Sarah, Author at Lawn Solutions Australia

Can You Renovate Buffalo Grass?

Posted on September 27, 2024May 26, 2025 by Sarah

A question that we commonly get here at Lawn Solutions is “can you renovate buffalo grass?” While the short answer is yes, we take a look at the precautions you need to take…

Skip to: Why do I need to take precautions when renovating buffalo grass? How to dethatch buffalo grass, How to top dress buffalo grass, How to care for buffalo grass after lawn renovation.

Why Do I Need to Take Precautions When Renovating Buffalo Turf?

Buffalo grass mainly grows by its above-ground runner system and doesn’t have a strong rhizome like couch and kikuyu grasses. With couch and kikuyu, when renovating, you can almost take the lawn back to dirt as the underground runners of the grass will be able to grow back through the soil to repair. With buffalo you can remove the top layer of overlapping stolons, however you will need to ensure that there is still stolons present and attached to the soil so that the grass can still grow back and repair.

How to Dethatch Buffalo Grass with a Mower

One method to dethatch buffalo grass is to give the lawn a low mow to pick up and remove the dry thatch material within the profile. When doing this, we recommend dropping the height down slowly to ensure you are not removing too much of the plant material. Drop the height on your mower, then review how much material is removed. If needed, drop the height again and mow back over the area. You can repeat this process until you are happy with how much of the grass runner is still present.

How to Scarify Buffalo

If you choose to use a scarifying machine on your buffalo lawn, we always recommend testing the scarifier on a small area while on its highest and least aggressive setting. If you are then happy with the results, and most importantly, there are runners of the grass still in tack, continue across the whole lawn.

How to Use a Scarifying Rake on Buffalo

If you want to use a scarifying rake, give the area a light rake, monitor how much material is removed, and ensure runners are still in the tack.

How Do You Top Dress Buffalo Grass?

When top dressing buffalo turf, we recommend using an 80% sand 20% loam mixture if you are wanting to improve the soil profile. If you are wanting to top dress for level improvement, we recommend using a washed or screened river sand.

When topdressing evenly apply the soil to the area, then rub it into the profile by using the back of a rake or a soil leveller.

When top dressing, ensure the top of the leaf is still popping through the sand/soil. You shouldn’t apply more than 5-10mm thickness at one time. If you require more top dressing to level out your area, doing this over a few applications over spring and summer is best.

What Products Should I Apply After a Lawn Renovation?

After a lawn renovation, we recommend applying a fertiliser to help give your lawn a boost in growth and nutrients. We recommend using a well-rounded granular fertiliser like our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser. This has a combination of slow and fast-release granules, giving the lawn a good upfront boost while continuing to feel the lawn after it is repaired.

There are also a few preventative style products we recommend looking into using after a renovation. To help prevent damage-causing insects, we recommend using an Acelepryn powered product like Grub Guard Ultimate. If you want to help prevent weeds this spring and summer, we recommend using a pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert or Oxafert Plus.

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

Did You Forget to Apply a Pre-Emergent?

Posted on September 2, 2024May 26, 2025 by Sarah

Why You Should Remove Weeds Growing in Your Lawn Now

Getting on top of weeds now in spring will not only improve the appearance of your lawn but will also stop the weeds before they have a chance to go to seed and spread.

Skip to: What lawn weeds grow in spring? When should I remove weeds from my lawn? Why should I remove broadleaf weeds in my lawn now? Why should I remove Bindii now? How can I limit weeds in my lawn? Should I use a pre-emergent herbicide?

What Weeds Commonly Grow in Spring?

During spring, it is common that you will still see some broadleaf weeds like Bindii and Creeping Oxalis. Once the temperatures have warmed back up, you may notice seasonal summer weeds like Crabgrass, Paspalum and Summer Grass growing.

When Should I Remove Weeds?

This is a common question that we get, and the answer is always when you see them. The benefit of doing this is stopping them before they have a chance to go to seed, and can spread further throughout your lawn, and before they can grow and take over more sections of your lawn.

Why Should I Remove Broadleaf Weeds Now

Broadleaf weeds can increase in growth when temperatures rise. Some common broadleaf weeds that will grow throughout the warmer months are Bindii, Clover, Creeping Oxalis, Chickweed, Lambs Tongue and more. These broadleaf weeds can be treated relatively quickly using a broadleaf herbicide. Popular herbicide options include hose on All Purpose Weed Control or concentrate Estate Herbicide.

Why You Should Remove Bindii Now

If you happen to have the dreaded Bindii growing, now is an ideal time to treat it before it produces its prickly weed pods. It is these seed pods that contain the prickly seeds that cause pain to our bare feet when walking on your lawn. So, if you happen to have Bindii growing in your lawn, it is best to treat it now before it goes to seed. For removal, use a broadleaf herbicide.

How Can I Limit Weeds in My Lawn?

Ensuring your lawn is thick and healthy will create less space in the profile for weeds to grow. With a healthy and thick lawn there will be increased competition for resources including soil, nutrients and sunlight. With this, it will become more difficult for the weeds to grow. For more tips and advice on how to help get your lawn thick and healthy this spring, check out our Spring Lawn Care blog here.

