Sarah, Author at Lawn Solutions Australia

Reviving the Riverbank: Turf’s Role in Erosion Control

Posted on June 11, 2025June 13, 2025 by Sarah

GREEN LIFE TURF FLOOD REMEDIATION PROJECT

Nestled on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, just outside Windsor, New South Wales, is a newly completed turf project that demonstrates the power of natural erosion control using turf. A collaborative effort led by Green Life Turf has transformed a flood devastated riverbank into a resilient green embankment.

Josh Muscat from Green Life Turf and his team have been at the forefront of this initiative, working tirelessly to rebuild the area following the devastating floods of 2021. “We had four consecutive floods over that period, real big floods,” Josh explains. “In 2021, we lost all the soil here on the riverbank directly alongside our production farm. The bank dropped 8-9 metres down to river level, and everything was washed away. It was just one big hole of erosion.”

Rebuilding From the Ground Up

The first step in the project was stabilising the ground. Given the significant soil loss, the only viable solution was to import clean fill with clay content, compacted in 200- 300mm layers. “We brought in over 7,200 truckloads of material,” Josh says. “It had to be done in stages, ensuring each layer was properly packed to prevent future slumping and erosion.” What was once an inaccessible, unstable site is now a solid, functional riverbank. “In the beginning, even a small excavator couldn’t get down here,” Josh recalls. “Now, we can bring in trucks and machinery with no problem.”

The Role of Turf in Erosion Control

While the structural rebuild was essential, turf played a critical role in stabilising the riverbank and preventing future erosion. Over 5,000 square metres of turf was laid, featuring four different turf varieties, each chosen for its unique benefits.

TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda: Selected for its drought tolerance and rapid establishment, making it ideal for areas with limited irrigation.
Sir Grange Zoysia: Known for its dense growth and aesthetic appeal, Sir Grange provides a lush, low-maintenance solution for erosion control.
Zoysia Australis: A hardy, low- maintenance turf that performs well in various conditions while maintaining a neat appearance.
Sir Walter DNA Certified Soft Leaf Buffalo: Used in upper areas to create a park-like feel while also offering strong erosion control.

“The TifTuf was the quickest to establish, grabbing hold almost immediately,”

Josh notes. “But the real surprise was Sir Grange, it’s not just visually stunning, but it established faster than expected and holds the ground exceptionally well.”

A Scalable Solution for Any Landscape

While this is a large-scale commercial project, the lessons learned apply to domestic landscapes as well. Sloping yards, embankments, and even garden beds can benefit from the erosion-controlling properties of turf. Whether it’s TifTuf for fast establishment, Sir Grange for visual appeal, or Zoysia Australis for low-maintenance durability, there’s a turf solution for every environment.

Looking Ahead

This project is more than just a restoration after the devastating floods, it’s a case study for erosion control, demonstrating how turf can be used to protect and revive even the most severely damaged landscapes. “We’ll be collecting data over the next few years to see how these varieties continue to perform,” Josh says.

With nature’s best erosion control, turf now in place, the once-devastated riverbank is now fully repaired and stabilised for the future.

For those looking to learn more about this project or implement similar solutions, please reach out to Green Life Turf or Lawn Solutions Australia.

Is Winter Shade an Issue for Warm Season Grasses?

Posted on July 1, 2025July 1, 2025 by Sarah

Does your lawn receive extra shade during winter, and are you wondering if this is an issue for your lawn? In this blog, we examine how this can impact your lawn and provide guidance on how to manage shade-affected areas effectively.

Skip to: Tips for Shaded Lawns Over Winter, Why Do Lawns Need Sunlight? Why Does My Lawn Grow Slow Over Winter? Does Shade Impact My Lawn Over Winter? Precautions To Take with Shady Lawn Areas in Winter, Why a Healthy Lawn in Autumn is a Healthy Lawn in Winter.

Tips for Shaded Lawns Over Winter:

Reduce foot traffic where possible for heavily shaded lawns
Ensure your lawn is in its healthiest condition before winter starts
Ensure you apply a well-rounded granular fertiliser in autumn before temperatures cool

Why Do Lawns Need Sunlight?

