Here are the top 10 tips Lachlan and Sacha from Paragon Gardens would like to share with you:
1 Soil matters.
It all starts with the soil. Growing a beautiful lawn all comes down to the health of your soil. Having healthy living soil full of organic matter and microorganisms is essential to a lush and robust lawn. For new homes or turf projects, it is imperative to use good quality soil from the beginning. For existing lawns or lawn renovation projects knowing, understanding and if necessary, improving your soil quality and checking the pH. Crusher dust and mill mud are not suitable turf underlay materials.
2 Understand how you are going to water it and the water requirements.
Following a correct and adequate watering establishment program when the turf is first laid is priority. Installing an irrigation system is not only the best way to establish your new turf, but it’s continued success by regularly, evenly and efficiently watering your lawn. Different sprinkler types require different run times. If you are using bore water, we recommend having it tested and understanding the makeup of your water.
3 Failing to prepare or preparing to fail…
Preparing the area thoroughly is a vital step when laying turf. Proper preparation ensures your lawn has the optimal conditions it needs to perform well and thrive in its new environment. Good landscaping is a skill that requires knowledge and understanding, practical execution and a keen eye for detail. We love and support DIY projects. Make sure you do your research and allocate sufficient time to complete your project properly. Alternatively, seek out reputable and qualified tradespeople to carry out the work for you.
4 Design and aspect.
Consider your space. Think about your specific needs and the type of garden you want to create. Take into account any existing or future plants, structures and hardscaping features. Understand your garden’s unique microclimate, including what direction that your lawn faces. The western side will require more water and care as the afternoon sun can be intense. Assess the implications of sun and how it will track throughout the year. Winter sun is not as hot and the days aren’t as long, so it will be more difficult to grow a healthy lawn in these areas all year round.
5 Shade.
Consider how much sunlight the lawn area receives. Determine which areas receive full sun, partial sun or shade. All turf varieties require a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight each day to grow. Shade from buildings is hard to work with as is shade from big trees. Consider the impacts of radiating heat on your lawn from roadways, paths, sheds, fences or buildings.
6 Turf variety.
There is no one turf that suits Townsville best. We predominately live in a desert by the sea with periods of intense rain. Your choice should come down to growing characteristics, your preference, what suits both your lifestyle and your intentions to maintain it.
7 Nutrition.
Getting in the habit of fertilising your lawn at least four times a year will provide the nutrients your lawn needs. Never fertilise in the hottest weeks of Summer or the couple of cold weeks in Winter as your lawn is already under immense stress. Fertilise early morning or late afternoon and always water in well so that you don’t burn the lawn. Manures are very beneficial for your soil and its health.
8 Seasonal changes.
Understand seasonal changes and evaporation. Overwatering is as problematic as underwatering. Ideally increasing your watering schedule September to April and cutting back watering to once per week May to August. Deep watering less frequently encourages your lawn to have deep roots and be more robust. Turn off your irrigation when it is raining, remember to turn it back on when your lawn has started to dry out again.
9 Good mowing practices.
Mow it regularly, possibly every week in the hotter months, every two-three weeks in Winter. Mowing infrequently or too high can create excessive thatching, which in turn will make your lawn spongy. Mowing too short can stress your lawn and make it more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Keep blades sharp to prevent damage and maintain a healthy cut. There are no prizes for mowing your lawn first after rain. Avoid mowing when the ground is wet, as it pushes the air out of the ground and causes compaction or damage the lawn by leaving wheel ruts.
10 Understanding pest, disease and weeds.
It is rarely grubs. If your lawn is playing up, consider all possibilities and accurately identify the problem before spraying chemicals. Your soil is living with microorganisms and applying chemicals may affect your soil’s health. Never accept chemicals in glass jars. Read labels. Follow directions. Do not spray haphazardly. If you think you must treat pests, weeds or diseases, first ask yourself if you can get your lawn healthier by any other means other than spraying chemicals that are potentially a risk to yourself, family, pets and your community. Be wary of accepting well-meaning advice from friends and facebook groups unless you are also prepared to accept the consequences.