Ensuring you are mowing your lawn regularly will further help limit weeds in your lawn. Regular mowing will also help weaken the weed while it is using a large amount of energy to grow.

Should I Use a Pre-Emergent Herbicide?

Pre-emergent herbicides, as the name suggests help stop weeds before they start to emerge. They target weed seedlings while they are germinating before they start to appear in your lawn. Oxafertand Oxafert Plus pre-emergents will target seasonal summer weeds, including Summer Grass, Crab Grass, Crowsfoot and Creeping Oxalis.

It is important to note that timing your application is also important to ensure you stop the weeds before they start to germinate and grow. For summer weeds, it is best to apply your pre-emergent in early to mid-spring or when the temperatures are starting to warm back up in your region.

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

Why Now is the Best Time to Spring Your Lawn into Shape

Posted on September 2, 2024August 4, 2025 by Sarah

As the temperatures warm back up, your lawn will start to actively grow again, and this means you can start getting your lawn back into shape. In this blog, we share a few different lawn care activities you can do in spring.

Skip to: Why should I remove weeds from my lawn in spring? How can I get the most out of my fertiliser application in spring? Should I aerate my lawn in spring? Do I need to renovate my lawn in spring?

Why is Spring an Ideal Time to Fix Your Lawn?

With temperatures set to warm up over the coming weeks our lawns will start to actively grow again. The temperatures are usually warm enough for new growth, but not hot enough that the grass will be under stress from the scorching summer sun. This makes it an ideal time to focus on repairing any damage that may have occurred over winter or address any underlying issues the lawn may be facing.

Should I Remove Weeds from My Lawn in Spring?

If there are weeds growing in your lawn, it is best to treat them as soon as possible to help prevent them from spreading further. Treating weeds now will also limit the competition your lawn will face, allowing the turf to grow stronger and thicker quickly.

When treating common broadleaf weeds like Clover and Bindii, you can look at using a broadleaf herbicide like All Purpose Weed Control. If you are not sure what weed type you have growing in your lawn, check out our Ultimate Weed Guide for identification and removal tips here.If you want to get ahead of the game and prevent weeds before they start to appear in your lawn, look into using a pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert and Oxafert Plus.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Fertiliser Application This Spring

When applying fertiliser to your lawn this spring, timing is key. If your application is too early, before temperatures start to warm back up, your lawn won’t be growing at a fast enough rate to use the fertiliser effectively.

So, when should I apply fertiliser to my lawn this spring? The answer is when the temperatures are consistently warmer and when you have noticed that the lawn has begun to actively grow again.

If you are wanting a granular fertiliser, our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser, available in both a 4kg bucket and a 10kg bucket. This fertiliser contains both a fast and slow-release granule to give your lawn a good upfront boost heading out of winter dormancy, and also contains a slow-release granule that will continue to feed the lawn for 12 weeds for a sustained boost. This fertiliser contains a balanced ratio of nutrients and trace elements to encourage strong growth and rich colour.

If you prefer to use liquid lawn care products, a great fertiliser option is Exceed Liquid Fertiliser, available in both a 2L Hose-on bottle and a 2.5L concentrate.

Should I Aerate My Lawn this Spring?

Over the last six months we have been experiencing high amounts of rainfall. With this and increased cloud cover, it has made our lawns sit damp for longer periods of time. When this occurs, with combined foot traffic, the soil underneath can become compacted. This compaction can make it difficult for air, water and nutrients to reach the roots of your lawn. To help alleviate this compaction, it is recommended to aerate your lawn.

Aeration typically involves using a garden fork, tyne aerator or aerator sandals to create space within the profile. When aerating with a garden fork or tyne aerator, simply drive the fork into the profile and give it a good wiggle back and forth to fracture the soil profile. Repeat this across the whole lawn. If you have a larger area that is too big to aerate by hand, you can look at hiring a mechanical aerator.

This process will help your lawn become healthier, stronger and thicker.

Do I Need to Renovate My Lawn This Spring?

If you’re looking to get drastic results with your lawn this spring or are needing to give your lawn some extra TLC, look at renovating your lawn this spring. Lawn renovations can help improve soil quality, compaction, improve your lawns levels, and remove thatch, all improving the all-round appearance of your lawn.

Typically, lawn renovations will start off with removing all weeds from your lawn. A few weeks after this and when temperatures are consistently warmer, you can then scalp or dethatch your lawn, aerate, fertilise and top dress. Initially after this process your lawn won’t look the best, but over a few weeks, your lawn will improve drastically!

For more information on how to complete a lawn renovation, check out our Lawn Renovation video series here.

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

Beware Plants That Can Hurt Your Dog

Posted on August 20, 2024May 26, 2025 by Sarah

Do you know what common house plants are safe for your dogs? In this blog, we take a look at some common plant types that are safe and others that are not safe for our pets.

Skip to: What makes plants toxic to dogs? Symptoms of plant poisoning in dogs, How can I prevent my pet from getting sick? What plants are dangerous for dogs? What plants are safe for dogs?

What Makes Plants Toxic for Our Pets?

