With so many different lawn care products on the market, it can often be tricky to find out exactly what you need! In this blog, we are taking a closer look at three lawn care products that will provide your lawn with the best bang for your buck this spring.
What Fertiliser Should I Use on My Lawn?
As you may know, applying a well-rounded fertiliser to your lawn in spring will give it a healthy boost and set it up for the warmer months ahead.
The three key macronutrients found in most lawn fertilisers are Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, commonly referred to as NPK.
Nitrogen is responsible for promoting healthy leaf growth and colour.
Phosphorus is responsible for root development.
Potassium aids in the overall function of the plant.
While macronutrients are key, it’s also important to look at micronutrients, which provide a more balanced boost for your lawn.
When it comes to choosing a fertiliser, our go-to product is Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser. It has a balanced NPK ratio of 16% N, 0.7% P, 4% K, along with trace elements including Calcium, Iron and Sulphur. This fertiliser also contains both fast and slow-release granules, delivering an immediate hit of nutrients as well as a sustained boost for up to 12 weeks.
Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser
Can a Pre-Emergent Herbicide Help My Lawn?
Pre-emergent herbicides are one of the most underrated products in the lawn care industry! Weeds in your lawn can not only impact your garden’s aesthetic but can also be a real nuisance if they continue to spread. This is where a pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert can come in handy.
Oxafert Pre Emergent Herbicide
This style of lawn care products work by creating a barrier at the soil level, affecting weed seedlings’ ability to germinate, stopping them before it has a chance to grow in your lawn. These herbicides will generally target seasonal weeds including Summer Grass, Crab Grass/Crowsfoot, Creeping Oxalis and Winter Grass.
As these are seasonal weeds, they generally appear once there has been a change in the average soil temperature. For summer weeds, this period typically occurs as temperatures begin to warm up, usually around early to mid-spring. For winter weeds, this will be when temperatures are cooling back down, usually around mid to late autumn. The best time for your Oxafert application will be just before these temperature changes occur in your local area.
By adding a pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert to your lawn care schedule, you will be ready to take your lawn to a new, weed free level.
Should I Use Acelepryn on My Lawn?
Acelepryn based products like Grub Guard Ultimate are another great lawn care product to help level up your lawn. These products are designed to help prevent a large range of common lawn pests that can cause significant damage to a lawn over a short period. These pests include Armyworm (which can eat through a lawn in a matter of days), Lawn Grub (African Black Beetle Larvae), Argentine Stem Weevil, Billbug Larvae and Sod Webworm.
Grub Guard Ultimate, powered by Acelepryn, is one of the safest insecticides available on the market, as it targets only damage-causing insects. It is safe for use around dogs, cats, bees, earthworms, and mammals.
Grub Guard Ultimate
When Grub Guard Ultimate is applied at the higher application rate, it will remain active on the lawn for up to 6 months. This means that two applications a year will provide you with year-round protection from damage causing insects. For best results, we recommend applying in September/October and reapply in March/April.
The application rate for Acelepryn for treating African black beetle, Argentine Scarab, Argentine Stem Weevil larvae and Billbug Larvae is 1-2kg per 100m2. After spreading the granules out evenly, then water in with a minimum of 3mm of irrigation. For Caterpillars including Cutworm, Armyworm, and Sod Worm, the application rate is 1kg per 100m2. After application, delay mowing and watering for 24 hours. After 24 hours have passed, water the granules in.
For more lawn care tips and advice or lawn care product recommendations, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs.
Leaves are long and narrow with rounded, lobed edges
Typically produces white, pink and purple flowers when the plant is at maturity
When unmown, it can grow up to 1m tall
Has a taproot
Fleabane is a common broadleaf weed found in lawns, gardens, parklands, curb sides, and areas with disturbed soil. This weed spreads through its seeds, so controlling Fleabane before the plant matures is key to stopping its spread. In this blog we take a look at what Fleabane is, its key identifying features, plus the best way to remove it.
Characteristics
Fleabane is part of the Asteraceae family of plants. When this plant grows in unmown areas, it can reach a height of 1m, with long and narrow leaves featuring lobed edges. However, when growing in a lawn, it will generally stay at a lower height if the lawn is mown. It’s flowers are white, pink and purple, and will flower for most of the year. Fleabane’s flowers won’t produce petals but will turn white and fluffy as the plant matures.