Like other living plants, grasses use the process of photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy in the form of sugars. This sugar, otherwise known as glucose, is used by the plant as food, helping your lawn grow. Without sunlight, the grass won’t be able to produce glucose.

During the photosynthesis process, the turf will produce a pigment called chlorophyll, which helps keep the grass green. During winter, when there is less sunlight available for the grass to photosynthesise, the grass can lose some of its green colour as a result of less pigment produced.

Why Does My Lawn Grow Slow Over Winter?

During winter, as the daylight hours decrease, the growth rate of your grass will slow. This is normal, and once the temperatures start to warm back up and more sunlight is available, your grass will start to actively grow again.

Does Shade Impact My Lawn Over Winter?

Throughout winter, as the grass’s growth slows into dormancy your lawn won’t need as much direct light as it does throughout summer to survive. This means if your area experiences increased shade pressures during the cooler months, it should be okay as long as the turf receives its sunlight requirements throughout the warmer months when it is actively growing.

Less sunlight does however mean that the area may stay damp for longer during rain. Ensuring you have adequate drainage and aerating the soil profile if needed, will be important to allow the excess moisture to move out of the profile preventing it from becoming waterlogged. A waterlogged lawn will be unable to breathe and will suffer greatly until temperatures warm up again. This is why getting your soil composition and drainage right before you lay a new lawn is so important.

If your area does get increased shade during winter, there are still a few precautions that you need to take to ensure it still stays at its healthiest.

Precautions To Take with Shady Lawn Areas in Winter

As the growth of the lawn has slowed, you will need to be mindful of foot traffic to the area. If the shaded area receives excessive traffic from pets or kids playing, the grass will begin to wear down and won’t be able to repair itself at a fast enough rate to prevent irreparable damage from occurring. Make sure you don’t mow the lawn too short leading into the cooler months, but don’t let it get overgrown either – this creates even more shade. As mentioned above, if conditions have been damp for an extended period, a really good aerate with a garden fork or aerator tool will assist water to go deeper into the ground and help your lawn from becoming suffocated by excessive moisture.

Why a Healthy Lawn in Autumn is a Healthy Lawn in Winter

If your lawn often struggles throughout winter, the best thing you can do to help it throughout the cooler months is to get it in shape over autumn. Autumn is the most important time throughout the year to give your lawn a boost with a fertiliser. A well-rounded fertiliser like our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser is ideal for repair and strong growth. Other important autumn lawn care activities to help get your lawn in its best shape for winter include regular mowing, aeration and weeding.

lawn fertiliser — Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser

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

How Turf Growers are Winning the Race Against Time

Posted on June 11, 2025June 13, 2025 by Sarah

From Europe to Australia

When Besenthal Rollrasen, one of Germany’s leading turf growers, set out to solve the challenge of post-harvest turf deterioration, they turned to a technology that was about to transform their operations: vacuum cooling.

Their goal was simple yet ambitious, to deliver turf that stayed fresher for longer, travelled better, and delighted customers days after harvest. The results were immediate.

By adopting vacuum cooling technology, Besenthal was able to dramatically extend the shelf life of their turf, reduce waste, and offer greater flexibility to their customers. Now, this same innovation brought to you by Heuch Cooling Solutions is reshaping the future for Australian turf growers.

The Turf Grower’s Challenge

Across the world, turf growers face a shared challenge: preserving quality between harvest and installation. Turf remains biologically active after cutting, trapping heat and moisture within densely packed pallets. The soil backing each roll acts like an insulator, allowing internal temperatures to soar, sometimes climbing past 60°C in just a few hours, triggering a process known as turf/sod heating. The consequences are immediate: yellowing, spoilage, wasted product, missed deliveries, and lost revenue. Growers are locked into a race against time — a race that until now, has been difficult to win.