Different types of plants contain various substances, all which can differently impact our pets. While some plants are harmless, others can cause mild side effects, and others can cause significant harm. There are some factors which can increase the severity of a reaction, including the amount ingested, size of your dog, age and overall health of the dog.

Common Symptoms Your Pet May Have from Plant Poisoning

Some common symptoms that your pets are experiencing plant poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, tremors, pain, difficulty breathing and heart rhythm abnormalities. If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to consult with your local vet as soon as possible.

What Can I Do to Help Prevent My Dog from Getting Sick?

The first step is to know what plants your pets are exposed to at home. Then you will be able to assess the plants toxicity. For a full and detailed list of that plants are toxic to your pets, check out ASPCA’s extensive list here.

What Plants Are Not Safe for Dogs?

There is also a wide variety of plants that you should be cautious about when you have pets. Below are ten common plants that are not safe for your dog:

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis). Aloe Vera is safe around dogs but can cause harm when ingested.
Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp.). This plant contains lycorine at its bulb which is not safe for pets.
Azalea (Rhododendron spp.). Azalea’s contain cardiovascular toxins which can weaken the heartbeat of your pets.
Begonia (Begonia spp.). Although the most toxic part of the plant is underground, it is best to keep your pets away.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.). Chrysanthemums contain chemicals including pyrethrin and sesquiterpene which are toxic to pets.
Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.). Cyclamen contains triterpenoid saponins, which can cause extreme irritation. This plant contains its highest concentration of triterpenoid saponins at the plant’s roots, so if your pet happens to get the plant roots, it can cause serious health effects.
Daffodil (Narcissus spp.). Daffodils flowers and underground bulbs contain the toxin lycorine. Like other plants with bulbs, the highest concentration will be at the bulb of the plant.
Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.) Dieffenbachia if ingested can cause burning and swelling of the mouth.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) Although these plants are stunning to look at, they can be highly toxic if eaten, causing sever nausea and vomiting.
Lantana (Lantana camara) Lantana is not only a noxious weed but is toxic to pets. If you do happen to spot some of this plant growing in your garden, it is best to remove it as soon as possible.

What Plants Are Safe for Use Around My Dogs?

A wide variety of plants are safe for use around dogs. A few of our favourite plants are:

African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Petunias (Petunia)
Callistemon (Bottlebrush)
Grevillea (Spider Flower)
Sunflowers
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa)
Magnolia Trees

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

10 Facts About Grass You Probably Didn’t Know

Posted on August 19, 2024May 26, 2025 by Sarah

Grass is all around us — in our parks, around our homes, and even in the fields where our food is grown. But how much do you really know about it? Take this turfgrass trivia challenge and find out which fun facts you already know — and which ones might surprise you!

Fact 1 – 1 Acre of Grass (4,047m2) Will Supply Enough Oxygen for 64 People a Day!

This accounts to 63m2 creating enough oxygen for one person per day (Maryland Agricultural Statics Service). This is far greater than trees, where 1 acre will produce enough oxygen for 18 people per day (Growing Air Foundation).

Fact 2 – Wheat is a Type of Grass!

Wheat, the most widely grown crop in the world is actually a type of grass! All grains, including rice, corn and oats are all examples of different grass types.

Fact 3 – The Leaf of Grass is Made up of Around 75% – 85% Water

Grass is mostly made up of water! This is similar to selected veggies and other plants, with lettuce up to 96% water, celery and tomatoes being 95% water and cauliflower 92% water.

Fact 4 – The Temperature on a Natural Green Lawn in Summer Can Be 10 Degrees Less than Bare Soil, 20 Degrees Less than Asphalt, Concrete or Pebbles and 40 Degrees Less than Synthetic Grass!

You want your home to be as cool as possible on hot summer days. A natural turf surface can significantly help cool your home! On a 28-degree day in Sydney, a synthetic sports field measured a whopping 88 degrees, posing serious health hazards (Turf Australia).

Fact 5 – There are Currently 11,500 Accepted Species of Grass.

Another estimated 1,500 species of grass taxonomists (biologists who group organisms into categories) have yet to be added to this list as it is still considered a work in progress (National Museum of Natural History).

Fact 6 – Zoysia Grasses Have More Genetic Diversity that a Plant Breeder Can Use to Create New Grasses Compared to Other Grasses like Buffalo.

Zoysia grasses have around 600 unique Zoysia plants that have been collected from across the world. These 600 grasses are used as the foundation for breeding new Zoysia grasses. Whereas buffalo grasses have around 30-40 plants to create new buffalo grasses.

Fact 7 – Pink Flamingos Are the Most Popular Lawn Decoration

Did you know that around 250,000 pink flamingo lawn decorations are sold each year? Although these are not a common decoration here in Australia, they are more commonly found on lawns across the United States.

Fact 8 – Frank J. Scott Wrote the First Lawn Care Book in 1870

The first lawn care book, The Art of Beautifying a Suburban Home Grounds, was written by Frank J. Scott, in New York, USA. This book has more recently been selected by scholars as being culturally significant, therefore it has been preserved, reproduced and is generally available to the public.

Fact 9 – Grass Grows on Every Continent, including Antarctica!