Where Will it Grow?
Fleabane is a widespread weed that can be found in most regions of Australia.
How Does Fleabane Spread?
Fleabane only spreads by its seeds, which are produced at the centre of its flower. The seeds are around 1.5 – 2mm long and have a tuft of white fluffy material at the base of the seed. This fluffy material aids in wind dispersal, allowing it to travel long distances. The seed is also easily spread underfoot or by animals.
This weed is known to be a prolific seeder, with one plant having the ability to produce up to 110, 000 seeds! Therefore, getting on top of this weed as soon as you notice it growing is highly important in stopping its spread.
How Do I Remove Fleabane?
If there is only a small amount of Fleabane present, the best and easiest way to remove it is to simply pull it out by hand. While the plant is still young, the tap root will only be small, making this an easier task.
If the weed is more widespread and an herbicide is needed, we recommend using either our All Purpose Weed Control (safe on Buffalo lawns) or a Dicamba and MCPA based herbicide (not safe on Buffalo lawns) like Amgrow Multiweed.
All Purpose Weed Control will treat a broad range of lawn weeds including Bindii, Clover, Oxalis and Thistles, while being safe for use on a broad range of grass types including Soft Leaf Buffalo, Couch, Kikuyu, Zoysia, Rye and Fescue Lawns.
Getting on top of this weed early is key to preventing its spread, and ensuring your lawn is healthy and lush can help stop weed pressures. If you need some tips on helping thicken up your lawn to help prevent weeds, check out our blog on Why a Thicker Lawn is Better at Blocking Out Weeds.
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs.
Have you ever seen a broadleaf grass with a wavy leaf invade your lawn, but not sure what it is or how to remove it? In this blog, we take a look at what Carpet Grass is, and the best way to remove it when it is growing within another lawn type.
Carpet Grass is a turf type that mainly grows in tropical regions of Australia. It is often referred to as “tropical buffalo grass”. Like buffalo grass, it only grows and spreads by its above ground stolons and has a broad leaf. This turf type loves hot weather with regular rainfall and will grow well in low fertility areas.
What Are Carpet Grasses Key Identifying Features?
Low growing
Broad, wavy leaf
Course textured leaf
Dense growth habit
Green to light green in colour
Where Does Carpet Grass Grow?
This is a popular lawn option for tropical regions as it thrives in hot and humid weather. This grass best grows during the wet season when there is increased rainfall; however, it will often struggle during the dry season when rainfall is limited.
This turf type is only considered an issue when it has invaded another lawn type. This is mainly due to the broadleaf standing out when growing in a finer leaf grass like couch grass.
If you do find some unwelcomed Carpet Grass growing within your lawn, here’s our guide on removing it.
How Do I Remove Carpet Grass from Growing in Couch Grass?
If you have a green couch lawn (such as TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, Santa Ana, or Winter Green), a DSMA-based herbicide is safe to use on couch grass. These products can selectively target and suppress carpet grass in couch lawns, though multiple applications may be required. David Grays Crabgrass and Clover Killer is an excellent option for this purpose.
However, it’s important to note that while these herbicides may weaken carpet grass, they are not registered for complete eradication.
How Can I Remove Carpet Grass from Growing in Buffalo, Kikuyu and Zoysia Grass?
If it is growing within a buffalo, kikuyu or zoysia lawn, unfortunately removal options will be limited.
If only a small amount growing, the best and easiest way to remove it is by hand. Like buffalo, it won’t have a particularly strong root system, making hand removal easier.
If the area has become heavily infested and there is not much of the main lawn type growing in the selected area, you may want to consider returfing this section of grass. This will require you to spray out the invaded section of turf with a non-selective herbicide. Remove the old turf, and then install new rolls of the main lawn type. If you would like more information on how to patch up an area with new rolls of turf, please check out our blog here.
If there are only small areas where the invading grass is growing, another option will be to selectively apply a non-selective herbicide to the Carpet Grass, while avoiding applying it to the main lawn, as it will harm it also. We recommend using a small paint brush, a weed wand, or the Yates Zero Gel to help accurately apply it.
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.