Vacuum Cooling

Recognising the need for a smarter solution, Heuch Cooling Solutions introduced vacuum cooling technology to the Australian turf market. Vacuum cooling works by lowering atmospheric pressure around the harvested turf, causing moisture to evaporate and rapidly cool the product. Within minutes, turf temperatures can drop from around 30°C to just 1°C. By halting turf heating before it begins, vacuum cooling doesn’t just preserve freshness, it rewrites what’s possible for turf supply chains.

Besenthal’s experience speaks volumes. Using vacuum cooling, they were able to keep turf fresh, vibrant, and installation- ready for far longer periods, even across longer, more complex distribution networks. The result? Less waste, fewer lost sales, and a stronger reputation for delivering premium-quality turf, even under tough conditions. Their success proved that with the right technology, freshness could be extended, logistics could be simplified, and turf operations could be revolutionised.

The Australian Breakthrough

In March 2025, Heuch Cooling Solutions completed a landmark trial with a major turf grower here in Australia. Freshly harvested pallets of Sir Walter DNA Certified and Eureka Kikuyu turf was cooled using vacuum technology. Initial turf temperatures ranging between 26°C and 28°C were reduced to a crisp 2°C in less than 35 minutes.

Data monitoring revealed:

Turf maintained optimal low temperatures for over 40 hours, without the need for re-cooling.
Humidity stayed consistently high, preserving turf vitality while preventing dehydration.
Dew point and temperature tracking confirmed moisture was managed effectively, protecting against microbial risks.

Practical benefits:

Resilient Deliveries: Turf could enter the logistics chain already stabilised, reducing risks during transit.
Higher Quality: Visual appeal, root health, and moisture levels are preserved far longer.
Operational Flexibility: Growers could harvest and cool in advance, reducing reliance on perfect delivery timing.

Australian growers now have local proof that vacuum cooling is not just a theory, it’s a proven tool for protecting quality, profitability, and reputation.

Competitive Advantages

For turf growers, the implications of this technology extend far beyond freshness.

Vacuum cooling unlocks a series of competitive advantages:

Wastage Reduction: Modern turf varieties are especially vulnerable post-harvest, with up to 20% loss common under traditional methods. Vacuum cooling stops this loss in its tracks.
Better Labour Management: Harvesting can now happen during daylight
hours, making roles more attractive and improving staff retention.
Weather Resilience: Rain forecasts no longer derail operations. Turf can be harvested early, cooled, and stored until needed.
Next-Day Delivery Capability: Having cooled turf in storage opens opportunities to fulfill urgent orders at premium prices.
Moisture Control: Vacuum cooling minimises surface moisture loss (just 1–3%), making pallets lighter, easier to handle, and less prone to spoilage.

In an increasingly competitive market, these advantages don’t just add value, they can define success.

More Than Just Cooling

Heuch Cooling Solutions doesn’t stop at vacuum cooling. Their comprehensive approach to cold chain solutions includes:

Mobile and fixed cool rooms designed specifically for turf storage.
Solar-powered refrigerated transport kits for your delivery trucks.
Industrial ice makers and environmental chambers to protect turf at every stage of the supply chain.

As turf operations across Australia grow larger, faster, and more demanding, the need for smarter cooling solutions is only increasing.

Vacuum cooling doesn’t just help turf survive the journey; it helps growers thrive. It transforms what was once a race against time into a predictable, manageable process.

With decades of engineering expertise and partnerships with leading technology innovators like Weber Group, Heuch Cooling Solutions ensures that Australian turf growers have access to world-class solutions — right here, right now.

From Broadacre Agronomy to Turf Excellence

Posted on June 11, 2025June 13, 2025 by Sarah

MICHAEL AND SARAH BRADY, OWNERS OF MALLEE TURF

The journey of Mallee Turf developed through a passion for nurturing the land. What began in the expansive paddocks of broadacre agronomy has evolved into a premier turf business, helping families, businesses, and communities across the Mildura region create beautiful, thriving outdoor spaces with turf.