Yes, even grass grows in Antarctica! One of the main grasses growing in the cool regions of the Antarctic Circle is Deschampsia antarctica, more commonly known as Antarctic Hair Grass.

Fact 10 – TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda Was Hand Selected Out of Almost 30,000 Different Bermuda Turf Varieties

TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda was bred by one of the world’s leading turfgrass breeders, the University of Georgia. This grass was chosen out of almost 30,000 other grasses due to its superior qualities in drought tolerance, shade tolerance, wear tolerance, and winter colour. TifTuf is also the only turfgrass in Australia to be awarded with the Smart Approved Watermark. This award is for its superior drought tolerance, needing on average 38% less water than other turf varieties.

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

How to Avoid Burning Your Lawn

Posted on August 14, 2024May 26, 2025 by Sarah

Did you know that there is such a thing as giving your lawn a little too much love? We take a look at how lawn care products affect your lawn and how to avoid burning your lawn.

Skip to: How to avoid burning my lawn with fertiliser? How to avoid burning my lawn when using herbicides? How to use non selective herbicides? How do I help my lawn recover after burning it?

How to Avoid Burning My Lawn with Fertiliser

Fertilisers are one of the main culprits of burns on your lawn. When using fertilisers, it is always best to follow all application instructions and apply the correct amount of product to your area size.

Granular fertilisers often need to be applied to a dry lawn and then watered in so that the granule is washed into the lawn’s profile. When using granular fertilisers, apply the granules to the area evenly. Using a fertiliser spreader will assist with this.

When using liquid fertilisers, the main cause of burning can be overapplying products to your area. Ensure you know how big your lawn area is and measure how much product is required for your space. When using a hose on product, check the area size it covers and apply it to the whole space.

How Can I Avoid Burning My Lawn When Using Herbicides?

When using herbicides on your lawn, there are a few steps you can take to avoid burning from occurring. Before purchasing a product, check the label to ensure it is safe for your lawn type. Some herbicides are not safe for all lawns.

Another common cause of burns is applying too much product, this can be done in multiple ways. Before application, make sure you know the area size you want to treat and mix your herbicide accordingly. If using a hose on product, ensure you apply it across the whole lawn and not just concentrated to where the weed is growing, as this can cause burns to the grass underneath.

How to Use Non-Selective Herbicides

As the name suggests, non-selective herbicides like Roundup and Zero with the active ingredient Glyphosate will target all plant material that they touch, including your lawn. This means when using them, you will need to be very careful where you spray and even when walking over sprayed areas.

These herbicides are best used to completely remove all plant material in areas where you are looking to completely renovate or treat weeds in paved or concrete areas. However, if there is a weed growing in your lawn and no selective herbicide is available for its removal, you may have to use a non-selective herbicide. When this is the case, the best application method is to carefully apply the non-selective herbicide with a weed wand or small paint brush for an accurate application.

When non-selective herbicides are not carefully applied, they can also kill off the surrounding grass.

How Do I Help My Lawn Recover from a Burn?

If your lawn has become burnt, there are a few things you can do to help it recover.

What should I do if a burn has just occurred on my lawn?

If a burn has just occurred, the most important thing to do is water the lawn well. This will help wash away excess product and encourage new growth. Following this, keep up with regular mowing to stimulate new growth.

What should I do if I have killed a patch of grass?

The first thing to consider is the size of the area. If the patch is smaller than an A4-size piece of paper, the surrounding grass should be able to grow and spread back over it. If the area is larger than this, you may need to use a turf roll to patch up the lawn for a faster recovery. Please check out our Repairing Bare Patches blog for more information here.

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

Game On: Woodburn Sports Fields Rise from Floodwaters

Posted on August 9, 2024November 13, 2024 by Sarah

WITH CLARENCE VALLEY TURF

Clarence Valley Sports Fields Maintenance is a part of the Clarence Valley Turf Farm owned by Travis and Helen Stone, located in Seelands via Grafton NSW. The company was employed by the Richmond Valley Shire Council to refurbish parks and sports fields located in Casino and Woodburn, NSW. These areas were decimated by the floods in the Northern Rivers area in February and March 2022, having a severe effect on the sports fields in the area.

The flooding experienced in Woodburn was like nothing that had come before, it was much higher than a one-in-five hundred- year event. The residents quickly moved to higher ground, but the waters continued to rise. There were stories of some individuals having to shelter in the dark on the local bridge with the full force of flood waters surging around them, before the immense relief when a small group of boats found them and took them to safety. Woodburn

School provided shelter for hundreds of locals who waited many days for the water to recede and access roads to open again. The devastating effect of the flood was considerable, with 154 properties in Woodburn being damaged, along with community buildings, infrastructure, and local businesses pertinent to employment in the region. With damage to so many homes, Woodburn had a long journey of rebuilding in front of them. Once the waters had receded, the council quickly established a Recovery Advisory Group to work with residents and support the recovery, along with the support of the Australian Defence Force personnel who came to help with the clean-up.

