TURF MAINTENANCE & CARE  

   Sapphire, Soft Leaf Buffalo

Velvetene, Salt Tolerant Turf

All other Turf varieties

Water saving techniques

Common Turf Weeds  

Common Turf Insects

Common Turf Diseases

 

Sapphire, Soft Leaf Buffalo (Download a printable Sapphire Buffalo maintenance guide from here)
 
Watering your New Sapphire Buffalo Lawn
Newly installed buffalo grass has very important watering needs. Proper watering immediately after installation will ensure the buffalo lawn becomes established, and it will also have an impact on how well the buffalo lawn continues to flourish. Begin watering new buffalo grass within a half hour after it is laid on the soil. Apply at least 2 to 3 cm. (1 inch) of water so that the soil beneath the buffalo lawn is very wet. Ideally the soil 7 to 10 cm. (3 to 4 inches) below the surface should be moist.

Below are some watering tips for new buffalo lawns:

  1. Pull back a corner of the buffalo grass and push a screwdriver or other sharp tool into the soil. It should push in easily and have moisture along the first 7 to 10 cm. (3 or 4 inches), or you need to apply more water.
  2. Make absolutely certain that water is getting to all areas of your new buffalo lawn, regardless of the type of sprinkling system you use. Corners and edges are easily missed by many sprinklers (if windy) and are particularly vulnerable to drying out faster than the centre portion of your buffalo lawn. Also, areas near buildings dry out faster because of reflected heat and may require more water.
  3. Runoff may occur on some soils and sloped areas before the soil is adequately moist. To conserve water and ensure adequate soak in, turn off the water when runoff begins, wait 30 minutes to an hour and restart the watering on the same area. Repeating this start and stop process until correct soil moisture is achieved. For the next two weeks keep the below-turf soil surface moist with daily (or more frequent) watering. Especially hot, dry or windy periods will necessitate increased watering amounts and frequency.
  4. As the turf starts to establish its new roots into the soil, it will be difficult, impossible and/or harmful to pull back a corner to check beneath the turf, but you can still use a sharp tool to check moisture depth by pushing it through the buffalo grass and into the soil.
  5. Water as early in the morning as possible to take advantage of the daily start of the grass's normal growing cycle, usually lower wind speeds and considerably less water loss because of high temperature evaporation.
  6. If the temperature approaches 37°C (100 F), or high winds are constant for more than half of the day, reduce the temperature of the buffalo lawn surface by lightly sprinkling the area. This sprinkling does not replace the need for longer, deeper watering, which will become even more critical during adverse weather conditions.
  7. Infrequent and deep watering is preferred to frequent and shallow watering because the buffalo grass roots will only grow as deeply as its most frequently available water supply. Deeply rooted grass has a larger "soil-water bank" to draw moisture from and this will help the grass survive drought and hot weather that rapidly dries out the upper soil layer.

Mowing your Sapphire Buffalo Lawn:

  1. Mow every 5-10 days in the hot months; mow every 3-6 weeks in the cold months.
  2. Mowing height will vary: 2-5cm in sunny/lightly shaded situations,5-7cm in heavier shaded situations.

Watering your Sapphire Buffalo Grass:

  1. Water thoroughly and regularly after Sapphire Buffalo Grass has been laid to encourage a deep and vigorous root system (the buffalo grass will be able to fossick for water and therefore be more able to withstand hot dry conditions).
  2. Once the root system has fully established, water thoroughly only when needed-when a slight wilting is visible, usually once every 7-10 days in summer (on sandy soils more often), with much less or no water in cooler months.
  3. Remember that infrequent, deep watering promotes a healthy lawn.
  4. Over watering encourages excessive growth, disease and root rot.
  5. It is best to water in the early morning; night watering is not recommended.

Fertilising your Sapphire Buffalo Grass

  1. Buffalo grass needs to be fed to remain strong and healthy.
  2. Before or just after laying your new turf use a good quality starter fertiliser. There are a variety of these on the market and are available from your local nursery or Bunnings store. 
  3. Once established we recommend you fertilise every 6-8 weeks all year round or at the start of each season.
  4. Use a slow release blended fertiliser. If you need a quick green up, use a fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote a lush green lawn- e.g. Supergreen or organic based slow release fertilisers. In heat of summer avoid over fertilising or using manure based products.
  5. Apply approximately 30g per square meter and remember to water in well.
  6. To maintain the lawns colour throughout winter, fertilise in late Autumn using a combination of organic and slow release fertilizers.
  7. Seasol is another type of natural fertilser that Turf Force recommends. It can be applied on a fortnightly, monthly or yearly basis depending on your desired requirements. Seasol naturally promotes overall plant health and growth, stimulates root development, and increases plant resistance to pests such as insects and fungal diseases. For more information on where to buy visit http://www.seasol.com.au/

