Tried and Tested Turf Tips and Tricks

Is it constantly under stress from traffic, pets, weeds, invasive grasses? All of these things as well as the weather and a lack of TLC can lead to the breakdown of a previously healthy lawn. But, before you invest in a whole new lawn here’s the Daleys Turf tried and tested turf tips and tricks to see if the issues can be resolved. Of course, if it’s too far gone we’re happy to help you with a brand new instant lawn – just contact us.

Common Signs that it’s Time to Act

• Traffic areas don’t grow grass any more
• Your lawn is overrun with weeds
• Other grass species are invading your lawn
• Your lawn has bare spots where no grass grows
• Little or no maintenance has been given to your lawn over several years

Depending on what signs your lawn is displayed, one or a combination of these following tips and tricks can be used to help repair and/or replace your lawn:

Every few years, you might want to rent a power rake to remove ‘thatch’ and a power aerator that will break up compacted soil and allow water and air to enter freely. The machine slices and removes cones from your lawns at intervals, and relieves ‘thatching’ problems from grass cuttings that choke the lawn.

This process can be handled manually using a metal garden fork or aerating sandals – but this is typically only for tiny lawns.

If this is not something you are comfortable undertaking yourself then contact your local gardening company to see if this is a service they offer.

Does your lawn seem to grow unusually slow in response to waterings and fertilising?

Then your lawn may need dethatching – the process of removing thatch from your lawn. Thatch, a layer of grass stems, clippings and debris that accumulates over time and builds up to a point when it needs removing or ‘dethatching’ – usually it can be determined by feeling spongy when you walk on the lawn. If your lawn has thatch buildup or the lawn has never been aerated then try dethatching along with regular lawn maintenance.

New lawns that have bumps and depressions may need some more love from a lawn roller. Old lawns with unsightly bumps, lumps, and dips may need some next level attention. Poor settling, poor planting and grading, and/or root and wood decomposing below the lawn surface can turn a once perfect lawn into ankle twisting nightmare. Here’s how to level your lawn:

• Leveling Bumps: To level bumps, simply take a shovel and dig around three sides of the bump about 7.5-13 cms deep. Roll back the turf, and remove any excess soil below the top-soil. Once enough soil has been removed to level the area with the lawn, simply roll-back the turf and fill-in any seams with excess soil and/or potting soil. Water the area thoroughly, and press the turf back into place. Continue to repeat the waterings until the area has fully-recovered from the disturbance.
• Leveling Depressions: To level depressions, simply take a shovel and dig around three sides of the depression about 7.5-13 cms deep. Roll back the turf, and add a mixture of soil, humus, and fertiliser necessary to raise the level of the depression. Once enough soil has been added to level the area with the lawn, simply roll-back the turf and fill-in any seams with excess soil and/or potting soil. Water the area thoroughly, and press the turf back into place. Continue to repeat the waterings until the area has fully-recovered from the disturbance.

When your lawn isn’t responding to any lawn repair methods, it may be time for total lawn renovation. The process may be big but its not complicated, especially not when you Daley Turf on your team. The following lawn renovation steps will guide you through the process. If you need further help with renovating your lawn and live between Gold and Sunshine Coasts (including Brisbane and Ipswich, contact your local lawn experts at Daleys Turf.

1. Start off by killing and removing old grass and weeds. This will keep problems from rooting in your new lawn. Use a herbicide such as Roundup or glyphosate. Following the product directions, apply the herbicide and repeat over a few days to ensure all weeds and old grass are killed. Most herbicides will take a few weeks to fully work so make sure you plan accordingly.
2. Set the renovation date – turf needs to be installed as close as possible to its delivery.
3. Remove the old grass and weeds then aerate the soil to help loosen it up and better prepare it for planting and watering. Smooth-out the surface with a rake to remove and rocks and excess debris. Apply soil additives as appropriate. Ensure a nice layer of good soil.
4. Once your soil is ready install your new lawn, watering it as you go.
5. Caring for your new lawn: Now that you have completed your planting, it is time to make sure that your new lawn is watered and cared for properly to insure its new growth.

For more information contact your local lawn specialists at Daleys Turf.