Such a large volume of water had a devastating effect on the region’s local sporting infrastructure. This inundation led to the deterioration of the playing surface at Woodburn Oval, causing undulations, cracks and compaction issues that significantly compromised its usability. Consequently, there was a need for levelling to address these unsafe undulations and resurfacing to rectify surface imperfections, invasive weeds, and grasses to create a uniform surface. This restoration process involved the decompaction and working over of the soil profile, topdressing, slight levelling/shaping of the playing surface and laying new turf.

Woodburn flooding: Woodburn oval

Despite interruptions due to rain, the Clarence Valley Sports Field team were able to complete the preparation and repair of the soil over eight days ready for brand-new turf to be installed on the newly levelled surface. Over four days a team of turf layers installed 8,250m2 of TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda turf, bringing the field back to prime condition for residents and visitors. The one-in-five hundred-year flood might have destroyed the sports field, but a team of qualified professionals from Clarence Valley Sports Fields Maintenance were able to bring it back to life within a matter of days.

Casino flooding: Queen Elizabeth Park

Floodwaters also inundated the main street of Casino at Queen Elizabeth Park on Monday, February 28th, following days of incessant rainfall. Evacuations were initiated in low-lying areas as flash floods persisted, prompting the river to breach its banks. An emergency shelter was set up at Casino High School, with volunteers offering aid such as meals, warm clothing, and blankets to evacuees. As water encroached upon shops along Walker Street, volunteers assisted in fortifying entrances with sandbags and relocating stock and equipment to higher ground. By Tuesday morning, water levels began to recede, revealing wandering cattle in the town, which were promptly gathered by council rangers. The subsequent cleanup commenced, with many shops reopening by Wednesday and cleanup crews removing debris from local residences. Approximately 270 properties incurred damage, along with local sports facilities, roads, and infrastructure. The force of the floodwaters resulted in severe erosion of the riverbank, uprooting trees and destroying years of habitat restoration efforts.

The remediation of Queen Elizabeth Park commenced with a request from the council for the flood-affected grass areas to be also repaired through the installation of TifTuf. Clarence Valley staff administered pre-emergent herbicides and controlled- release fertilisers before sprigging TifTuf across an 8,500m2 area, followed by rolling and watering the park upon completion of the project.

Despite the challenges posed by the flooding across the region, the restoration efforts stand as a testament to the resilience and determination of the community, recognising the importance of rebuilding and revitalising recreational space for the community.

Lawn Doctor Brings ‘Tuf’ New Turf to WA Schools

Posted on August 9, 2024November 13, 2024 by Sarah

AVELEY NORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL

Western Australia has approximately 490 public schools throughout the Perth metro area. Each school has a grounds person to look after each site, many only on a part- time basis of 1-2 days per week, unless it is a large school requiring further full-time equivalent (FTE). Irrigation on all sites is automatic and water is supplied via bores. The maintenance of the turf areas is currently carried out by two contractors. Lawn Doctor is the largest service provider with 270 school sites, including the mowing, fertilising, weed spraying, renovation, and construction of all turf areas. Lawn Doctor has been contracting to the Department of Education in WA for 32 years.

The climate in WA is hot and dry in the warm months with an average rainfall of around 600mm per year with most falling during the winter months as summer rain in the Southwest corner of the continent is uncommon. Perth metro area is 99% sand with little to no water or nutrient holding capacity, making growing good quality turf difficult.

The current maintenance contract limits school sites to just one fertiliser application and two wetting agent applications per year unless they choose to allocate additional funds themselves. This restriction poses a challenge in maintaining a durable surface that can withstand the harsh climate, constant water restrictions, and the sandy soil composition. Moreover, the constant heavy usage of the turf areas by students exacerbates the difficulty of keeping the turf surface in optimal condition. Adding to these challenges, the invasion of Southern Sting Nematodes has further intensified the struggles faced by many turf areas.

Southern Sting Nematode

Southern Sting Nematode (Ibipora lolii) is the most damaging nematode pest of turfgrass in Australia. It was first reported in the Newcastle area of New South Wales in 1979 and is now causing severe damage to sports grounds in Perth.

For years, the Department of Education specified the use of Kikuyu on school grounds, believing it to be the best variety available to cope with the challenging conditions. Unfortunately, the damage caused by the Southern Sting Nematodes to the root system is particularly severe in schools where Kikuyu grass is predominant.

The impact of these nematodes is especially pronounced in sites with larger school populations, rendering the ovals completely unusable. One site was Aveley North Primary School, a reasonably sized primary school located in Perth’s Northeast, where the nematode infestation resulted in their oval being unfit for purpose.

The school has approximately 900 students and is 6 years old. The oval was laid with instant Kikuyu that arrived with a significant Sting Nematode population and the oval has struggled to be a viable playing surface. The Department of Education approached Lawn Doctor for options on how to improve the turf surface, including renovations, pesticide applications, and additional nutritional inputs.

Turf Replacement Selection – TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda

Lawn Doctor was concerned the additional funding spent would not provide the required results and this would negatively impact all stakeholders, including the students, the Department of Education, and Lawn Doctor. Lawn Doctor decided that the best recommendation was a complete reconstruction of the oval using TifTuf Hybrid Couch. A proposal was written and submitted, outlining the benefits, including the active root system, the need for minimal fertiliser inputs, reduced water usage, and its active winter growth. After several meetings and a full risk assessment, a commitment was made by the Department of Education to variate from the specified Kikuyu and go with this hybrid couch variety. An independent consultancy firm, Sports Turf Technology (STT), was bought in to work with Lawn Doctor on the process for installation and to report on what worked and what didn’t to build a basis for any possible future works using TifTuf.

