Turf Talk by Lawn Solutions Australia, hosted by Joe Rogers.
Join us in celebrating all things lawns! Our podcast provides lawn tips and advice on all things lawns and gardening. Whether you are looking for lawn care advice, lawn care products or turf variety information – we have you covered. Lawn Solutions Australia is a group of Australia’s best and most experienced turf growers. We have a national network, so we can provide knowledge relating to varying climates and conditions, about the different grass varieties available and recommend lawn care products to help you get the amazing lawn you have been dreaming of.
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda (couch) is an incredibly hard-wearing and drought-tolerant grass variety. Known as ‘The Smart Grass’ due to its formal recognition for its water efficiency – The Smart Approved WaterMark. TifTuf is the only grass to be awarded the Smart Approved WaterMark in Australia or anywhere in the world.
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is leading the way in innovation, and performance, plus it looks incredible.
For more information on this special collaboration or TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, please get in touch with us here at Lawn Solutions Australia.
Iron Guard Plus is a turfgrass-enhancing bio-stimulant that contains iron and amino acids, formulated to provide a boost in colour and turf strength. Iron Guard Plus will maximise turfgrass colour retention and promote lateral growth, making it ideal for improved winter dormancy transition.
You can apply Iron Guard Plus monthly when active growth is present or when nutrient deficiency symptoms are visible to maintain even growth and colour for your lawn.
When using Iron Guard Plus, make sure you wear gloves and protective eyewear to avoid contact with your eyes and skin.
To apply to your lawn, mix 200 to 500mls of Iron Guard Plus with 7-10 litres of water for 100sqm of coverage. The higher the rate used, the darker the colour will be.
If you are looking to use it for the first time or if you want to use it regularly as part of a lawn care program, it’s best to apply at a lower rate.
Make sure you apply Iron Guard Plus during the cool hours of the day, so early morning or evening.
You can apply monthly when active growth is present or when nutrient deficiency symptoms are visible to maintain even growth and colour for your lawn.
Knapsack Application Rate
Compound volume 200-500ml
Water volume 7-10lt
Area 100m2
Iron Guard Plus is a scientifically designed formula for use on all grass varieties including Hybrid Bermuda or couch, Zoysia, Buffalo, and Kikuyu grass. So it’s perfect for all Australian lawns.
Compound Analysis
Sulphur (S) 6%
Iron (Fe) 4%
Magnesium (Mg) 2%
Manganese (Mn) 2%
Fulvic Acid 2%
Molybdenum (Mo) 1%
Zinc (Zn) 0.5%
Bio-stimulant 0.25g/L
Using Iron Precaution
Avoid applying to footpaths, driveways, and other hard surfaces. As this product contains Iron it’s very important it is washed off immediately as it can stain hard surfaces.
Celebrating TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda with Jason Hodges, Charlie Albone and Nigel Ruck
Three of the most respected lawn-loving, landscaping gurus that Australian television has produced combine to celebrate a very special lawn variety.
What is it you ask? ‘It’s TifTuf!’
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda has been taking the lawn and turf industry by storm in recent years. This grass has some exceptional qualities that make it unlike any other grass available on the market today.
Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) is the exclusive supply network for TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda in Australia. LSA has experienced a wave of excitement for TifTuf and wanted to reflect on the day-to-day interactions that TifTuf lawn owners have been experiencing right across Australia.
To do this, LSA brought together the best of the best in the lawn and landscaping world, current brand ambassadors Jason Hodges and Charlie Albone, plus former ambassador for Sir Walter (another hugely successful LSA turf variety), Nigel Ruck. Jason and Charlie are currently proud ambassadors for LSA, working together to share their support and love for turf.
Jason, Charlie and Nigel all have very successful businesses and tv careers and have joined together to celebrate their shared excitement for TifTuf. Plus, it was a good excuse for three good mates to catch up!
The result is a great new TV ad that shares a few lawn gurus commenting on how incredible ‘Hodgeys’ lawn is looking. What is it you ask? Just ask Hodgey. If you’re still not sure (yes we know we told you already), there are quite a few hints in the new commercial to look out for.
“It’s TifTuf!”
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda (couch) is an incredibly hard-wearing and drought-tolerant grass variety. Known as ‘The Smart Grass’ due to its formal recognition for its water efficiency – The Smart Approved WaterMark. TifTuf is the only grass to be awarded the Smart Approved WaterMark in Australia or anywhere in the world.
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is leading the way in innovation, and performance, plus it looks incredible.
Jason Hodges
Jason Hodges has worked on some of the biggest gardening tv programs Australia has produced and is a fan favourite for many. Jason is currently very busy with his highly successful Buxus business, Buxus Balls of Berry. Jason supplies his Buxus to the best landscapers right across the country, with business absolutely booming in recent years. Jason is also heavily involved with a number of hugely popular gardening brands and is the leading role in the new TifTuf commercial.
