Parasitic Wasps in My Lawn? Are Red Parasitic Wasps Dangerous? How To Identify a Red Parasitic Wasp? How Do I Treat Lawn Grubs? How Can I Prevent Lawn Grubs?

Why Are Red Parasitic Wasps in My Lawn?

If these wasps are in your lawn, it is usually an indicator that you have lawn grubs. These wasps play an important ecological role by targeting lawn grubs during their life cycle. Female wasps lay their eggs in or on host insects such as lawn grubs. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae develop by feeding on the host, naturally reducing pest populations beneath the soil surface.

Are Red Parasitic Wasps Dangerous?

Although the name parasitic wasp often conjures the image of an aggressive stinging insect to mind, these red wasps will rarely attack unless provoked. The insects are not considered dangerous, do not build nests, and are not territorial. In the unlikely event of one stinging you, their sting will only cause some minor irritation that is usually short-lived.

How To Identify A Red Parasitic Wasp?

The insect has a few defining features that you should look for to identify it:

Red or Orange colour
Long thin body
Long Antennae
Blue or opaque wings.
Seen flying low above the grass looking for grubs

What Should I Do?

If you find an excessive number of these wasps in your lawn, it may mean that you currently have lawn grubs in your grass. You should perform a grub test to determine whether you have lawn grubs. This is a simple test that involves mixing some dish soap with water and pouring the mixture on your lawn. For more information you can head to our blog on lawn grub identification.

How Do I Treat Lawn Grubs?

If lawn grubs are present, what can you do? We recommend using a fast acting knock down insecticide like Lawn Solutions Battle. Battle Insecticide, which is available on the lawn store, is a knock down and residual pesticide that works by effecting lawn grubs that come in to contact with treated surfaces.

battle insecticide bifenthrin — Battle Insecticide

How Can I Prevent Lawn Grubs?

Is having these wasps and grubs in your lawn something that worries you? If so, we recommend using a preventative insecticide on your lawn. Grub Guard Ultimate, Acelepryn GR, and Acelepryn Liquid are all great options for safe and effective control of lawn grubs while not harming other non-target organisms like red wasps, bees, and earthworms.

Ensure that when using the products mentioned in this blog, always use as per the label instructions.

If you are in need of advice to identify and treat issues with your lawn, get in touch with Lawn Solutions or your local Lawn Solutions Australia member.

How was Stampede Selected?

Posted on February 12, 2026April 8, 2026 by Sarah

Stampede Hybrid Buffalo Grass (DALSA-2123)

Stenotaphrum secundatum is a naturalised turfgrass species in the U.S. and Australia. Having many aliases, St. Augustinegrass and buffalograss are the most common names where it is cultivated as a turfgrass.

Stampede Hybrid Buffalo is an interploid hybrid St. Augustinegrass (buffalograss; Stenotaphrum secundatum). 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).

Turf producers seek cultivars with strong tensile strength and re-growth characteristics. Meanwhile, end-users are looking for traits such as dark green genetic colour and extended seasonal growth and sustained green cover (early spring emergence and late autumn dormancy).

Combining all target traits into a single hybrid cultivar is a challenging task.

Embryo rescue technology is one method that has been shown to overcome sterility barriers and develop improved interploid (polyploid and diploid) cultivars of St. Augustine grass.

Stampede Origin and Breeding History

St. Augustine Crosses were made at Texas A&M AgriLife Research-Dallas in 2016

Progeny from this hybridisation effort were recovered via embryo rescue technology. This pedigree produced 51 intraspecific progeny (TAES 6756-1, 2, …51) which were part of a population of 948 genotypes planted in a Dallas space plant nursery in 2017 with parental lines and cultivars.

Performance in multiple environments – After two years of field evaluation in Dallas, ‘TAES 6756-29’ emerged as one of 30 best performing genotypes.

These hybrids were advanced for further evaluation as part of the 2020 Specialty Crop Research Initiative across six locations (Riverside, CA; Dallas, TX; Griffin, GA; Tifton, GA; Citra, FL; Jackson Springs, NC) which were evaluated for three years (2020-2023) with commercially available cultivars included for comparison.

In 2022, TAES 6756-29 was one of 15 experimental lines and two cultivars tested in a replicated field trial at Lawn Solutions Australia in Jaspers Brush, NSW, Australia. Due to it’s performance across environments, TAES 6756-29 was given the elite experimental name ‘DALSA 2123’.

This cultivar was selected out of these Australian trials for expansion, with propagation and harvesting trials conducted to ensure it could be produced on a large scale. Trial material was also planted and observed in various Australian climates.

A defining feature of DALSA 2123 is its evaluation pathway. It is currently the only experimental buffalograss line to have undergone extensive field testing under Australian conditions prior to commercial release. Replicated trials conducted in New South Wales assessed establishment, turf quality, colour, and normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) across multiple seasons.