One of the challenges was the watering of the new grass without impacting the water available to the rest of the school during establishment. The groundwater is plentiful, however the ground in this part of Perth is at the base of the Darling Range and is a heavy loam and clay soil. This makes the ground very tight and water extraction extremely slow. The system is comprised of a low-volume submersible within the bore which pumps into a tank of approximately 50,000 litres before a centrifugal pump delivers the water from the tank. The challenge was to ensure the recharge of the tank was sufficient and to ensure water was available for the rest of the school grounds and garden areas. STT tested the flow rates and calculated water output and was confident the infrastructure was going to be sufficient.

Construction Process

Step 1. All sprinklers were lowered to 40mm below the surface utilising 300mm Articulated Risers on I25 Hunter sprinklers. Any other fittings and fixtures such as valve boxes and electrical pits were identified and marked out.

Step 2. The Field Top Maker (FTM) was bought in and set to 30mm, and the entire surface of sparse Kikuyu was removed, which took 2 days. There were challenges with the sand being loose as the two chaser trucks catching the trash material were constantly getting bogged. Areas that the FTM couldn’t reach were removed with an “Ings” pedestrian turf cutter, bobcat, or by hand. Once the surface was removed and waste stockpiled (we got around 300m3 waste) the waste was carted out by semi- trailers to an approved waste facility.

Step 3. The surface was turned over with the use of a Blecovator to a depth of 220mm with sieves set at 15mm to bury any overburden or excess trash and leave a clean sand base to work with. There were three passes made in differing directions. This process revealed that stone and old asphalt rubble ranged from 5mm to 350mm below the surface in the top 220mm.

Step 4. Not being aware of the rubble previously, we needed to seek action for additional works and we subcontracted to another turf contractor to sieve the profile with a beach cleaner. This delayed the project by two days, however, the machine worked well, removing stones and debris from as small as 10mm to a depth of 300mm. In total, 45 tonnes of stone and asphalt were removed. The surface needed to remain dry for this part of the operation to allow the sand to fall through the sieves easily.

Step 5. All irrigation was tested, repairs made where required and we began the re-wetting process to get moisture down to 200mm.

Step 6. Part of the initial recommendations we made was to incorporate some organic material into the profile. This was to build organics and increase the cation exchange for nutrient holding because Sting Nematodes do not like compost. 150m3 was spread by a Marshall twin spinner evenly over the surface and was then incorporated into the top 50mm of the surface with the Blecovator.

Step 7. Levelling with a smudge board began and rolling to consolidate the surface to just leave a footprint in the soil. A Posi-track bobcat and some hard work finished off around the centre wicket, goal posts, and a few pits and valve boxes, and the ground was now ready for installation. This was completed on a Friday afternoon. Lawn Doctor set up an irrigation cycle to manage establishment watering of the freshly laid turf over the weekend to see if the equipment was up to the task. The system was set to run at 5 am, 10 am, and 3 pm to apply 4mm at each cycle, bearing in mind it was 37- 44 degrees in February with strong hot easterly winds at the base of the escarpment where the school was situated. On Saturday morning, low-level shutoffs were found in the system and the tank was nearly dry as there was no recharge into the tank. We found a gate valve that was shut and opened it and heard water going into the tank but then realised this was scheme water, not from the bore. We had no access to the bore resets, so we let the scheme run. We shut the irrigation control system down until that evening and then set it to run again on Sunday. On Monday, we managed to get Western Irrigation in as they manage the irrigation for this site and the issue was an iron filter. Once this was rectified the bore kicked in and recharge began. We were set to start laying that week; however, Lawn Doctor did not make the final decision to install until we were convinced the water was available.

Step 8. Watering was reliable and we started bringing in the turf; we transported 3,000m2 in on the first day, 4,000m2 on day 2, and the balance of 2,700m2 on the last day. The installers from Allwest Turf had a job cancel so they had up to 15 guys laying the TifTuf in 42-degree heat directly onto the sand.

Step 9. Turf installs were completed and rolling with a twin drum roller removed any depressions. Water was set to run 3 times per day for two weeks at 30 mins per station (8 stations in total) then after 2 weeks the run times were reduced to 20mins 3 times per day. Mowing began at 20mm using a Toro fairway mower, this was completed twice per week on a Monday and Thursday. Week 5 water was reduced to twice a day for 15 minutes (still 35-degree days) and the TifTuf never looked as though it was stressed by lack of water. In week 6, we further reduced the water to 1 water per day, the grass kept growing, and mowing continued twice per week. At this point, we raised the height of the cut to 25mm which is the Department of Education’s specified height and continued mowing twice weekly.

Step 10. A fertiliser application of NPK plus Trace elements was applied at 200kg per hectare.

Water was reduced at this point to 3 times per week as per watering guidelines in WA.

