turf

5 benefits of Wintergreen Couch on the Sunny Coast

August 20, 2018 By admin

Known as a universally economic lawn, Wintergreen Couch is a fine hybrid couch that will tolerate full sun. This makes it an attractive turf choice for Sunshine Coast home and business owners. This variety is one of the most popular lawns used in Australia and is a firm favourite in recreational areas.

Featuring a stunning bright green colour, that has a soft appearance; Wintergreen Couch is a low-cost grass for a sunny environment. It’s also been bred to have good drought resistance and is tough enough to withstand a bit of rough and tumble for pets, kids or big kids!

Fact: Due to its fine textured leaf, Wintergreen Couch needs direct sunlight for most hours of the day – making it a smart choice for the Sunshine Coast.

5 benefits of laying Wintergreen Couch in the Sunny Coast

1. It’s a cost-effective solution for large recreational areas

For those wanting to turf a larger area, Wintergreen Couch is a suitable option because you’ll get good value for money. Because it’s hard wearing you’ll find it growing on Sunshine Coast golf courses, tennis courts and bowling greens, as well as parks and gardens and sports ovals.

Coastal areas or those that need soil stabilisation are also good places to use this turf, as are environments such as dam walls, footpaths and road verges. But it’s not just a rough and tumble turf; it’s actually also super soft to the touch.

2. You won’t need to worry about dry conditions

Often in the Sunny Coast it’s either a feast or a famine in regards to rain, in either of these conditions Wintergreen Couch will thrive. Even with minimal rain or fertilising this turf will continue to grow and maintain its colour. This is not to say it wouldn’t like a drink every now and then, but it’s a warm season grass for a reason.

3. Outside activities won’t cause irreparable damage

You’ve chosen to live on the Sunshine Coast because you can basically live in the great outdoors year-round. What’s great about growing Wintergreen Couch in this area is that your weekend barbecues turned friendly cricket matches won’t destroy your lawn. This turf is hard wearing and comes back quickly are periods of high traffic.

4. Pests and diseases are no match for this variety

Over the years Wintergreen Couch has been cultivated and bred to be resistance to most pests and diseases. Additionally, due to its high thatch load, this grass has the unique ability to smother out any pesky weeds. This is the case even in the driest of conditions, in fact its thatch actually acts like mulch and stops weeds before they can take over your lawn.

5. Sunshine makes Wintergreen couch happy

With near-perfect sunny conditions almost every day on the Sunshine Coast, growing a warm season grass that thrives in full sun makes perfect sense. A fine hybrid couch, this variety needs less water than the Buffalo varieties and will survive better than most other lawns during periods of low rainfall. Keep in mind if you want your Wintergreen Couch lawn to keep its attractive appearance then regular mowing is a good idea.

If you’d like to know information about Sunshine Coast turf farmers or need some tips on how to choose one, get in touch with us.

Why Empire Zoysia is a perfect Sunshine Coast grass

August 17, 2018 By admin

Your decision to lay turf is a wise one, not only will it add value to your Sunshine Coast property, but having a lawn can actually help reduce your air-conditioning costs. According to Turf Australia, an average front lawn has a cooling effect equal to two air conditioners.

One of the most easy-care and aesthetically pleasing lawns on the market is Empire Zoysia. It’s a fine-leaf grass that is super soft to the touch and has excellent wear tolerance. As a warm season grass, it thrives year-round in the Sunshine Coast and you won’t need to spend countless hours a week making it look good.

Did you know? Empire Zoysia is the best selling Zoysia grass in Australia and is often referred to as EZ grass (as in easy) because of how easy it is to care for!

This turf is also perfect for those who don’t want to be married to their lawnmower, because it’s been proven to need one-third of the mowing other varieties require. Interestingly, Empire was one of the first Zoysia types to be specially bred by Australian turf farmers.

You’ll love growing Empire Zoysia in the Sunshine Coast because it’s…

Tough and hardwearing

Because this variety has a deep root and rhizome system you won’t have to tread lightly on it. Empire Zoysia has been bred to tolerate extreme wear, making it a great choice for young families, those with pets or those who frequently entertain outside.

Able to tolerate moderate shade

Don’t worry if you’ve got a few areas around your property that are in the shade from time-to-time; this variety will tolerate it. It’s recommended for up to 50% shade in areas with low wear and up to 30% shade in areas with moderate-to-high wear.

Maintains its striking colour in winter

Year-round Empire Zoysia will retain its colour so you’ll always have a healthy-looking lawn, even in the cooler winter months. This is especially true when compared to the more common turf varieties such as couch.