Overall, this cultivar now named named Stampede Hybrid Buffalo, exhibited strong drought tolerance, improved winter colour, darker genetic colour, increased disease resistance to grey leaf spot and spring yellowing.

Stampede also showed strong tensile strength and re-growth characteristics, traits that show significant wear tolerance and recovery, but also make it suitable for turf production.

Stampedes consistent ranking across diverse environments, coupled with its unique pre-release validation in Australia, demonstrates that it is both high-performing and broadly adapted. As water availability and environmental constraints continue to shape turf management practices, cultivars such as DALSA 2123 provide a data-driven option for maintaining turf quality under increasingly challenging conditions.

After many years, we have managed to find a cultivar with the combination of target traits we were looking for, and we are so excited to share it with you all in 2026.

If you are interested in learning more about this variety or finding out when supply is available near you, please fill out your details below:

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5 Common Lawn Pests and Treatment Options

Posted on January 29, 2026 by Sarah

Has something been attacking your lawn, but you’re not sure what it is, or what the best treatment is? In this blog, we take a look at 5 common types of lawn pests, along with treatment and preventive options.

Skip to: What Are Common Signs of Lawn Pests? What Are Lawn Grubs, and Do I Need to Remove Them? What Are Common Signs of Armyworm? How Can I Prevent Armyworm and Lawn Grubs? Do I Need to Be Concerned About Mole Crickets in My Lawn? Can Couch Mites Damage My Lawn? Do Ants Cause Damage to Lawns?

What Are Common Signs of Lawn Pests?

If you suspect that your lawn is under attack from a pest invasion, there are a few common signs to look for:

Increased bird activity
Growing brown patches in your lawn
Increased moth activity around your lawn

What Are Lawn Grubs, and Do I Need to Remove Them?

Lawn Grubs, also known as African Black Beetles, have 4 common stages in their lifecycle: egg, grub, pupae, and adult. These pests will be active from September through to March.

Key identifying features of Lawn Grubs:

Pale cream/white body
Orange/yellow/brown head
15mm to 60mm in length

If you are only seeing a small number of grubs in your lawn and there is no visible damage, it is best to keep an eye on your lawn over the coming weeks and monitor for any changes in the lawn’s health.

If you do notice that damage is occurring, or there is a large amount of grubs present, we then recommend stepping in and using an insecticide for treatment. When it comes to product options, we recommend using Battle Insecticide. This will provide a quick and effective knockdown.

What Are Common Signs of Armyworm?

If damage has rapidly occurred over your lawn over a span of a few days, your lawn may be facing an invasion from Armyworm. Armyworm is mostly present around spring, summer, and early autumn.

Key identifying features of Armyworm:

2mm to 40mm in length
Three parallel white or cream stripes along their body
Stripes paired with black spots along its body

If you do spot one armyworm in your lawn, it is best to act quickly, as one caterpillar can lay more than 1,000 eggs within 4-10 days. Therefore, getting on top of an infestation quickly is key.

If you do happen to have Armyworms in your lawn, we recommend applying a fast-acting insecticide like Battle Insecticide or Baythroid Advanced as soon as you can to help prevent further damage. To ensure you are treating the entire lifecycle, we recommend a follow-up application 10-14 days after your initial treatment.

How Can I Prevent Armyworm and Lawn Grubs?

As pest pressures continue to rise over the coming weeks, it is important to note that there is a way to help prevent Armyworm and Lawn Grub attacks entirely. Acelepryn-based products like Grub Guard Ultimate 4kg, will provide up to 6 months of protection from these damage-causing insects on your lawn. So, for seasonal protection, apply every 6 months.

Do I Need to Be Concerned About Mole Crickets in My Lawn?

Mole Crickets are another type of lawn pest to keep your eye out for. These crickets mostly spend the majority of their lives underneath the soil and are primarily nocturnal animals.

Key identifying features of Mole Crickets:

30 mm to 40 mm in length
Shovel-like claws, which provide efficient burrowing abilities
Short back legs, ideal for pushing dirt
2 fine antennae on their face

If you do happen to find a small number of Mole Crickets in your lawn, this will generally not be a cause for concern. However, if they are causing damage to the lawn or are present in large numbers, you may need to act.

To remove Mole Crickets, we recommend using a fast-acting insecticide. For treatment, it is best to use either a Fipronil or Bifenthrin-based product. Battle Insecticide (Bifenthrin) is a great option.

Can Couch Mites Damage My Lawn?

Although these pests are not quite as common, Couch Mites are another lawn pest to keep your eye out for.

Couch Mites are a tiny, microscopic pest that can affect your lawn’s growth habit. One of the main signs that a lawn has been impacted by Couch Mite is that it will affect the growing point of the leaf, causing severe stunting and yellowing of the leaf. This causes the turf’s leaves to look like a “witches’ broom”. Although these mites will usually attack couch grasses, they can still appear in other warm-season turf types.