After 4 weeks the oval was ready for the students and school community, however, the school Principal decided to keep it out of use until the beginning of the new term after the Easter break. The TifTuf oval is now in full use and going great, the school is very happy, and the kids are enjoying their new oval and sports activities.

Our goal is for TifTuf to be recognised as an excellent option for sports turf fields in Western Australia. We hope to use this opportunity to work with STT on building a strong case study showing how TifTuf turf can outcompete the damage caused by Sting Nematodes. This, along with its other benefits including reduced water usage and nutritional inputs, strong wear and tear, and fast establishment time, will help us to educate Local Governments and sporting facilities about the overall benefits and reliability of this grass variety, not only for the users but also for the environment.

Revitalising Pacific Golf Club

Posted on August 9, 2024November 13, 2024 by Sarah

AN INTERVIEW WITH COURSE SUPERINTENDENT CHARLIE GIFFARD

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Brisbane, the Pacific Golf Club is undergoing an exciting transformation. At the forefront of this redevelopment is Charlie Giffard, the course superintendent, whose extensive experience and innovative vision are pivotal to this project. We sat down with Charlie to discuss his journey in the world of golf, the current state of Pacific Golf Club, and the ambitious plans for its future.

From Grassroots to Greens: Charlie’s Journey

Charlie Giffard’s career in golf began in 1979 on a modest nine-hole course. Over the decades, his path took him through various locations across New South Wales and Queensland, working with a variety of cool and warm-season grasses. His extensive tenure at Indooroopilly Golf Club in Brisbane from 2004 to 2018 gave him deep insights into managing diverse green environments. “I’ve always been a student of looking at different grasses and seeing how we can do things better,” Charlie reflects.

A New Era at Pacific Golf Club

Charlie joined Pacific Golf Club at a pivotal moment. The club, located in a somewhat overlooked area of Brisbane, is in the midst of a significant redevelopment. This includes a partnership with Reside, a retirement company, leading to the modernisation of the club’s facilities. A new clubhouse, state-of-the-art practice facilities, and the latest technology such as Top Tracer and Trackman in the simulators are just a few highlights of the ongoing transformation.

“We have four simulators now, with a fifth one planned for the driving range. It’s an exciting place to be with all the new technology,” Charlie adds.

“Pacific Golf Club is situated in a fantastic part of Brisbane. It’s in a bit of a forgotten area in golf,” Charlie notes. “One of my intentions is to try and bring the profile up of the club. The redevelopment with Reside has enabled the club to modernise.”

Innovative Vision and Community Integration

The redevelopment aims to elevate Pacific Golf Club not just as a golfing destination but as a community hub. “There’s an opening up of the club and the facilities rather than just for golfers and members to the community at large,” Charlie explains. The plans include an amenity lawn, mini golf, advanced practice areas, and possibly even a swimming pool, gym, and cinema. This holistic approach positions the club as a lifestyle venue, catering to a broader audience.

Greening the Course

One of the significant upgrades under Charlie’s supervision is the installation of a new irrigation system. The old system, comprised of hydraulic systems with a mix of asbestos cement, PVC, and steel pipes, was outdated and inefficient. The new system, a Toro Lynx system with Infinity head sprinklers, promises better water distribution and turf quality, essential for maintaining high standards across the course. “It took a little over a year to install twin row irrigation, starting in mid-2022 and finishing in June 2023,” Charlie explains. “The new system gives us much more coverage and manageability.”

As an early adopter of Zoysia, Charlie Giffard immediately recognised its potential for golf course use, particularly for its sustainability and maintenance advantages. “Zoysia has many good qualities that make it an excellent fit for golf. With sustainability being a key focus, it minimises inputs compared to what we were working with before, like 328 and other Bermudas or couches,” Charlie explains. The successful implementation of Zoysia at previous courses had proven its value, and Charlie was eager to leverage this experience at Pacific Golf Club.

“When we were looking at the amenity lawns around the clubhouse, it was a no- brainer for me to choose Zoysia,” Charlie states. “Its aesthetic appeal and low maintenance requirements made it ideal for the club’s plans.” The new lawns, planted with Sir Grange Zoysia, are not just for show. “We’ve got tables and chairs out on it, and it handles a lot of weekend wear and tear, including kids playing and jumping castles. It’s cut at 50mm, making it durable and perfect for heavy use.”

Looking ahead, Charlie also envisions using Zoysia for the redevelopment of the nine- hole course, highlighting its resilience and suitability for diverse golfing conditions. “The Primo Zoysia we’ve installed on greens at other courses has proven to be an excellent surface, and I have high hopes for its future applications across this course also.”

Future Plans and Maintenance

As redevelopment progresses, Charlie’s focus is on refining the course’s playing surfaces and upgrading the greens. Plans include transitioning from the traditional 328 grass to TifEagle, known for its superior quality. A master plan is in development to potentially revamp the course layout, enhancing the overall golfing experience.

“At the moment, I’m looking at trying to clean up a lot of the playing surfaces. We’ve achieved a lot in the last 12 months in getting old grass weeds out and are about 80% Greenlees Park or hybrid green couch,” Charlie says. “We’re also planning to update our mowing lines and upgrade the greens to TifEagle.”