Long before Mallee Turf was born, our roots were firmly planted in agronomy research and development. Years were spent working alongside farmers, funding bodies, and industry leaders to improve crop performance, enhance soil health, and develop sustainable farming practices. Through rigorous trials and hands-on experience, we gained invaluable knowledge of plant growth cycles, nutrient management, and environmental sustainability, knowledge that would later become the foundation of the turf farming journey.

But beyond the science, what truly drove us was a desire to create something meaningful, something that would not only benefit large- scale agriculture but also bring beauty and functionality to everyday outdoor spaces.

A New Opportunity: Sunraysia’s Mowing & Maintenance

That passion led us to explore a new path. In 2020, amidst the uncertainty of COVID-19, we launched Sunraysia’s Mowing & Maintenance with a simple goal: to help property owners maintain lush, healthy landscapes. We started with just 45 properties under management, but through dedication and a commitment to quality service, we now care for over 300 properties each month.

From residential backyards to commercial spaces, our team provides essential lawn care, weed management, and grounds maintenance services because we believe a well-kept lawn isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space where families gather, businesses make a great first impression, and communities thrive.

The Birth of Mallee Turf

As our maintenance business grew, so did our vision. We knew we could take our expertise even further, not just by maintaining great lawns, but by growing them from the ground up.

That’s how Mallee Turf was born.

What started as a simple property purchase to store our equipment soon became the foundation for something much greater. With seven acres of land at our disposal, we saw an opportunity to cultivate premium turf varieties tailored to our local climate. A visit to the Melbourne Flower Show sealed the deal, we knew the turf industry was where we needed to be.

In mid-January 2025, we planted our first turf crops, focusing on high-performance varieties like Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo and TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, grasses known for their resilience and ability to thrive in Sunraysia’s conditions.

Starting a turf farm from scratch hasn’t been without its challenges, but we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the support of industry experts like Gavin Rogers and Brent Redman at Lawn Solutions Australia and Paul Daniel at The Turf Farm in Pinnaroo, whose guidance has been instrumental in bringing our vision to life.

A Commitment to Community

At Mallee Turf, we believe a great lawn is more than just grass, it’s the foundation for moments that matter. It’s where kids take their first steps, where friends gather for weekend barbecues, and where businesses create welcoming outdoor spaces. Our mission is to provide high-quality turf that not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time in our unique climate.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand our production capacity, introduce innovative solutions like auto-mowers, and continue providing premium turf to homeowners, landscapers, and businesses across the region.

Being part of the Lawn Solutions Australia network gives us access to the latest industry advancements, ensuring that every roll of turf we supply meets the highest standards. But more than that, it connects us with a community of people who share our passion for quality, sustainability, and customer care.

This journey, from agronomy research to property maintenance and now turf farming, has been an incredible evolution. While we’re proud of how far we’ve come, we know the best is yet to come.

Whether you’re looking to transform your backyard, enhance your business frontage, or create a greener, more vibrant space, Mallee Turf is here to help. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about growing turf, it’s about growing beautiful, lasting landscapes for the people who call this region home.

Biostimulants Explained | Healthier Lawns with Iron Guard Plus & Hicure

Posted on May 30, 2025June 2, 2025 by Sarah

Have you heard the term biostimulants thrown around, but not sure exactly what they are and how they benefit your lawn? In this blog, we look at all you need to know about biostimulants.

Skip to: What Are Biostimulants? How Can Iron Guard Plus Assist in Overall Plant Health? What is Hicure and How Will It Help My Lawn?

What Are Biostimulants?

Biostimulants are natural or organic materials that stimulate plant growth and health, but they’re not fertilisers in the traditional sense. Instead of simply feeding the plant, they work by improving the plant’s ability to feed itself and deal with stress.

Biostimulants do this by enhancing things like nutrient uptake, root development, microbial activity in the soil, and even improving how your lawn handles drought, heat, or wear and tear.

We think of biostimulants as a kind of lawn support crew that help your turf thrive behind the scenes so that your grass can perform at its full potential, and so that the main products that you use like granular fertiliser, can perform at their full capacity.

At Lawn Solutions Australia, we have two standout biostimulant products we recommend to boost lawn performance, Iron Guard Plus and Hicure.