HOW AUSTRALIAN TURF PRODUCER TURFCO IS UTILISING ZOYSIA AS A SOLUTION FOR UNORTHODOX SPACES
Versatile, adaptable, low-maintenance, and highly durable, Zoysia grasses offer a lush, striking aesthetic. With these exceptional qualities, they have become a popular choice for both residential lawns and commercial landscapes.
Due to these excellent qualities, Zoysia grasses are being utilised in innovative applications and locations previously overlooked for turf.
Over the past 10 months, Turfco, a leading turf supplier on the NSW South Coast, has had the privilege of supplying two premium Zoysia varieties, Sir Grange Zoysia and Zoysia Australis, for a range of distinctive commercial projects.
Sir Grange Zoysia and Local Council Involvements
With resounding domestic success in home lawns and commercially with golf courses since its release in 2017, Sir Grange Zoysia has extended its appeal by becoming a favourable option for unsuspecting areas, particularly with local councils.
Grasses such as Kikuyu have traditionally been the preferred choice for government bodies and councils, primarily due to budget constraints, with Kikuyu offering upfront cost-effectiveness. However, the ongoing maintenance required for Kikuyu, accompanied by uncertainty about whether it is the most suitable grass for a given environment, can lead to long- term challenges in both maintenance and performance, resulting in significant ongoing expenses and resource demands.
There are many situations where Kikuyu can be the right grass choice. However, while it may be appealing from a budget perspective, its selection often reflects a lack of awareness about the benefits that alternative turf varieties can offer. When matched to the right environment, these alternatives can deliver advantages that outweigh the initial cost, resulting in greater long-term savings.
For turf growers and suppliers, there is always a focus on ensuring the right grass is selected and placed in the right location, ultimately benefiting all parties and contributing to long-term success.
Reframing local councils’ perspectives on turf has been a key goal for Turfco over the past five years. Turfco have successfully achieved this by hosting various educational events, including farm visits for council and local government agency members, as well as local landscapers.
In 2021, Turfco supplied Shellharbour City Council with Sir Grange Zoysia for a local roundabout. Previously, the roundabout featured high-maintenance plants that required frequent upkeep, leading to significant expenses for traffic control and posing safety risks for both workers and commuters.
To address these challenges, the council selected Sir Grange Zoysia to drastically reduce maintenance needs and enhance safety by minimising the need for workers to access the roundabout. This also helped limit traffic disruptions. The success of this project has led the council to incorporate Sir Grange Zoysia in multiple subsequent projects where plant maintenance costs were excessive.
In early 2023, Turfco supplied Shoalhaven City Council with Sir Grange Zoysia for the Bike Pump Track at Boongaree National Park. The original specification called for Kikuyu grass; however, upon completion of the track, the council realized that the steep embankments made mowing unsafe for maintenance crews.
As a result, Turfco was engaged to install Sir Grange Zoysia, allowing the area to remain unmown. Despite the challenges of a poor growing medium and heavily compacted soil necessary for maintaining the track’s structure, Sir Grange Zoysia has thrived. In the two years since its installation, the track has required virtually no maintenance, significantly reducing labour and resource demands—an outcome that has been highly beneficial for the grounds team managing the large complex.
Building on the council’s success with Sir Grange in roundabouts, in March 2025, the turf has now been installed in median strips along busy roads that were previously overgrown and difficult to maintain with Kikuyu.
By transitioning to Sir Grange Zoysia, these areas will now remain completely unmown, significantly enhancing kerb appeal while drastically reducing maintenance requirements along these busy stretches of road.
Sir Grange Zoysia at Menangle Park
In mid-2023, Turfco hosted a farm visit attended by Leigh Trevitt, a Landscape Advisor for Transport NSW. Leigh had taken the initiative to attend several information days and had seen the successes of unmown Sir Grange first-hand.
Bridge Abutments and other steep areas like this always pose issues to Landscape Designers and maintenance crews as they are very close to the highway and are quite steep and unpredictable to work on, posing several logistics and safety challenges when it comes to the installation and maintenance of a covering surface. With these challenges, there is also a high maintenance cost associated with these sites.
Following on from previous discussions and the site visits, Leigh had presented the Menangle Park Bridge Abutment as a potential site to use Sir Grange Zoysia. The site was ideal; it had a steep batter that was going to be expensive and difficult to maintain, and it was very prominent with a lot of eyes on it, so, it was a necessity to be aesthetically pleasing.