Charlie Albone
Charlie Albone has a very successful landscape design business called Inspired Exteriors. Like Jason, Charlie has worked on two very popular tv programs, starting out on Selling Houses Australia and now Better Homes and Gardens.
Nigel Ruck
Nigel Ruck got his start on Backyard Blitz which was one of the most watched tv programs of its time. Nigel too has a very successful landscaping business that he has operated for many years, Greenology. Nigel is currently a host on the Garden Gurus tv program on ABC and LSA is very excited to catch up with Nigel after working together for many years with Sir Walter.
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda was a clear stand-out performer in this trial outperforming all other available couch grasses.
TifTuf was also the best performing couch grass in US turf trials called the NTEP (National Turf Evaluation Program). TifTuf led from the front and was in the top 25% of grasses across all states and measures trialled, over 92.9% of the time.
Which couch grass is the most drought-tolerant?
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is the world’s leading turfgrass for superior water efficiency and drought tolerance. TifTuf is the first grass in Australia or the world to be awarded Smart Drop Certification for drought tolerance is TifTuf.
TifTuf was bred to be drought tolerant and save water. With TifTuf becoming the new benchmark when it comes to measuring the drought tolerance of turf. Read drought trial results here.
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is the most hard-wearing and has incredible recovery and self-repairing qualities. When subjected to a range of trials under different shade, irrigation and wear treatments, TifTuf was the best-performing turf grass trialled.
What grass do they use on sports fields in Australia?
Most elite sporting surfaces in Australia are couch grass surfaces. Hybrid couch (Bermuda) grasses in recent years show superior qualities and are the go-to surface for installation on new and improved sporting turf facilities. For sports fields looking to install the best grass for their facilities, the best couch grass is TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda.
TifTuf at Redcliffe Dolphins Stadium
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is the product of almost 25 years of research and development from one of the world’s leading turfgrass breeders, the University of Georgia in Tifton. Tifton is famous for grasses like Tif Eagle, Tif Sport and now TifTuf.
TifTuf at Brighton Homes Arena
Out of tens of thousands of couch grasses, TifTuf was selected as the best performing and most drought-tolerant turf trialled.
There are new couch grasses that have entered the Australian market in recent years. But new grasses do not mean better. TifTuf also outperformed these grasses in the extensive trials conducted throughout the US National Turf Evaluation program and during trials here in Australia.
What grass has the best winter colour?
TifTuf features in the first and third plots in this image.
In the image above there are two different couch grass varieties, both subjected to the same difficult conditions. The first plot on the left and the third plot, are both TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. This photo was taken on the winter solstice, the shortest daylight hours of the year, when sunlight is limited and temperatures are low.
TifTuf has been shining in all trials for winter colour. We have seen this domestically, commercially and in Australian trials. The data from the US National Turf Evaluation Program replicated this as well with TifTuf (and Tifway) leading the way.
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is available exclusively through Lawn Solutions Australia.
Brighton Homes Arena Hosts AFLW Grand Final on Smart New Turf Surface
On Sunday 28th of November, the AFLW Grand Final was played between the Melbourne Demons and Brisbane Lions at the new Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield QLD. The Melbourne Demons came out victorious with a narrow win.
Premium lawn care products proudly recommended by Australia’s best turf growers.
Lawn Solutions Australia supplies a great range of premium lawn care products. Our range includes fertilisers, herbicides, pest control, soil conditioners and wettings agents, along with a range of lawn care equipment and products from quality brands.
Lawn Nutrition and Colour
Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser
Supercharge your lawn with this premium lawn food that’s ideal for all lawn varieties.
Both fast and slow-release granules packed with essential nutrients and trace elements encourage strong growth and rich colour.
The slow-release granules will deliver a small amount of nutrients to your lawn each day for up to 12 weeks after the initial application to aid in sustained growth for best all-round results.
Contains 16% Nitrogen (N), 0.7% Phosphorus (P), 4% Potassium (K), 20% Sulphur (S), 1.5% Calcium (Ca) and 2% Iron (Fe).
Provides nutrients for turf growth and recovery.
Lawn Solutions Premium Lawn Fertiliser was developed specifically for use on Sir Walter DNA Certified Soft Leaf Buffalo and works equally well on other lawn varieties.
Lawn Rescue is a blend of liquid fertilisers, seaweed extracts and wetting agents and is ideal for use during establishment, post establishment and for post-winter revival.
Promoting the development of root systems and growth in new lawns, Lawn Rescue stimulates, supports and protects root growth in established lawns year-round.
Featuring both nutrient and rehydration properties, Lawn Rescue is the perfect solution for tired, slow-growing lawns.
Will restore colour and health to lawns that are looking dry and thin and is suitable for all lawn varieties.
A pre-emergent herbicide for most warm season turf varieties, OxaFert controls weed seedlings during germination.
OxaFert controls annual grass-type weeds including Winter Grass, Crowsfoot, Summer Grass, Creeping Oxalis and Crabgrass before they appear.