It won’t let you down

If you’ve got friends and family who love visiting you on the Sunshine Coast, you won’t have to worry about them destroying your new lawn. This variety has fast runners that are high branching which provides excellent recovery from wear – so let the games begin.

You won’t be married to your lawnmower

Not everyone loves home maintenance and mowing lawns, so the good news with Empire Zoysia is that although it grows across the ground at a fast rate, its upwards leaf growth is less than most other commercially grown lawns in Australia. This also makes it a great lawn for Sunshine Coast holiday homes or rental properties.

Versatile and adaptable

With its aggressive growth from its runners and rhizomes, this variety performs well in both sandy and clay soil types. So regardless of the quality of your soil, Empire Zoysia will continue to thrive. It also has excellent salt tolerance making it a perfect lawn for coastal areas.

Super drought-hardy

Few turf varieties on the Sunshine Coast will look at good as this with such little water. Its ability to keeps its colour and maintain healthy growth without heavy watering makes this variety a firm favourite for those wanting a carefree lawn.

FACT: Empire Zoysia is known for its ability to create a dense sward without major thatch problems. It also has less thatch and less scalping than any other Zoysia.

Put simply, Empire Zoysia is well suited to the harsh yet idyllic weather of the Sunshine Coast and has been bred with these sorts of climatic conditions in mind. So whether you’re after a new lawn for your home, an attractive communal amenity or a functional sports field or playing area, this variety will deliver.

If you’d like to see this turf in its natural environment, get in touch with a Sunshine Coast farmer who is willing to show you around their property. While you’re there, get them to share their tips on fertilising your new lawn!

5 questions to ask a turf supplier

August 7, 2018 By admin

With such a plethora of turf farmers and suppliers to choose from on the Sunshine Coast, it can be tricky to figure out which one to choose for your specific project. To aid in this search there are a few questions that are worth asking, particularly if you intend to invest a decent amount of money in your new lawn.

Here is a handy list of questions that you could use as a guide to help you pick a turf supplier or farmer on the Sunshine Coast. As you chat you might think of something else you’d like to know and remember it’s their job to make sure all your questions or queries are answered.

5 questions to ask a turf supplier

1. Is the turf grown locally?

If you want a warm season grass that can handle the Sunshine Coast’s humid climate and the occasional dry spell, make sure you ask if the turf you’re considering buying has been grown on the Sunshine Coast.

Better yet, ask the farmer or supplier if you can visit the farm and check out the grass for yourself. Not only will this give you an idea of how it looks once it’s established, but you’ll know it’s been grown especially for the Sunshine Coast climate.

Most turf growers will offer this service and be happy to give you a tour of their property; it’s the perfect time to inspect the quality of your future lawn. Paddocks should be basically weed-free and a lush green colour.

2. Does the turf get cut on the day of delivery?

This is a very important question because what you’re after is a Sunshine Coast turf farmer who cuts to order. This means they don’t have slabs of turf languishing on a pallet and instead they cut your turf once you’ve ordered and paid for it.

In the summer months cut turf can dry up very quickly if left without water, so also ask a supplier their harvesting process. Preferably it should be cut on the morning it is to be delivered and then put straight on a truck and delivered promptly to your property.

During the cooler winter months it’s acceptable and often common practise for most farmers to cut turf late in the afternoon for an early morning delivery. But this is not the case in the warmer months, so be sure to check the turf you’re about to buy is cut to order.

3. Will someone unload the turf for you?

Reputable turf farmers on the Sunshine Coast will deliver the turf to your backyard; those with an emphasis on customer service may even offer an installation service. Let the supplier know what your access is like so you can make sure their truck will be able to get to where you want your new lawn to be.

Also check if you are able to collect the turf from the supplier once you’ve paid for it. This might be a service you’d like if you live close to the farmer and/or you only need a small amount of turf. Again, it’s a good chance to meet the team who grew your new lawn and get some maintenance advice.

As for the installation service, check that the team who are about to put down your grass are experienced and happy to keep you involved in the laying of your turf. Most outfits should have a decent-sized crew and should be able to get an average-sized back and front yard installed within a few hours.

4. Ask if they offer any guarantees?

What you need to find out is whether the turf supplier is happy to guarantee that the grass will arrive at your place in the same quality it left their farm. Keep in mind that once you are in receipt of the lawn it must be installed immediately in order to give it the best chance to establish quickly.