How Can Iron Guard Plus Assist in Overall Plant Health?

Iron Guard Plus is a liquid iron and biostimulant blend. It gives your lawn a deeper, richer green without pushing excessive growth like a nitrogen-heavy fertiliser might. It also contains seaweed extract and amino acids, which help improve chlorophyll production and overall plant health.

In combination with Iron, Iron Guard Plus can provide healthy, vibrant colour especially during seasonal transition and into the cooler months.

What is Hicure and How Will It Help My Lawn?

Hicure is all about stress management. It’s a liquid plant biostimulant based on amino acids and peptides that help your lawn recover from stress including heat, frost, drought or high wear. Hicure supports the plant’s natural defence systems and promotes faster recovery and resilience.

Both of these products can be used as part of your regular lawn care program, and they’re safe to use on all turf varieties. It’s important to note that these are not products that will be a quick fix, they’re about building long-term lawn health.

If you’re looking to give your lawn an edge, consider adding a biostimulant like Iron Guard Plus or Hicure to your routine. Both of these products are available online on the Lawn Store and from select local stockists.

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

What is The Best Lawn for Dogs?

Posted on June 26, 2024November 13, 2024 by Sarah

If you are a dog owner installing a new lawn, it is best to find a grass type that is best suited for them, as they are likely the ones who will be using the lawn the most. So, what is the best grass for dogs? Let’s take a look.

What is the Best Grass for Dogs?

Generally speaking, the best grass for dogs is TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda has an excellent wear tolerance and a speedy growth rate. So if it becomes damaged, it can repair quickly. TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda can repair itself quickly due to its above and below-ground runner system. So, if all the grass material above the surface is worn away, the grass can be repaired from its underground rhizome and runner system for quicker repair. TifTuf has a beautiful, soft, fine leaf that feels great underfoot and is the only turfgrass in Australia to be awarded with the Smart Approved Watermark for its super drought tolerance.

However, there are a few other factors you should consider when choosing a type of grass for your area, including how much sunlight the area receives and maintenance requirements.

What is The Best Grass for Dogs in Shaded Areas?

If your area is shaded, your best option for grass with pets will be either Sir Walter DNA Certified or Zoysia Australis. Both Zoysia Australis and Sir Walter DNA Certified have a good shade tolerance. They both need a minimum of 4 hours of direct light per day to thrive. However, it is important to note, if your area gets plenty of shade and will get getting lots of wear, the lawn will wear down a lot faster than an area that receives full sun.

As the TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda as a sun loving couch grass, it will need more light, a minimum of 5-6 hours per day to thrive.

What Is the Best Low-Maintenance Grass with Dogs?

If you are after a low-maintenance lawn, Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo and Zoysia Australis are great options to consider. These grasses have a moderate growth rate and good wear tolerance, needing only a modest amount of mowing.

With grasses that are faster repairers, like TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda and Eureka Kikuyu, they will need more frequent mowing.

What Grass Should I Choose?

If you have a large dog or active smaller dogs who will frequently be using the area, our recommendation is to look at using a hard-wearing, fast-repairing grass like TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda.

If you have only one dog or a few dogs that are not quite as active, you will have a few more options to consider. Some good choices include Sir Walter DNA Certified, Zoysia Australis, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, and Eureka Kikuyu.

Which Grass is Best with Dog Urine Burns?

If your area does become affected by urine burn, using a grass with a fast-repairing nature will mean your lawn will get back to looking its best sooner. A grass like TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda or Sir Walter DNA Certified are ideal.

For more specific advice on choosing the best grass type for your area, have a chat with your local Lawn Solutions Australia member. You can find who your local members are here.

The Low-Down on Liquids | Liquid Fertiliser Products

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

Are you looking to add liquid fertilisers to your lawn care schedule? While there are so many different options available, we break it down and have a look at our favourite.

Skip to: Seasonal transition and foliar nutrition, Condition soil and boost health, Aid in plant strength & colour retention

Liquid fertilisers are commonly formulated to assist in seasonal transition or to promote a quick boost in colour, with others aimed at reducing heat stress or enhancing plant and soil health.