If your lawn is experiencing Couch Mite damage, it is recommended to use a miticide like Agador for treatment. You can find more information on how to best remove Couch Mites here.

Do Ants Cause Damage to Lawns?

Ants are an important animal to have in your garden’s ecosystem. They can help aerate soil, provide natural pest control, and help move organic matter within the soil profile. Due to these benefits, they are generally not considered to be a pest unless they are present in large infestations.

If your lawn does have a particularly large infestation, or damage has started to occur, you may want to look at removing them.

How to identify ant infestations:

Significant number of ant mounds
Dead and dry patches in the lawn with small holes nearby

When treating an active ant infestation, using a Fipronil or Bifenthrin-based insecticide, like Battle Insecticide is recommended.

For more lawn care tips and advice, please check out our range of other lawn care blogs.

3 Simple Steps to Improve Your Lawn Game

Posted on January 29, 2026January 29, 2026 by Sarah

Your lawn might be looking good… but what if it could look even better? If you’re ready to level up your lawn game, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll share three simple steps that can help turn a good lawn into a great one.

Skip to: How Can Regular Mowing Help Take My Lawn to the Next Level? How Can I Prevent Lawn Grubs and Other Pests from My Lawn? How Can a Pre-Emergent Help Take My Lawn to The Next Level? What Pre-Emergent Should I Use on My Lawn?

How Can Regular Mowing Help Take My Lawn to the Next Level?

We know this sounds very basic, but mowing your lawn on a regular basis is one of the best things that you can do for your lawn. If you think about high profile sporting surfaces, their ground crew are mowing on a daily basis so that their grass can perform at its peak. We’re not saying that you need to be mowing every day, but if you can mow more regularly, your lawn will thank you for it.

By mowing regularly, you will help encourage the lateral growth of your lawn. This will help your lawn become thicker and denser. This lateral growth will also help aid your grass repair from stressed areas more effectively. A thicker and denser lawn will also be able to better block out weeds.

When mowing, it is also important to ensure your mower is in shape. Ensure your blades are sharp and still have plenty of ‘meat’ still left on them. It is also important to ensure your lawn mower still has plenty of torque and power. These will all help ensure you will get a much cleaner cut when mowing.

If you are wanting to take your lawn mowing to the next level, using a cylinder mower that will use a scissor-like cutting action to cleanly slice the grass leaf get will help you get the cleanest cut possible.

How Can I Prevent Lawn Grubs and Other Pests from My Lawn?

If you have heard of lawn grubs or have been unlucky enough to have them invade your lawn, you will know that prevention is far better than facing an invasion from these pests. To prevent lawn pests we recommend using an Acelepryn-based products like Grub Guard Ultimate. This will provide up to 6 months of protection from damage-causing insects like Armyworm and Lawn Grubs. So, two applications will provide year-round protection.

Grub Guard Ultimate is not only effective but is also one of the safest insecticides that you can use on your lawn. It is safe for use around pets and kids, as well as earthworms in your soil, birds, and bees. Acelepryn-based products work by targeting a specific muscle receptor common to damage-causing insects. Other insects and mammals without this receptor will be unharmed.

Grub Guard Ultimate, powered by Acelepryn, is now available in a 4kg bucket and will cover up to 500m2.

How Can a Pre-Emergent Help Take My Lawn to The Next Level?

Pressure from weed invasions will always exist, whether weed seeds are carried underfoot, spread by birds, or blown in by the wind from surrounding neighbours’ lawns. Keeping up with general lawn care practices, such as regular mowing and weeding, can greatly reduce the number of weeds in your lawn. However, even with good maintenance, your lawn can still remain susceptible to weed invasions.

One way to help prevent weeds before they appear in your lawn is to use a pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert or Barricade. These herbicides work by creating a barrier at the soil level. This helps prevent weed seedlings like Winter Grass, Summer Grass, Crowsfoot and Creeping Oxalis before they have a chance to grow and spread throughout your lawn.

There are a few key times throughout the year to time your pre-emergent applications. These are when annual weed seedlings are just about to germinate. We recommend applying a pre-emergent for Winter Grass prevention just before the temperatures are expected to cool in your region. For a colder climate like Victoria, this means getting your application down around late February to March and for other regions around April to May. For prevention of warm-season weeds, we recommend timing your application just before temperatures rise. This is usually around early to mid-spring for most regions.

What Pre-Emergent Should I Use on My Lawn?

When choosing pre-emergents, if you prefer to use granular products, we recommend looking at either Oxafert 3kg or Oxafert Plus 20kg. Both of these products will prevent seasonal weeds for up to 12 weeks. If a liquid product is more your style, Barricade 250ml is a great option. Barricade will remain active for up to 6 months. So only 2 applications will be needed per year for seasonal control.

Barricade pre emergent — Barricade Pre-Emergent

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