There are many variables that go into selecting the right kind of turf. Deciding on the right option for your needs doesn’t have to be a tricky proposition.

By asking the right questions, you can select a turf that is a great match.

Three Big Factors in Selecting the Right Type of Turf

Three factors play a major role in determining which turf is right for you: budget, circumstances and lifestyle. Circumstances are a key issue. For example, if you are planning on selling your property you may want to opt for a less expensive turf than if you are planning on keeping a property long term. However, it is important to note that Buffalo lawn is considered lower to maintain than Couch varieties of turf.

Factoring in Cost

A Couch variety, such as Winter Green, will cost between $6.20 and $7.75 m2. Buffalo varieties, including Palmetto and Sir Walter, are considerably more expensive, costing between $12.10 and $13.95 per m2. The quantity purchased also plays a role in price as the more you buy the lower the price per m2.

Keep in mind that installation is extra. You can expect to pay much more for installation. per m2 for installation.

Circumstances

Overall, price point is a major factor, but it isn’t the only factor in selecting the right type of turf. Other factors, such as your circumstances and how much maintenance you prefer, should also factor into your decision.

Your Expectations for Your Turf

Another key preference to consider is whether or not you want your turf to stay green year round. Buffalo varieties of Sir Walter and Palmetto have excellent winter colour retention. Likewise, Village Green Premium Kikuyu is the only warm season grass to stay active in the colder months.

Those looking for a drought resistant or drought tolerate turf will find that varieties such as Palmetto and Sir Walter Buffalos work very well. However, it is important to note that no turf is totally drought tolerant.

Selecting the right turf means asking the right questions. Thinking about your budget, circumstances, lifestyle and expectations are all vital aspects of selecting the right turf. What shouldn’t be overlooked is the factor of enjoyment. How much time will you spend on your turf and how will you use it? For many, this factor will be the most important factor of all.

We are receiving an alarming number of calls from the public across the Perth area in Autumn with a pest called cutworm invading their lawns.

The fact is that these pests can strike any time of year and do some serious damage. So what is cutworm and how concerned should you be if you have it?

It’s Not Really a Worm

Surprising to many is the fact that the cutworm isn’t really a worm at all. It is actually a caterpillar, technically speaking. It is typically yellow, green, brown or grey and has stripes.

This moth larvae hides under the soil so you won’t necessarily see it during the day. However, if you are curious, you may be able to see your cutworms if you scratch the surface of the dirt near the damaged areas.

At night, the cutworm comes out of hiding and feeds on your grass. Due to the fact that it often attacks the stems of plants, it got its name “cutworm.”

The Cutworm Lifecycle

The life cycle of a cutworm is normally around 28 days. Here’s how it works. The moth flies into your lawn and deposits its larvae. Soon thereafter, you will begin to discover leaf damage and castings from the caterpillar. They can actually do a lot of damage in a short period of time. They tend to do the most damage in autumn.

Do You Definitely Have Cutworms?

There is a simple way to see if you really have cutworm in your lawn. After dark, simply pour warm soapy water on the damaged area and shine a torch. If you have cutworms, they will wriggle to the surface.

How to Get Rid of Cutworms

The quickest and most effective way to eradicate them is to use insecticides on your lawn. We recommend 50-100mls or grams of Bifenthrin. You can get Bifenthrin from any Hardware store or nursery. Just combine it in a watering can with 10 litres of water.

Water over the affected areas where you have seen cutworm damage. Then turn sprinklers on for 5 minutes. Try to do this routine either at sunset or late afternoon.

Next just repeat this simple process in 7-14 days. (By the way, this same mix we described above can also be used for black beetles!)

After 7-14 days, apply 30 grams per m2 of a good quality maintenance fertiliser. You can also use Sulphate of Ammonia (30grams per m2) to give your lawn a boost.

If you follow these steps, you should be able to get rid of your cutworm problem in no time. Remember to feel free to contact Greenacres if you need any additional advice on your lawn. We’re always happy to assist our customers.

There are many steps that you can take to have a healthy looking lawn year round. Like many things in life, preparation and making the right choices help to produce great results.

In this article, we will explore a few of the key steps you can take to boost your chances of having a great looking lawn.

Healthy Lawn Tip Number One-Select the Right Variety

By selecting the right variety of lawn, you can dramatically increase your chances of maintaining a healthy lawn year round. If you want a deep green lawn, even during the winter, you may want to consider Village Green Premium Kikuyu. This impressive lawn enjoys great colour retention even in the colder months. In fact, Village Green Premium Kikuyu is the only warm season grass that is active when it is cold. Additionally new soft leaf Buffalo variety of Sir Walter and Palmetto also has excellent winter colour retention. So it is possible to have a green lawn even through the winter!

Healthy Lawn Tip Number Two-Opt for a Water Efficient Lawn

Ground preparation is very important. Use a good quality loam 150mm Compact and level. Use a pre start Fertiliser. Install automatic reticulation and apply a moisture retainer. We all know the importance of protecting our water resources. While it must be stated that there is no lawn that can truly be called “drought proof,” there are steps that can be taken to make turf “drought tolerant.” At Greenacres Turf Group, turf undergoes considerable field-testing before being sold to the public. Turf is first grown on the farm for between 3 to 5 years as part of an intensive testing process before it is sold. Greenacres only sell water efficient lawn varieties, such as Palmetto and Sir Walter Buffalos, as long as correct ground preparation, good reticulation is installed and establishment instructions followed. Customers can be sure their lawn will be water efficient.

Healthy Lawn Tip Number Three-Never Neglect Your Lawn

If you want your lawn to look its best year-round, any variety will require maintenance. Watering your lawn two to three times a week is a must. Skipping watering will lead to a brown and potentially unhealthy lawn. Apply a good quality moisture retainer. Fertilize just before the change of each season as well as mid-spring and mid-summer for best results.

By following these three helpful tips, you can expect to have a beautiful lawn year round. Select the right variety of lawn and maintain it correctly and you will see not just a green lawn this year, but also for many years to come.