Exceed Foliar Fertiliser – Seasonal Transition & Foliar Nutrient

Foliar fertilisers in liquid form are products that are absorbed by the leaf of the grass when applied. These types of fertilisers are ideal for correcting nutrient deficiencies quickly. They will also address stress-related issues or for a general boost to overall health.

Exceed Liquid Fertiliser is a premium, professional-grade foliar fertiliser. Liquid fertilisers like Exceed will provide a much quicker response from your grass than a granular fertiliser. The key nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium are almost immediately available when absorbed through the roots or leaves rather than through the soil.

Granular fertilisers are still very important for seasonal application particularly in spring and autumn. But a liquid like Exceed is great when a boost is required during seasonal transition, before a renovation or when a quick improvement is required for the health of your lawn.

exceed liquid fertiliser hose on — Exceed Hose-On

Lawn Kelper – Condition Soil and Boost Health

Seaweed or kelp is a very popular form of organic fertiliser and soil conditioner. It can play an important role in your lawn care routine, particularly during the warmer months.

Lawn Kelper is a liquid nutrient package with trace minerals like manganese and zinc. It is designed specifically for lawns to increase turf vigour, stimulate leaf growth, and to strengthen roots.

Your soil’s health plays a significant role in the success of your lawn. Incorporating soil conditioners like Kelp into your lawn care routine will go a long way to enriching your soil.

Iron Guard – Aid in plant strength & Colour retention

Lawns need iron because it plays a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis. Iron is a micronutrient that aids in the production of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is green pigment in plants responsible for absorbing sunlight and converting it into energy. Without sufficient iron, lawns can develop chlorosis, a condition where leaves turn yellow.

Iron Guard Plus is a turfgrass-enhancing bio-stimulant that contains iron and amino acids. It will help maximise turfgrass colour retention and promote lateral growth, making it ideal for improved winter dormancy transition.

If you are looking to use it for the first time or if you want to use it regularly as part of a lawn care program, it’s best to apply at a lower rate.

When applying liquid fertilisers, like all products, it is best to ensure you read the label instructions and apply as per the specific application rates provided. By doing so, you will ensure the product and your lawn perform to their full potential.

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

What’s Mycelium and What Does It Look Like?

Posted on April 29, 2025February 9, 2026 by Sarah

Have you noticed a webbing appearing on your lawn early in the morning that disappears as the day goes on? In this blog, we look into what Mycelium is, it’s features and if you need to act.

Skip to: Mycelium in Lawns, What Common Lawn Diseases Have Mycelium? Do I Need to Treat Mycelium in my Lawn?

What Common Lawn Diseases Have Mycelium?

Firstly, What’s Mycelium?

When looking at Mycelium, we must first look at what Hyphae are. Hyphae are the single thread-like filament parts of fungi that are responsible for the absorption of nutrients. The Hyphae part of the fungi find and penetrate the food source. They then produce an enzyme that enables the fungi to break down and digest the organic material.

Hyphae are individual filaments, whereas Mycelium is a ‘collection or bundle of Hyphae in one singular place’ (Celine. 2017). Hyphae are usually microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye, but the Mycelium can.

Most forms of fungi will have Hyphae as one of their defining features. Types of fungi that will have Hyphae include moulds, mushroom-producing fungi and pathogenic fungi. Fungi that don’t have Hyphae include some yeasts.

Mycelium in Lawns

When Mycelium is present in lawns, the web and cotton-like structure will sit either in the profile or on top of the leaf blades.

When there are ideal conditions for fungal growth on our lawns, i.e. over watering, soil compaction, poor mowing habits or ideal weather conditions, you may notice an increase in fungal activity.

Some common fungal-related symptoms for lawns include:

Mycelium webbing on the lawn in the morning before the heat of the day
Discolouration of grass blades
Irregular texture
Wet or slimy-looking turf
Powdery coatings on turf

What Common Lawn Diseases Have Mycelium?