When trying to choose a Sunshine Coast turf supplier, ask if they will guarantee their installation service, if you intend to use it. It might also pay to see what follow-up or after-sales service they provide. Least of all they should make a phone call to see how your turf is going and even send you a few emails advising you on the best way to water your new lawn.

1. Are they a member of Turf Australia?

You may or may not be aware that the turf industry in Australia has a representative body; Turf Australia. The mission of this organisation is to lead the turf industry, and those Sunshine Coast growers who are members have made a conscious decision to be kept up-to-date with relevant news in regards to turf research and development.

As members they have signalled their intention to invest in the future of the turf industry and have shown their commitment to its growth and sustainability. As growers they are given the latest information to ensure they grow the best turf possible, which mean the grass they grow and sell to you is of the highest quality.

Sure it’s not something that is compulsory for all suppliers or growers, but it may signal they are serious about investing in their livelihood and are in it for the long haul.

Remember: Biggest isn’t always best, there are plenty of small and medium-sized farmers that focus on producing the best turf, not the most turf.

By the time you’ve asked these questions you’ll no doubt have a feel for whether this Sunshine Coast turf supplier or farmer is right for you and your project. Keep in mind it’s a competitive industry, so be sure to ring around a few suppliers and compare prices and ask if they will price match.

5 things to help you choose the right turf

August 7, 2018 By admin

With ideal weather year-round, the Sunshine Coast is an idyllic place to call home. Its enviable climate also makes it super easy to maintain a fabulous-looking lawn – if you choose the right variety. So if you’ve just built a house, are planning a build or want to replace existing turf at your property; there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing turf on the Sunshine Coast.

5 things to help you choose the right turf

1. Look at what’s growing locally

Before you leap ahead and choose the first variety you see, take time to explore your surrounding area and look at what lawns tend to be thriving. If you’re not sure what variety they are, take photos and jump online, or if you’re brave ask the local home or landowner.

There’s no point in laying a lawn that won’t survive or thrive in the hot and humid Sunshine Coast climate. As such it’s usually wise to stick to warm season grasses, especially those that have the added bonus of being able to cope with a little shade.

2. Consider how you will use your new lawn

Have a think about what you will be using your new lawn for. Is it mainly for its incredible aesthetic and cooling abilities or will it take a battering from dogs, kids or regular foot traffic. Maybe you need a new lawn for a holiday house, a rental property or a large area, in this instance a variety such as Wintergreen couch might be an option.

An all-rounder that is soft-to-touch, this couch is hardwearing and has rapid recovery from wear and damage or high traffic. Importantly for the Sunshine Coast climate, it’s a warm season grass that keeps its mid-light green colour year round.

3. Where will your new lawn be located?

The gorgeous Sunshine Coast is made up of rich farm land, coastal towns and hinterland havens. Before choosing a turf variety, consider where you’re located and the local climatic conditions. For example, do you need a lawn such as Empire Zoysia that is hardwearing and can cope without rain for a little while during those odd drought events?

Maybe you live coastal and need a lawn that can adapt to sandy soils and thrive if the soil isn’t particularly fertile. In this instance the super hardy Tropika blue couch is a good choice; it’s a warm season perennial grass that adores tropical climates prefers full sun, like most Sunshine Coast locals! As an added bonus it requires very little maintenance so you won’t be chained to the mower every weekend.

4. Do you live in an area that gets frosts?

It might sound strange to use the words frosts and Sunshine Coast in the same sentence, but this wonderful region is diverse and there are certain areas that do get very cool in the winter. If you live in an area that gets the occasional frost, a good turf to consider would be a buffalo such as the Sapphire soft leaf buffalo.

With a stunning colour, this variety is bred in Australia from Sir Walter buffalo and is a next generation grass. It needs less water than many varieties, has deep roots and keeps its striking green colour in summer and winter. Importantly, Sapphire soft leaf buffalo is very tolerant of both hot and cold weather; it’s even been tested down to minus 10C.

5. Find out if the turf you want is grown locally?

It’s wise to do some research in regards to which turf suppliers actually have their farms located on the Sunshine Coast. Be wary of those that say they can deliver to the Sunshine Coast but actually grow their turf a lot further south whether the conditions are quite different to the ones experienced here.

Most reputable growers will happily offer you the chance to visit their farms to inspect the varieties they grow. If you’re about to outlay a fair chunk of money and have the time – it’s always worth a visit. You’ll also get a sneak peek into where you future lawn is grown and what condition it’s in before harvest.