Joe Rogers from Lawn Solutions Australia closely worked with Leigh and his colleague Jason on an installation method using bio-degradable turf pegs and went over an establishment plan to ensure Sir Grange had the ability to establish a root system to maximise the chance of success.
In the winter of 2024, Turfco supplied and installed approximately 1,790m2 of Sir Grange Zoysia at the embankment beside the Hume Highway at Menangle Park. This project was completed intermittently over a 3-week period, with the delivery and installation taking approximately 4 full days. The project was unlike anything the Turfco Team has ever worked on in their nearly 40 years of business, with harnesses required to lay the turf across the steep surface.
Almost one year on and the site has been a success, thanks to the diligence from Transport NSW in ensuring the Sir Grange had enough irrigation to establish and the foresight from Leigh to use Sir Grange in this instance. Sir Grange is perfect for this site as it has greatly reduced the need for maintenance, has provided an environmentally friendly solution and it looks fantastic.
Zoysia Australis
Zoysia Australis is the latest, premium turf variety introduced to the Australian market by the Lawn Solutions Australia Network in early 2023. Despite being new to the industry, Zoysia Australis is already experiencing strong adoption in both residential and commercial applications. Turfco, an LSA member, commenced offering this variety to their customers in October 2023.
As a premium alternative to standard grasses like Kikuyu, Zoysia Australis stands out for its versatility, shade tolerance, low maintenance requirements, durability, and medium-textured appearance.
Zoysia Australis at Kurnell – McConnell Dowell Corporation
Between mid-September 2024 to February 2025, Turfco supplied and installed 7,750m2 of Zoysia Australis to the McConnell Dowell Kamay Ferry Wharves site compound at the Kurnell National Park.
Initially, the project specified an older variety of Zoysia japonica; however, upon Turfco’s recommendation, the original contractor agreed to trial Zoysia Australis as a superior alternative. Turfco is confident that Zoysia Australis will perform better in terms of wear and climate making it more suitable for the project. Turfco has seen increasing interest in transitioning from older Zoysia’s to Zoysia Australis, with all feedback so far being highly positive.
McConnell Dowell required an incremental demobilisation to facilitate a smooth handover to the public, with Turfco carrying out the turf installation in stages. The site, having been a construction zone for nearly 24 months, featured varying ground conditions; some areas had ideal sandy soil, and others had compacted, uneven soil from constant vehicle traffic. Throughout the discharge process, Turfco made multiple turf deliveries and site visits to ensure the installation was completed as construction areas were finished and ready for final touches.
When asked about the selected turf variety, Zoysia Australis, Luke from McConnell Dowell expressed complete satisfaction, along with gratitude towards Turfco and their services.
“My experience using Turfco has been excellent, they are receptive to short notice changes to schedules and quantities and have been able to suit our needs with a changing project deadline and a busy demobilisation from the site.
The delivered Zoysia Australis turf looks and feels fantastic. It is by far the softest grass that I have come across. It quickly took hold on sandy soil and looked very healthy with some minor attention given to it in its first weeks.
There was not a single roll of turf provided that was not fit for purpose or looked out of place. The installation team required little instruction and was devoted to getting their job done quickly and safely.
I would absolutely recommend Turfco for the supply and installation of their Zoysia grasses.” – Luke, McConnell Dowell
With over 30 years of experience in the turf industry, Caine James has built an extensive career spanning turf management, project management, sales, and product development. Caine’s formal qualifications in turf management and project management have enabled him to work on a variety of turf surfaces, including golf courses, cricket wickets, and sports grounds. Caine also spent 15 years in sales and product development with leading companies such as Nuturf and Amgrow, further expanding his expertise in turf solutions.
This experience has equipped Caine with a unique skillset to understand the challenges of turf professionals and how this relates to turfgrass production.
Caine’s most recent role was Operations Manager of Parks, Open Space, and Sportsgrounds at Maitland City Council in the Hunter Valley, where he spent six years overseeing the maintenance and construction of numerous sports grounds and turf cricket wickets.
One of his key projects was the Maitland Regional Sports Complex, where he played a pivotal role in the installation of TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. This premium turf variety was chosen for its industry-leading reduced irrigation requirements (Smart Drop Certified), high wear resistance, exceptional recovery ability, and superior colour retention.
