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 offSoil 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 Tui Lawn Force New lawns to area prior to sowing
Once grass is established, feed with Tui Lawn Force All Purpose 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
Yates Grub and Porina Kill - Apply from spring onwards, from first appearance
- Grass Grub
Yates Grub and Porina Kill - January to March
- Broadleaf weeds
Grosafe Lawn guard- spring and autumn
- Onehunga weed
Grosafe Prickle Weed Killer- Sept to November