WATERING
This is probably the most misunderstood area by the average person. Correct water application in conjunction with good mowing techniques is vital for achieving quality turf.

Common Errors:

1. Over watering – this promotes excessive growth encouraging thatch build-up and fungal attack. A common misconception is watering a little, often, especially in summer. This results in keeping a shallow root structure that cannot tolerate the heated top later of soil.
   
   Solution: Initiate a watering cycle in early spring of ‘ one standard drink’ (1cm) per week. Increase to two standard drinks per week during summer.
   
2. Watering at the wrong time – evening watering can encourage fungal growth by keeping the turf damp. Watering during the day can result in over 50% loss of water through evaporation and windrift.
   
   Solution: Program reticulation to activate at approximately one hour before sunrise when wind is usually calm and water can be taken up through roots before evaporation begins.
   
3. Poor reticulation maintenance 
   
   Don’t take it for granted that because the sprinklers are coming on and spraying that everything is alright. We recommend a physical check of all sprinkler heads, monthly during summer to ensure that no grit has lodged in the openings creating a gap in the required coverage. This can usually be remedied by either lightly tapping the sprinkler head whilst in operation to remove any grit or by shutting down the reticulation and removing sprinkler and stripping down to remove any grit present. 

SEASONAL WATERING TIPS

WINTER

Prepare your lawn for winter during summer. If your lawn is green and healthy during summer it will be much easier to maintain in winter and be more resistant to disease and the cold weather. Make yourself aware of the night temperatures and as soon as the temperature starts to fall reduce your watering as with the cold weather the water will not entirely evaporate off the leaf and consequently lead to fungal disease within your lawn.

SUMMER

Too many gardens receive too much water during summer. This becomes costly to the water consumer and can have a detrimental effect on your garden. As a general rule of thumb your lawn only requires watering once to twice a week in summer. Always water for longer durations but less frequently , ideally say 20 to 30 minutes at a time once to twice a week. This will ensure a good saturation of water over your lawn and encourage the lawn root system to penetrate deeper into the soil allowing better resistance to the hotter days. 

TURF WEEDS
Healthy turf should be able to eradicate most weed infestations. Regular mowing throughout winter- every two to three weeks will remove most weed heads before they can set seed. This generally alleviates the need for chemical application in a lot of cases and can dramatically reduce the appearance of weed crops in the winter months and seasons to follow.

Ways to reduce weeds in your lawn 

1. Correct mowing – The right height for your grass helps to shade weeds out of existence.
2. Mowing frequency – By mowing both often and regular you remove the seed heads of weeds making it harder for them to seed their next crop.
3. Correct Soils – Dry ,wet and compact soils all promote weed growth because your grass usually struggles under these conditions. The weaker your grass condition is the more chance weeds have of surviving.
4. Practicing good lawn maintenance procedures is the best policy you can adopt to assist in the eradication of weeds and ensure you maintain good condition for your turf to survive.

OVER 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.

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.

CORRECT SELECTION OF GRASS
It is imperative to ensure that your selection of grass matches the location that your lawn will be laid in. In other words if your new lawn is to be laid in a shady area make sure that the lawn is tolerant to shade and will survive in this area .

Lawns that are to be used in heavy traffic areas such as sporting ovals and picnic areas require careful selection to ensure that the lawn will stand up to the wear and tear of such traffic during both the summer and winter seasons. There is no specific lawn designed to completely tolerate shady areas however there are some varieties that will tolerate more shade than others but these lawns require more maintenance and care. Basically there are two types of grasses for lawns, cool climate and warm climate.

For conditions similar to Perth, Western Australia the following is recommended:

LAWNS RECOMMENDED FOR SHADY AREAS

1. FESCUE VARIETY
2. BUFFALO
3. ZOYSIA.

LAWNS RECOMMENDED FOR HEAVY TRAFFIC AREAS

1. WINTERGREEN 
2. SANTA ANNA 
3. GREENLEES PARK 
4. KIKUYU
5. BUFFALO