This resulted in surfaces that exceeded expectations and earned praise from local and national sports teams, as well as visiting athletes who played and trained on them.
The Australian turf industry thrives on quality, innovation, and sustainability. At the intersection of these crucial elements is turf certification, a leading force in achieving ongoing purity and ultimately the success of a brand. In Caine’s current role as an AusGAP (Australian Genetic Assurance Program for Turfgrass) Turf Inspector in partnership with Lawn Solutions Australia, Caine is uniquely positioned to elevate turf standards across Australia, ensuring excellence in both certification and market expansion.
Turf Inspection Meets Brand Strategy
The role of an AusGAP Turf Inspector is to ensure turf producers comply with the highest standards of production through ongoing inspections and auditing. This work is particularly vital in guiding the expansion of premium turf solutions for the sports turf and local government sectors.
Ensuring Excellence as an AusGAP Turf Inspector
An AusGAP Turf Inspector is responsible for overseeing the following:
Conducting rigorous inspections of turf farms to ensure compliance with certification standards.
Assessing turf quality, consistency, and adherence to best practices.
Providing detailed reports and recommendations for improvements in turf production.
The collaboration between AusGAP and ITGAP strengthens the Australian turf industry’s global credibility, ensuring that Australian-grown turf meets international quality benchmarks. Through this partnership, Caine helps maintain the integrity of Australian turf farms while ensuring long-term sustainability and market competitiveness.
Shaping the Future of Turf
Caine’s role for AusGAP focuses on educating the market about the benefits of certified turf solutions for local government projects and professional sports fields. With Caine’s experience, AusGAP is reinforcing its commitment to delivering high- performance, durable, and aesthetically superior turf surfaces.
Local Government Focus
Local governments play a vital role in providing resilient, visually appealing green spaces for public use. Caine champions premium turf brands such as TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda Grass and Sir Grange Zoysia as the premier choice for municipal projects, ensuring that public parks, streetscapes, and recreational areas feature turf that is:
Highly durable and resistant to heavy foot traffic.
Aesthetically consistent, maintaining lush greenery in all conditions.
Cost-effective, requiring low maintenance and reduced water consumption.
Sports Turf Solutions
For sporting venues, Caine ensures that turf solutions meet the rigorous demands of competitive sports fields and training grounds. By promoting newly developed cultivars like TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda Grass, he provides sports organisations with turf that:
High-Performance Turf for Sports Fields: TifTuf is specifically bred to withstand high foot traffic, intensive use, and the demands of competitive sports. Its strong root system and excellent wear tolerance make it an ideal choice for both training grounds and professional stadiums.
Surface Consistency: One of the key features of TifTuf is its ability to provide a consistent, uniform playing surface, ensuring that athletes have optimal conditions year-round. This is crucial in reducing injuries and ensuring consistent performance on the field.
Resilience and Recovery: TifTuf is known for its ability to quickly recover from damage, making it perfect for high- traffic sports fields that need to be in top condition at all times.
A Vision for the Future
The Australian turf industry is poised for growth in the coming years and a commitment to quality will be pertinent in achieving successful outcomes for turf management professionals.
Whether through meticulous certification processes or market expansion strategies, Caine’s influence is helping to shape the future of turf production and management in Australia.
Has your lawn lost a bit of colour during the cooler months but not sure why, or how to help get your lawn back on track? Have you noticed a section of grass has held its colour better and not sure why? In this blog, we take a look at why this occurs and how you can help improve your lawns colour over winter.
To understand why lawns can lose colour over winter, lets first look at why lawns are green. Like other trees and plants, grass converts energy from sunlight into sugar through the process of photosynthesis. During the process of photosynthesis, turf will produce a pigment called chlorophyll, which helps keep your lawn green. As the days get shorter and hours of sunlight decrease in winter, your grass will produce less chlorophyll. This can cause the grass to lose some colour and reduce the growth rate of the lawn. When temperatures cool and lawn growth slows down, the grass enters a stage known as dormancy.
Why Does Frost Make My Lawn Go Brown?
Another cause of colour loss to lawns over the cooler months of the year is frost. Frosts will usually occur more so in inland southern regions of Australia, away from coastal areas.