Pests, Weeds and Diseases

Sapphire Buffalo Grass is resistant to pests, weeds and fungi compared to most other turf varieties, but as with any natural product, occasional problems can occur. If these problems occur we recommend the following:

  1. Pests - watch for the lawn grub (e.g. web worm or army worm) and African black beetle- apply suitable pesticides according to directions.
  2. Weeds - if weeds infest, hand eradicate before seed head develops or apply a suitable weedicide (call Turf Force for more information)
    NB: sprays containing DICAMBA must not be applied to soft leaf buffalo grass.
  3. Click on the following links to assist in identifying pests, weeds and diseases.

Water Restrictions ( Please be mindful of our regions limited water supply).

  • Most water restriction levels permit you to water with a hose 1 hour a day for the first 2 weeks on newly established lawns. Note: These restrictions are limited to specific times during the day. (Call Turf Force or check your local governments website for up to date details).

Normal restrictions apply after 2 weeks, which is limited to bucketed water or in extreme circumstances no water at all. (consider our water saving techniques below)

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Velvetene Salt Tolerant Turf (Download a printable Velvetene maintenance guide from here)

When to water?

  1. Upon installation, completely soak the turf with approximately 25mm of water. 
  2. Check that the water has seeped through the turf and into the soil below within the first hour of laying your new lawn.
  3. Water daily (depending on weather conditions)
  4. Most water restriction levels permit you to water with a hose for 1 hour a day during the first 2 weeks on any newly established lawns. Note: These restrictions are limited to specific times during the day. (Call Turf Force or check your local governments website for up to date details).
  5. Normal restrictions apply after 2 weeks, which for the bigger restrictions is limited to bucketed water or no water at all. (consider our water saving techniques below)
  6. Try to ensure the turf is kept watered for at least the first 3 weeks, this will allow the roots to take hold.
  7. Water twice daily for the first week, then once a day for the second week and every 2nd to 3rd day for the next week.
  8. Weather conditions dictate the amount of frequency of watering, be certain that your new turf has enough moisture to survive hot, dry or windy periods. Reflected heat from buildings dries turf out quickly, be sure to water these areas more often.
  9. If there are any signs of turf drying out. i.e. gaps appearing between the joins in the turf, water immediately. NB: please allow for some shrinkage when turf is first laid.
  10. Once fully established (appx. 8 weeks) the turf should only be watered when necessary and during hot weather every second day, this produces a more drought, tolerant lawn.

Mowing

Never mow Velvetene™ to short in any one mow. Drop mowing heights gradually until you have reached the desired length.

  • Summer mowing height 10 - 12 mm every 7 - 14 days.
  • Winter mowing height 15 - 18 mm every 21 - 35 days.

With intensive grooming at 3mm, the surface of Velvetene™ will become very fine and dense as a putting green. Without mowing, it will generally grow to a height of 75 - 100mm with seed heads slightly higher.

Velvetene™ paspalum will withstand severe scalping at any time up until 6 weeks prior to winter dormancy. Any later than this and the leaf of the grass will not fully recover until early spring. If required, renovations are best carried out within three months post winter dormancy, with light verti-cutting conducted at other times.

Fertilising

If not intensively managed, there is no requirement for fertilizer. However, it responds quickly to fertilizer when used, resulting in excessive growth at high rates. Apply around 25kg /ha/month N in the growing season on sands with less on heavier soils. Responds well to iron.

Apply fertiliser sparingly in Spring and Autumn. When applying chemicals check labels to ensure suitable for Paspalum lawn.

Seasol is another type of natural fertilser that Turf Force recommends. It can be applied on a fortnightly, monthly or yearly basis depending on your desired requirements. Seasol naturally promotes overall plant health and growth, stimulates root development, and increases plant resistance to pests such as insects and fungal diseases. For more information on where to buy visit http://www.seasol.com.au/

Weeds

Current herbicides available are generally not labelled specifically for seashore paspalum with reference made to ‘turf’ only. Always test for herbicide sensitivity if effects are unknown. Alternatively call Turf Force on 1300 4 GRASS (47277) or consult a relevant specialist for more information.

Insects

In general, seashore paspalum has few problems with insects. Chemical control is only required in severe infestations. An occasional infestation with cutworm requiring chemical treatment for control may be necessary.