Since the redevelopment began, the members of Pacific Golf Club have shown tremendous support, with a full membership and a waiting list of eager applicants. Initially sceptical, many members are now seeing the impressive results and are enthusiastic about the club’s future, confident in the positive direction of the ongoing improvements.

Charlie Giffard’s tenure at Pacific Golf Club is marked by innovation and a commitment to excellence. His extensive experience and forward-thinking approach are driving the club’s transformation, making it an exciting place for both golf enthusiasts and the broader community. As Charlie aptly puts it, “It’s not just a golf course; it’s a lifestyle.” With such a dynamic vision, Pacific Golf Club is set to become a premier destination in Brisbane’s golfing landscape.

We thank Charlie Giffard for his time and insights. Stay tuned as we continue to follow the exciting developments at Pacific Golf Club.

Building a New Turf Farm to Mitigate Risk of Flooding

Posted on August 8, 2024November 13, 2024 by Sarah

DIRECT TURF IN THE HAWKESBURY

In the Hawkesbury region of NSW, two major challenges for turf farming include locating flood-free land with sufficient water supply and cultivating turf within Development Approval criteria. In this area, one cannot simply purchase any parcel of land and convert it into a turf farm due to soil type restrictions or lack of access to ample water resources.

When Direct Turf was seeking turf production land, considerable research and investigation were involved in determining which conditions would meet their criteria. The land they found where they currently reside, has been used for intensive agriculture since 1965, and the property has access to permitted water from the Hawkesbury River.

Clearing and preparing the site for acquisition was relatively straightforward as the land was already 90% cleared due to previous farming activities. However, the higher parts of the farm presented challenges with rocky terrain and drainage issues. Direct Turf dedicated three months to excavation, rock breaking, and the removal of floating rocks. Additionally, they installed four kilometres of agricultural drainage lines, which were then covered with aggregate.

The next stage of the project involved irrigation planning and pumping. To address the undulating nature of the paddocks and prevent erosion and runoff, Direct Turf installed a fully automated irrigation system designed to micro-irrigate the soil profile and turfgrass efficiently. The system comprises 22 stations, each approximately 220 metres long and spaced 18 metres apart. Powered by a submersible pump with a capacity of 30kva, it delivers 26 litres per second, allowing for the operation of 24-26 Rainbird pop-up sprinklers, each delivering 1 litre per second. Additionally, the pump features an automated self-cleaning system on the foot valve to remove debris and sand.

1.2 kilometres of mainline were installed, 10 kilometres of poly pipe of pop-ups and 1.2 kilometres of electric cable to control solenoids for water flow coupled to a rainbird controller link by WIFI to your mobile phone. Having this system allows the farm to be completely watered within 5 hours.

When planning the varieties of turf to plant, Direct Turf faced a challenging decision. They worked diligently with Lawn Solutions Australia to gain a comprehensive understanding of the 20-year plan and the ongoing research and development aimed at introducing new turfgrasses to the market.

Drawing from their previous sales history, Direct Turf was able to estimate the appropriate quantities of each variety to plant. Direct Turf eagerly anticipates future innovation in turf, especially with a new buffalo variety currently undergoing trials by Lawn Solutions Australia and other members of the industry.

In the planting and infrastructure phase, Direct Turf embarked on a rigorous process. They sprayed and worked the soil for 12 months, ensuring optimal conditions. Once satisfied with the outcome, all areas underwent fumigation to prevent further germination of weed and grass seeds. At this stage, AusGAP, an organisation ensuring quality standards in turfgrass production, conducted on-site inspections and issued a certificate, enabling Direct Turf to proceed with planting.

Direct Turf utilised a Sammut multi-row planter for the planting process, initially focusing on one variety. They planted 400m2 of each variety per hectare. During planting, three individuals operated the row planter, while another person managed the roller and sprayed pre-emergent herbicide. Following planting, Direct Turf monitored moisture levels closely through their irrigation system to ensure optimal turfgrass establishment.

During the growing phase of the turf, Direct Turf diligently monitors the nutrient content in the soil and supplements as needed to promote robust root development and lush leaf growth. This period can often be quite stressful, as various factors such as heat, humidity, sunlight, and rainfall need to align perfectly.

In the case of the Zoysia Australis and Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo varieties, both were harvested approximately five months after planting. They were planted on the 10th of November 2023, and the first 100 rolls were harvested on the 31st of March 2024.

Throughout the process, Direct Turf encountered several challenges. Heavy rain led to significant erosion, while the unexpected volume of rocks required extensive rock-breaking efforts. Establishing roadways to navigate between the top and bottom paddocks and maintaining effective communication with all relevant parties were paramount.

Of the total land area, 22 hectares were earmarked for the project, with 17 hectares designated for turf production. Implementing flood-proofing measures was crucial for business continuity. While this property is 70% flood-free, it represents a substantial but necessary investment to safeguard against potential devastation caused by floodwaters. This contrasts with Direct Turf’s other farm in Windsor, situated in a floodplain, which has endured three floods in as many years, resulting in significant damage and disruption to operations.