Frosts cause damage to lawns when the inside of the leaf freezes and expands, causing the cell wall of the grass to rupture. As a result of the cell wall becoming damaged, the process of photosynthesis slows down, causing the grass to lose its colour.
Why Does One Lawn Look Better Than the Other?
In some lawn situations, you may have noticed that one particular part of the lawn or section of grass has lost more colour than another. There are a few different reasons why this occurs, but the most common is that the greener sections of lawn are more protected from the elements compared to the other sections where the grass has lost colour.
This is common in areas where smaller backyards stay greener as they are protected by fences, buildings and trees, compared to front lawns that are more open to the elements.
How Can I Help Improve My Lawns Colour in Winter?
With an understanding of why lawns lose colour in winter, what steps can be taken to help improve their appearance? The right health and nutrition leading into the warmer months can assist; however, some colour loss is still to be expected, especially if your area is prone to frost damage. Applying a granular fertiliser in autumn is recommended to strengthen the lawn before winter. A granular fertiliser like the Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser or Pro Plus is ideal. Another great product to use is an iron-based product like Iron Guard Plus. Iron Guard Plus will help maximise colour retention and promote lateral growth, making it ideal for winter dormancy transition periods.
Iron Guard Plus
If you are mainly concerned about the aesthetics and colour of the lawn, this is where a lawn pigment like ColourGuard Plus can come in handy. ColourGuard Plus is a natural grass pigment that instantly restores the colour of your lawn. It works on all lawn types, in all climates and provides fantastic results year-round. ColourGuard Plus works on frost, dormant, and drought-affected lawns, instantly improving their appearance.
ColourGuard Plus Hose-On
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.
A TURFGRASS PROGRAM’S EXPANDING ROLE IN ZOYSIAGRASS INNOVATION
Brian Schwartz and Sameer Khanal
Warm-season Turfgrass Breeding Program
University of Georgia (UGA), Tifton Campus
The warm-season turfgrass breeding program at UGA’s Tifton Campus continues to foster its long-standing and impactful public-private partnerships to address key challenges in the turfgrass industry through cultivar development. Our research focuses on germplasm enhancement and characterisation (pre-breeding), and while conventional breeding practices remain central to our approach, novel phenotyping tools, such as drones equipped with diverse sensors and molecular genotyping methods like DNA fingerprinting further enhance our efforts. Although the incorporation of genomics-enabled breeding has lagged in warm-season turfgrasses, we anticipate these approaches will soon become commonplace. Our program has historically focused on bermudagrass and centipedegrass breeding and has now expanded to include zoysiagrass.
Zoysiagrass Joins the Breeding Program’s Core
Zoysiagrass breeding became a key priority of our program at the University of Georgia in response to the industry’s need for more warm-season turfgrass options.
The increasing prevalence of heat and drought has necessitated the adoption of low-input, drought-tolerant species across a broader geographic range. Among them, zoysiagrass stands out for its exceptional adaptability, offering resilience to cold, drought, shade, and salinity, along with reduced fertiliser, pesticide, and mowing requirements. Its versatility across applications, including home lawns, golf courses, public greenspaces, and roadside, combined with its superior turf quality, has positioned it as a critical focus for our breeding program. Zoysiagrass breeding is not new in Tifton; ‘Emerald’ was released here by the USDA in 1955. Although there was a 54-year hiatus between this release and our first crosses in 2009, we’ve hit the ground running since then.
“I did my doctoral research at the University of Florida focused extensively on zoysiagrass genetics, abiotic and biotic stress responses, and turf performance traits. There we demonstrated that key characteristics—such as turf density, colour, quality, plot establishment, spring green- up, fall (autumn) dormancy, and seedhead density—exhibited sufficient heritability, indicating that meaningful improvements could be achieved through breeding and selection. My experiences in zoysiagrass research provided a foundation for expanding breeding efforts at UGA, where we initially focused on vegetative zoysiagrass cultivar development and have more recently expanded into seeded zoysiagrass breeding.” — Dr. Brian Schwartz, UGA
Key Sources of Zoysiagrass Germplasm for Breeding
A new plant breeding program relies on access to diverse germplasm resources, which provide the genetic variation needed to reshuffle breeding populations and create lines with superior genetic makeup. In addition to existing cultivars and publicly available germplasm, our research leverages zoysiagrass accessions acquired through collaborative agreements with Bladerunner Farms, Inc. a private company hosting one of the largest zoysiagrass collections in the United States, and Patten Seed Co. one of the largest warm-season turfgrass farming operations in the Southeastern U.S. Our efforts to generate genetic variability also include physical and chemical mutagenesis, chromosomal modifications, such as induced chromosome doubling and aneuploidy—and, more recently, targeted genome editing using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Currently, we are screening more than 20,000 breeding lines for turfgrass performance in our vegetative zoysiagrass breeding program.