Disease

Fungus disease may occur under hot humid conditions when the grass is under stress, organisms such as Fusarium, Helminthosporium, Dollar spot may be found but rarely require treatment.
Cultural practices that injure the plant such as scalping should be avoided during periods of hot humid weather; avoid excessive nitrogen applications; avoid evening irrigation where possible. Maintain balanced levels of applied nutrients.

Click on the following links to assist in identifying pests, weeds and diseases.

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All other Turf varieties (Download a printable maintenance guide from here)

When to water?

  1. Upon installation, completely soak the turf with approximately 25mm of water. 
  2. Check that the water has seeped through the turf and into the soil below within the first hour of laying your new lawn.
  3. Water daily (depending on weather conditions)
  4. Most water restriction levels permit you to water with a hose for 1 hour a day during the first 2 weeks on any newly established lawns. Note: These restrictions are limited to specific times during the day. (Call Turf Force or check your local governments website for up to date details).
  5. Normal restrictions apply after 2 weeks, which for the bigger restrictions is limited to bucketed water or no water at all. (consider our water saving techniques below).
  6. Try to ensure the turf is kept watered for at least the first 3 weeks, this will allow the roots to take hold.
  7. Water twice daily for the first week, then once a day for the second week and every 2nd to 3rd day for the next week.
  8. Weather conditions dictate the amount of frequency of watering, be certain that your new turf has enough moisture to survive hot, dry or windy periods. Reflected heat from buildings dries turf out quickly, be sure to water these areas more often.
  9. If there are any signs of turf drying out. i.e. gaps appearing between the joins in the turf, water immediately. NB: please allow for some shrinkage when turf is first laid.
  10. Once fully established (appx. 8 weeks) the turf should only be watered when necessary and during hot weather every second day, this produces a more drought, tolerant lawn

Mowing

  • Mow when the turf can not be lifted, as a guideline;

         - 10-14 days after installation in warm weather or

         - 14-28 days in cold weather

  • Mow when the turf is dry and ensure mower blades are sharp.
  • Lightly trim on the first mow, making sure you don’t scalp the lawn.
  • Maintain a height of approximately 30-40mm, this will allow the turf to retain moisture and nutrients.
  • Low mowing will damage your lawn.
  • Initially mow the turf in the same direction that it was laid, this will help prevent scalping.
  • Mowing frequently at the recommended height will help produce a healthy, lush, green lawn 

When to walk on?

 Avoid heavy traffic on our new lawn during the first 4 weeks. This will give the roots an opportunity to firmly knit with the soil and will ensure the turf remains level.

When to Fertilise?

  1. Before or just after laying your new turf use a good quality starter fertiliser. There are a variety of these on the market and are available from your local nursery or Bunnings store. 
  2. Once established we recommend you fertilise every 6-8 weeks all year round or at the start of each season.
  3. Use a slow release blended fertiliser. If you need a quick green up, use a fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote a lush green lawn- e.g. Supergreen or organic based slow release fertilisers. In heat of summer avoid over fertilising or using manure based products.
  4. Apply approximately 30g per square meter and remember to water in well.
  5. To maintain the lawns colour throughout winter, fertilise in late Autumn using a combination of organic and slow release fertilizers.
  6. Seasol is another type of natural fertilser that Turf Force recommends. It can be applied on a fortnightly, monthly or yearly basis depending on your desired requirements. Seasol naturally promotes overall plant health and growth, stimulates root development, and increases plant resistance to pests such as insects and fungal diseases. For more information on where to buy visit http://www.seasol.com.au/

Remember one of our sales staff is just a phone call away for assistance in choosing the correct fertiliser for your lawn.

Pests, Weeds and Diseases

  • Pests - watch for the lawn grub (e.g. web worm or army worm) and African black beetle- apply suitable pesticides according to directions.
  • Weeds - if weeds infest, hand eradicate before seed head develops or apply a suitable weedicide (call Turf Force for more information)

Click on the following links to assist in identifying pests, weeds and diseases.

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Water saving techniques

Consider the following to improve your lawns water storage capacity:

Cultivate it regularly
Aerate the soil with a fork or lawn aerator
Top dress your lawn annually
Avoid compacting the soil

Water Tank Rebate

The government currently has in place a rebate scheme on tanks. For a 3000L capacity tank and above that’s internally attached to laundry cold water tap or a toilet suite you are entitled to a $1500 rebate. Please refer to http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/for more information.

Domestic grey water use in Queensland

Please refer to the following web listed pdf file:

www.nrw.qld.gov.au/water/saverscheme/pdf/greywater_brochure_1.pdf

or type Domestic grey water use in Queensland into your search engine.

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