To sprig or not to sprig

​When you install a new and complete lawn with turf, you will enjoy an instant solution that looks neat and is fully functional within a few weeks.

We occasionally get asked if there is a way to achieve the same desired result, but within your budget goals. 
 
Turf sprigging can be a cost-effective alternative to laying a complete project with turf.
 
When we grow our first crop of turf on the farm we use sprigging. Sprigging involves breaking up a turf slab and placing it on the ground at intervals, in a grid or checkerboard pattern. The grass will grow into the bare soil and slowly start to spread. It is a method that can take us four to twelve months to get good coverage depending on the turf variety. We use a committed and repetitive process of watering, fertilising, herbicide application and mowing. From then on, when we harvest buffalo turf we will leave strips of turf for the new crop to regenerate.
 
It is possible that using this process that the sprigs will eventually grow into a full lawn for you at home, providing you have a good care program in place with warm temperatures and plenty of time.
 
Our sprigging recommendations:
 

• Before starting, consider the full maintenance costs (additional water, fertiliser, herbicide) and reduced lawn quality if maintenance is not completed correctly and consistently
• The soil should be prepared properly as healthy and robust turf requires good preparation and quality fertile soil
• The ratio is 10 to 1, for eg.  10m² turf to 100m² sprigging area
• Turf high traffic areas, such as, 1 metre off patios, paths or driveways and sprig out from there
• Put one strip of turf around the whole area as a border  

It is imperative that the area is kept moist until the grass becomes established (puts roots into the ground).  Regular water from then on is still critical for successful sprigging (small turf plants can dry quickly and die).

The weeds will be relentless as they will grow wherever the ground is bare. A serious commitment to weed management will be necessary to ensure that your lawn grows cleanly. 
 
Spring is the best time to plant sprigs.  Start preparation early so that you are ready to go and can maximise the best growing conditions. We would avoid sprigging turf in our NQ Summer as it is too hot and unforgiving. Winter is also not suitable as the grass can be dormant and not actively growing for many months, however, the weeds will not rest.

If it is only a small area, we would suggest that your compare the cost verse your time, because unless you are dedicated to growing your lawn you might give up before achieving the best outcome.
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Please be aware that Zoysia has a slow growth rate and that if you are going to grow a Zoysia lawn from sprigs, it will take more than twelve months to cover over.