Lawns

How to Plant 

Preparation

Good soil preparation is the key to achieving a good lawn:

  • Spray out weeds with a glyphosate weed killer such as Roundup
    Allow 10-14 days for weeds to die and brown off

  • Soil should be dug to a depth of 15cm - break up large clods and remove all stones and debris

  • Well -drained, loam soils are best. If soil is clay or very heavy, apply Gypsum and work in some sandy soil

  • In very wet conditions, artificial drainage may be necessary

  • If soil is sandy and free draining, add compost, peat to improve its water holding ability

  • Rake and level, filling in hollows and removing high spots

  • Slope lawn away from house and other buildings

  • Tread and rake the area several times to consolidate and stop further sinking

Sowing Seeds 

Sow in calm weather and in the early morning with Tui Superstrike Lawn seed range

  • Mixing seed with some sand helps even the spread

  • Sow seeds in two directions, walking backwards across lawn, north -south, east - west

  • Ensure even coverage - avoid dumping seed in patches

  • Sow as per packet instructions.

  • Keep surface moist with light watering until seeds germinate, ie. At least daily

  • As seed grows water more heavily but less frequently, i.e. every 2 days

Fertilising

  • Apply Scott’s Seed and turf starter to area prior to sowing

  • Alternatively use a slow release lawn food such as Tui Lawn Force

  • Once grass is established, feed with Scott’s Lawn Builder in spring and autumn

  • Never fertilise in dry conditions

Mowing

  • Mow frequently for best results

  • Avoid cutting too low or ‘scalping’

  • Cutting height between 2.5 -4cm is ideal

Pests and Diseases

A pristine lawn will require regular spraying and maintenance to keep it pest and disease free.

The worst enemies of a good lawn are Porina and Grass Grub, and the invasion of broadleaf weeds

Porina Caterpillar

  • Feed on grass

  • Chew grass off to ground level

  • Do not eat roots

  • Caterpillar is grey colour with dark head

  • Appear Feb - April

Grass Grub

  • Feed on roots

  • Yellow patches and stunted lawn growth

  • Adult beetles feed on foliage in garden in November

  • Grub appears autumn, early winter

Pest & Disease Control

- Porina caterpillar
Kiwicare LawnPro Protect - autumn

- Grass Grub
Kiwicare LawnPro Protect - spring and autumn

- Broadleaf weeds
Grosafe Lawn guard- spring and autumn

- Onehunga weed
Grosafe Prickle Weed Killer- Sept to November