Phenotypic Recurrent Selection in Zoysiagrass: From Hybridisation to Field Trials
Our vegetative zoysiagrass breeding procedure follows a recurrent phenotypic selection scheme (select-recombine- repeat), in which segregating populations are developed by hybridising parental lines with desirable attributes. The resulting progenies, numbering in the thousands, are propagated in the greenhouse and later transplanted into spaced plant nurseries for multi-year evaluations of establishment, turf quality, and natural stress responses, among other traits. These subjective, visual ratings are supplemented with data collected using small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). Selection indices are calculated, and a subset of lines (hundreds) are advanced to replicated field trials at one or more locations, including Bladerunner Farms in Poteet, Texas. The best-performing lines identified from the advanced trials often become parents for the next selection cycle. A similar approach will be used in our new seeded zoysiagrass breeding program, with added emphasis on traits important to the seed industry. Early selection cycles will prioritise characteristics such as seed yield, germination speed, and rapid establishment.
Multi-Institutional Efforts in Turfgrass Improvement and Cultivar Development
Between 2010 and 2024, six leading turfgrass research institutions in the U.S.—North Carolina State University (NCSU), Oklahoma State University (OSU), Texas A&M University (TAMU), University of California (UCR), University of Florida (UF), and University of Georgia (UGA)—secured a total of $16.2 million in funding through the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative. This funding supported coordinated agricultural projects aimed at improving warm-season turfgrasses through interdisciplinary research. As a result of these grants, we expanded our testing
sites across the southern U.S., focusing on developing and promoting drought- tolerant cultivars of bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, seashore paspalum, and zoysiagrass. To date, these projects have led to the release of more than 15 turfgrass cultivars, including three zoysiagrasses: Brazos, CitraZoy, and Lobo. Additionally, Zoysia Australis (entry name 16-TZ-14114), developed in our program, was launched in Australia and may soon be introduced in other regions around the world.
A New Era for Seeded Zoysiagrass
In our experience, the broader adoption of vegetatively propagated warm-season turfgrasses, including zoysiagrass, has been limited because they are primarily available as turf/sod. Seeded zoysiagrass cultivars with improved aesthetics are in high demand in both the U.S. and international markets, offering a cheaper and more accessible alternative to turf/sod establishment. However, despite long-standing anticipation dating back to the late 1990s, that multiple seeded zoysiagrass cultivars would soon reach commercial availability and rival the warm-season sod market, Zenith and Compadre remain the only two cultivars produced commercially in the U.S. These cultivars continue to face challenges such as slow germination, delayed establishment, and limited seedling vigour, which have hindered broader adoption.
From a breeding perspective, one major hurdle in developing seeded zoysiagrass cultivars in the U.S. has been identifying suitable environments for consistent seedhead production. Fortunately, parts of Georgia and South Carolina offer the right combination of day length and humidity for adequate seed yields. While we are still in the early stages of developing seeded cultivars, our breeding program benefits from access to germplasm adapted to this region. We are currently screening more than 10,000 seeded zoysiagrass breeding lines to identify parental clones with excellent yield and germinability.
Fortunately, our vegetative and seeded breeding efforts are complementary in that new hybrids with superior sod and seed characteristics emerge from both areas of our zoysiagrass research. This synergy gives us hope that we can get more “bang for the buck” as we ride a wave of genetic improvement well into the future.
A billboard along the highway outside of town reads, “Think Tifton – The Turfgrass Capital of the World.” Today, that message implies bermudagrass—but in the future, we hope UGA-bred zoysiagrasses will also stand the test of time!
