Turfworks has a variety of machinery for your specific area needs ranging from 500s/m to 50,000s/m. For small or large areas, industrial strips,  verge mowing, schools or sporting fields, Turfworks will cater for your requirements from lawn mowing to all other aspects of turf management.
The type of machinery utilized will ensure a cost effective service for your business whilst maintaining the utmost in job quality and service.

Listed below is some of the services provided by Turfworks for your turf management.


Fertilising
Fertilizing your lawn is an essential part of regular lawn maintenance, however it can also be detrimental to your turf if applied in the incorrect manner or quantity. Always apply fertilizer according to the directions on the pack and immediately water in well.

Too much fertilizer or fertilizer applied in the wrong quantity or conditions can cause the following problems:

1. Create disease problems in your turf
2. Create a build up of thatch over a very short period of time
3. Scalding or burning of lawn
4. Encourage weed growth

However , fertilizer applied at the right time and in the right quantity will ensure your lawn receives adequate nutrients enhancing turf appearance ensuring a satisfying return for your financial output.

When fertilizing always ensure the following:

1. Always ensure even application ( apply by use of a spreader )
2. Never apply large quantities ( always apply as directed on the Bag )
3. Ensure instructions are followed on the purchased bag .
4. Remember always fertilize regularly but lightly
5. Always ensure adequate watering after applying.

Turf tip:
Fertilizers contain numerous ingredients

Nitrogen makes the lawn lush and green
Phosphorus makes the roots and systems strong
Potassium makes the plant more resistant to cold and disease
 

Verti-Mowing / Dethatching

Definition of Thatch
Thatch is dead and living grass stems and roots built up over time between the top blade of your grass and the soil.

About Thatch
The right amount of thatch provides a soft surface for bare feet and makes the lawn more resilient to wear and tear. Too much thatch ( perhaps as little as 2 cms ) and the required water and nutrients needed to maintain a healthy lawn will not be able to penetrate the soil below the lawn and consequently the results will be poor turf. An over-thatched lawn is dense and spongy, it may be green on top but just below the surface the grass will be humid and dead stems will appear. Subsequently when it is mowed the dead or brown layer is left making the lawn look “scalped “. If your lawn is soft and spongy or you have dry spots despite regular lawnmowing then your lawn requires de-thatching or “verti-mowing”. 

Regular de-thatching forces buds to grow near the base of the grass stems preventing the grass plants from being dead underneath and only green on top. De-thatching encourages new grass shoots to grow in thick and lush and close to the surface allowing adequate water penetration and sunlight.. 

When do I need to Verti-mow my Lawn ?
The best time to have your lawn verti-mowed is early spring as this is just before the growing season and just prior to the warmer weather commencing ensuring a quick recovery. Verti-mowing should be conducted at least once every two years for best results. 

Lawn Aeration / Coring
Aeration is the naturally occurring process of air exchange between the soil and its surrounding atmosphere. Practically speaking, aeration is the process of mechanically removing small plugs of thatch and soil from the lawn to improve soil aeration. The aeration process is also known as coring in the lawn mowing industry and homeowners often refer to it as lawn aeration.

Soil Compaction
Most lawns particularly where foot traffic is heavy, have compacted soil which often restricts the movement of water and air to the root zone. Lawn-mowing ,walking and playing on lawns all contribute to soil compaction and this in turn stresses lawns, which to survive adequately, require aerating or coring. Coring or Aerating breaks down the compact soil allowing for water and air to flow more adequately to the root system improving water penetration and in turn the appearance of your lawn.

Lawn aeration is best performed by an experienced contractor because the job is quite labour intensive and requires machinery that will perform adequately on all types of lawns. After your lawn is aerated small plugs of soil are left on the surface of the lawn and should be brushed up to ensure a clean surface is maintained.

Additionally within a few weeks the holes left by the aerator will begin to fill with white actively growing roots . This is a sign that the turf is responding to the additional oxygen and water that is now able to penetrate through to the root system. After aeration your lawn should feel less compact and be able to go without water for longer periods of time. Your lawn will also show more tolerance to heat and drought conditions and its overall appearance will be much more appealing. 

Reasons for Aerating your lawn:

1. Enhances water, fertilizer and oxygen uptake and use
2. Reduces water run off and pooling
3. Improves grass rooting
4. Reduces soil compaction
5. Enhances heat / drought stress tolerance
6. Reduces thatch build up.

Top Dressing
Top dressing your lawn is an exercise that most householders used to do on an annual basis to prevent thatch and even out areas of turf that required leveling. There are however better ways in this day and age to manage thatch by the use of conventional verti-mowing equipment. It is still one of the best methods to even out your lawn’s surface.

Why should you top dress your lawn ?

1. Levels off your lawn enabling a closer cut without scalping the lawn.
2. Assists in the control of thatch
3. Strengthens lawn density
4. Improves nutrient absorption
5. Allows for even growth
6. Improves lawn drainage

Prior to top dressing your lawn, the lawn should be mowed fairly low, lightly fertilized and water the fertilizer in well. Apply a recommended lawn soil mix from your local garden soil supply at the rate of approximately 1 cubic meter per 100 square meters at the top dress thickness of about 1 cm.

Applying the top dress sand too thick will smother your lawn and may create disease problems in the short term. Apply by means of a shovel initially to disperse the sand over the lawn and then rake evenly and lightly to ensure complete coverage of the required area After raking the top of the grass should be showing through the sand, water in well. Several light applications like this can be done over a few weeks or as the sand settles. Apply this method until the desired effect has been achieved. 

Expert Advice
Check out our technical tips section for some great informative information.