Common lawn diseases that present Mycelium include:

Dollar Spot
Pythium
Fairy Ring
Winter Fusarium
Brown Patch

Do I Need to Treat Mycelium in My Lawn?

This itself is not a cause for concern, and treatment is generally not needed. However, if you notice other fungal symptoms, including discolouration of the grass leaf, you may need to step in.

Usually, if you are able to stop environmental conditions that are causing the fungus, including reducing irrigation, increasing sunlight to the affected area and aerating the soil, the disease may go away on its own. However, if the disease persists, a fungicide may be needed.

Fungicides

To treat diseases including Anthracnose, Brown Patch, Winter Fusarium, Leptosphaerulina, Curvularia and Dollar Spot, we recommend using a broad-spectrum fungicide like Vacate Fungicide.

To treat Helminthosporium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Grey Leaf Spot, you can use a water-dispersible fungicide like Mancozeb.

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

References

Celine, 2017, Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects, 16/04/2025, <https://www.differencebetween.net/science/nature/difference-between-mycelia-and-hyphae/>

Do I Have Winter Fusarium?

Posted on June 27, 2025February 9, 2026 by Sarah

Microdochium nivale

Skip to: What is Winter Fusarium? Key Identifying Features of Winter Fusarium, When Does Winter Fusarium Occur? How Can I Help Prevent Winter Fusarium? How Can I Treat Winter Fusarium in My Lawn?

What is Winter Fusarium?

Winter Fusarium is a lawn disease that affects the leaf and stem of the grass. It will first appear as small, orange to dark brown, water-soaked patches on the lawn. Then, once the disease grows, the patches will increase in size and change to a light grey colour.

Winter Fusarium is commonly found on cool-season grasses, such as rye and fescue; however, it can also be observed on warm-season grasses, including couch and kikuyu. This disease affects not only lawns but also other plants, including vegetables, as well as wheat, barley, and oats.

Key Identifying Features of Winter Fusarium

When this disease is first present, it will appear in small patches that look like they are soaked in water. As the disease continues to spread, the colour will change from orange/brown to light grey. When the turf is cut low, the patch can also have a smoke-like ring that occurs on the outer edge.

When condition are wet and cool, you may experience fluffy white mycelium on the edge of the patches. If the affected area receives more direct light, the mycelium can induce spore production. This will create a pink colour along the edge of the diseased patch.

Appears as orange/brown patches
Usually 5cm in diameter but can continue to grow to 20cm if left untreated
Smoke-like rings can appear on the outer edge when grass is cut short
Patch can look like it is soaked in water
Mycelium may be present when conditions are wet

When Does Winter Fusarium Occur?

This lawn disease will commonly grow in the cooler months, typically between May to September. This disease can occur when day temperatures are between 7-20 degrees Celsius when the weather is wet and overcast. This disease will also grow when heavy thatch is present, and the soil has high levels of nitrogen and low levels of phosphorus and potassium.

How Can I Help Prevent Winter Fusarium?

There are cultural practices that you can follow to help prevent and control the impact of Winter Fusarium on your lawn. Increasing air circulation within the soil and profile of the grass will assist. You can achieve this by aerating your lawn with either a garden fork or tyne aerator. If the profile of your lawn has a bit of thatch buildup, consider dethatching it in the spring (dethatching should be avoided in winter).

If shade is heavy, pruning back any surrounding trees and shrubs that cast shade on the lawn will assist. This disease prefers Alkaline soils, so ensuring you are maintaining a low soil pH can assist.

How Can I Treat Winter Fusarium in My Lawn?

If this disease has become widespread or is developing and spreading rapidly, you may want to consider using a fungicide. Fungicide options for Winter Fusarium include Vacate Fungicide, Mancozeb and Heritage Maxx.

When treating this disease, it is important to note that as this disease affects the leaf and stem of the grass and mainly occurs in winter, you may not see recovery straight away after treatment. Often, you will need to wait till spring when active growth resumes so that the disease can fully grow out. Once the grass has been able to fully grow out of the disease, the appearance of the grass will improve.