In the heart of Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium stands as more than just a sporting venue, it’s a place where legends are made, and history is written under the stadium lights. For over two decades, the field endured countless epic rugby clashes, high-stakes soccer matches, and world-class concerts. But after 21 years and increasing pressure from a packed events calendar, 2024 marked the beginning of a new chapter: the transition to the HERO Hybrid Ready to Play Turf system.
Following a comprehensive tender process, HG Sports Turf was awarded the contract to lead this significant upgrade. Known for delivering cutting-edge turf solutions across Australia and New Zealand, HG Sports Turf stepped up to the challenge with its pioneering HERO Hybrid technology.
From Paddock to Pitch – Growing HERO at Beaudesert
After securing the project in early 2024, HG Sports Turf focused on prepping the QLD based turf farm for production. The chosen site at Beaudesert underwent critical groundwork including land formation, drainage, and irrigation to meet exacting specifications. Although the contract called for 14,000m2, a total of 2 hectares was prepared, ensuring surplus turf would also benefit other Stadiums Queensland facilities and local councils.
Matt Oliver, Suncorp Stadium’s Grounds Manager, has long championed innovation in turf management. With Queensland’s inconsistent seasons and the complexities of managing species transitions between ryegrass and couch grass, Oliver introduced an annual pitch replacement strategy to ensure a consistently high-quality surface. This proactive approach has led to the adoption of Couch grass, selected after rigorous testing at Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC).
With preparations complete, HG Sports Turf began installing the HERO hybrid system, this time with an environmental focus. The company has phased out the use of plastic and geofabric beneath the hybrid layer, opting instead for a sand bedding that promotes sustainable turf growth and reduces waste.
The HERO system is built panel by panel, stitched together using a unique butt-stitch method. Each layer of sand topdressing (applied in 5mm to 10mm increments) is carefully brushed and groomed to keep the synthetic fibres upright. Once the profile reaches a depth of 30mm, sprigging begins, followed by a final topdressing layer to support the new couch grass.
Mick Gilman, former Suncorp Stadium turf expert and now Turf Farm Manager at HG Sports Turf, oversees the day-to-day production and care of the new hybrid surface.
What Makes HERO a Game Changer
The HERO Hybrid Ready to Play Turf system blends natural and synthetic elements to deliver an elite playing surface. Synthetic fibres are knitted into an open grid, allowing natural grass to grow through and intertwine. The result? A surface that’s stable, durable, and quick to recover after events.
Already proven in Australia and New Zealand’s top stadiums including the MCG, Optus Stadium, Adelaide Oval, AAMI Park, and Eden Park, HERO Hybrid is also endorsed by international bodies like FIFA and World Rugby, making it a go-to choice for global sporting events.
Precision Installation Ahead of a Massive Match
With a major International Friendly between the CommBank Matildas and Olympic Silver Medallists Brazil on the horizon, the HG team had a tight window to complete the installation.
The project kicked off with the removal of the old turf and 60mm of organic material using a KORO Field Topmaker. New sand was imported, laser-graded, and amended to match precise specifications. While this was underway at Suncorp, HG’s farm crew harvested 6500m2 of HERO turf, adding to the 3500m2 previously laid after the Travis Scott concert in October 2024.
Turf rolls, each 12m long, 1m wide, and weighing approximately 750kg were transported from Beaudesert to Brisbane. With a team of 14 at the stadium and 6 at the turf farm, the entire installation wrapped up in just five days.
“It takes a huge team effort from all of our staff, the stadium crew, our partners, and suppliers, but it’s incredibly rewarding,” said Erik Kinlon from HG Sports Turf. “The biggest challenges were the persistent rain and the tight site logistics, especially around turf deliveries and material movement.”
Despite the weather, the operation went off with military precision and the HERO turf was rolled and consolidated, ready for play.
A Surface Fit for the Spotlight
As the final checks were completed and the turf settled into place, a new era officially began at Suncorp Stadium. For the first time in its storied history, the venue now boasts a true hybrid “ready to play” surface.
The months ahead will be a proving ground for the new turf, with an intense event schedule that includes A-League soccer, NRL and Super Rugby clashes, concerts, Magic Round, State of Origin, and even the British and Irish Lions Tour.
No stadium has a calendar quite like Suncorp’s, but now, it has the surface to match.
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.
“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.
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.
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 Solutions Premium Fertiliser
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.