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

Winter Lawn Care Best Practice

Posted on May 30, 2025September 16, 2025 by Sarah

Winter is now here, and there are a few things you can do to ensure your grass stays at its healthiest throughout the cooler months. In this blog, we go through our winter lawn care dos and don’ts guide, helping you better care for your lawn this season.

Skip to: Should I raise my lawns mowing height over winter? Is winter an ideal time to get my lawn mower serviced? Should I remove lawn weeds in winter? Should I apply a lawn pigment in winter? Can I renovate my lawn in winter? Should I use a granular fertiliser on my lawn in winter? How often should I water my lawn in winter?

Winter Lawn Care Dos

So, let’s start off with what you should be doing to your lawn this winter…

Should I raise my lawns mowing height over winter?

Over the cooler months, it is recommended to raise your lawn mowers height up by a notch or two. With more green leaf present, the grass will have a better chance at absorbing nutrients and sunlight. A longer leaf will also help the turf retain colour better throughout the cooler months.

Another added benefit of increasing your height of cut over winter is that the grass can block out weeds better.

Is winter an ideal time to get my lawn mower serviced?

While we are on the topic of mowing, as your lawns growth rate will slow down over winter, now is also an ideal time to get your mower serviced. By getting your mower serviced now, your lawn mower will be ready for spring.

For more information on how you should be mowing your lawn over winter, check out our blog here.

Should I remove lawn weeds in winter?

When it comes to weeds growing in your lawn, there is no need to wait to treat them; the best time to act is now. By treating weeds as they appear, you will hopefully stop them before they have a chance to go to seed and spread further. If you are unsure of what type of weed you have growing in your lawn, please check out our Ultimate Weed Guide for help with lawn weed identification and treatment.

If you want to stay ahead of the game when it comes to weeds growing in your lawn, why not look at using a pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert or Barricade? These herbicides work by stopping weed seedlings during germination, before they have a chance to start growing in your lawn. If you would like to know more information on pre-emergent herbicides and how they can help your lawn, click here.

Should I apply a lawn pigment in winter?

Lawn pigment products like ColourGuard Plus are a great way to help give your lawn a green up throughout the cooler months, especially if your region experiences frosts. ColourGuard Plus works by absorbing into the leaf of the grass, and once it has dried, the pigment is locked in. ColourGuard Plus is an organic product, safe for use on all lawn types and safe for use around pets and kids. If you would like to know more information on how ColourGuard Plus can green up your lawn, click here.

Winter Lawn Care Don’ts

Now we have what you should be doing for your lawn sorted, let’s take a look at lawn care activities that should be avoided during winter.

Can I renovate my lawn in winter?

Lawn renovations can differ between lawns and their individual needs but will often consist of dethatching and top dressing. As these lawn care activities will require your lawn to recover once they are completed, it is best only to do them while your lawn is going at its fastest throughout the warmer months of the year.

In winter, your grass’s growth rate will slow down considerably compared to summer. If you do these activities in winter, your lawn will struggle to repair itself.

Should I use a granular fertiliser on my lawn in winter?

Granular fertilisers work by releasing nutrients to plant roots as the granule dissolves into the soil when it comes into contact with water. As the roots of the grass absorb the nutrients, ensuring that your grass is still actively growing is important. If the plant has slowed down in growth, it won’t be able to absorb these nutrients effectively.

If you need to give your lawn a boost in nutrients in winter, we recommend using a liquid fertiliser like Exceed. These styles of fertilisers are absorbed by the leaf of the grass, providing a much quicker response. If you would like to know more about Exceed Liquid Fertiliser, click here.

How often should I water my lawn in winter?

Throughout winter in most regions of Australia, rainfall should cover the vast majority of your lawns water requirements. Generally, your lawn won’t need additional water. However, if you haven’t been experiencing much rainfall in your region and you have noticed that your lawn’s leaves have curled up on themselves, or if the leaves are looking dry, you may need to give your lawn some water. For more information on watering your lawn in winter, please check out our blog here.

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