OxaFert will prevent the targeted weed seedlings before they take hold, preventing them from growing and spreading throughout your lawn for up to 12 weeks.
Fertiliser contains a balanced ratio of Nitrogen 16%, Phosphorus 2.0%, Potassium 6.0%, Sulphur 16%, Iron 1.5%, and Magnesium 0.2% to give your lawn a boost.
Lawn Solutions OxaFert won’t harm healthy turf or inhibit turf root growth or recovery from damage.
Fertilise your lawn and control weeds in one easy application.
Treatment for water repellent soil. A premium lawn hydration solution.
Lawn Soaker is a ready to use soil wetting agent specifically developed for use on lawns. It improves the penetration of water so it can reach deep down to the roots. Regular use will ensure the soil re-wets and prevents further dry spots from forming.
Apply as frequently as necessary to treat water repellent soil and improve drought resistance.
Lawn Soaker will help break down the wax like substance that is caused by the decomposition of organic matter, allowing water to penetrate.
Easy to use, clip on hose on attachment will make application easier than ever. No need to measure and mix up concentrates.
Lawn Solutions Lawn Soaker 2L ready-to-use bottle treats up to 150m².
Lawn Kelper Liquid Nutrient Package is a balanced formulation with the added additions of Trace Elements, Seaweed Kelp and Fulvic Acid.
This formulation is designed specifically for turf/lawns to increase turf vigour and stimulate and strengthen roots and shoots. Ideal to use year round to keep your lawn looking dark green and healthy.
Battle Insecticide is a powerful knockdown and residual pesticide that works through direct contact and by residual action as the pest comes into contact with treated surfaces.Battle is a liquid concentrate that contains the active ingredient Bifenthrin, plus a surfactant to help the product adhere on application.
Battle Insecticide can be used as a protective treatment when applied at regular intervals or as a knockdown treatment to control existing pests.
Lawn Solutions Grub Guard Ultimate Turf Insecticide delivers excellent preventative control against a large range of common lawn pests.
Optimal results are achieved when applied early in the season at the appearance of overwintering adult pests.
The long residual performance of Lawn Solutions Grub Guard Ultimate Turf Insecticide will provide up to 6 months of protection at the higher application rates.
Curative control of pest outbreaks later in the season can also be achieved using the higher recommended application rates.
ColourGuard PLUS is a liquid fertiliser and a natural grass pigment that instantly restores the colour of your lawn.
Apply this 100% natural grass colourant to keep your lawn looking green year-round.
ColourGuard delivers micron-sized pigment solids into the tiny pores of leaf tissues via water spray. The colour pigments are organic and natural making ColourGuard a safe product for the environment, pets, and people.
Once it’s dried, it’s locked in. ColourGuard won’t bleed, run, or stain once absorbed.
Easy to use, works on all lawns, in extreme heat, rain, cold and frost. Plus, ColourGuard reduces the amount of fertiliser and water your lawn requires.
ColourGuard 2L ready-to-use bottle covers up to 150m2.
Turf Talk is suitable for all turf professionals, from turf growers to landscapers, golf courses and sports ground curators, to government and related industry organisations.
Turf Talk is here to share with you the latest information on the turf industry, the exciting developments in turf research and to keep you up to date with everything you need to know about turf.
For any enquiries, submissions or to subscribe to either our digital edition or mailing list to receive a hard copy, please contact us at the following:
Lawn Solutions Grub Guard Ultimate Powered by Acelepryn
Are you losing the battle with lawn pests?
Are you looking for a grub-prevention solution for your lawn? Grub Guard Ultimate is an Acelepryn Powered Insecticide that offers up to 6 months of protection saving your lawn from damage-causing insects.
Lawn Solutions Grub Guard Ultimate Turf Insecticide delivers excellent preventative control against a large range of common lawn pests. Optimal results are achieved when applied early in the season at the appearance of overwintering adult pests.
The long residual performance of Lawn Solutions Grub Guard Ultimate Turf Insecticide will provide up to 6 months of protection at the higher application rates. Curative control of pest outbreaks later in the season can also be achieved using the higher recommended application rates.
Grub Guard Ultimate Application
Lawn Solutions Grub Guard Ultimate Turf Insecticide is a ready-to-use spreadable insecticide granule. Measure the lawn area before application to determine size then weight amount of granules to apply over the area. Evenly spread granules over the lawn either by spreader or hand application.
Spreader application: The use of a garden spreader or professional spreader that can be calibrated for even output is recommended for optimal product performance. Use a drop type, rotary type or handheld spreader.
DO NOT apply when the soil is saturated with water as adequate distribution of the product into the soil will not be achieved.
Rate:
75 – 150 g per 10 m2 or 750 g – 1.5 kg per 100 m2
Apply the higher rate for:
up to 6 months residual protection
cases of high pest pressure
late in season when mature grubs are present for African Black Beetle (typically mid-December onwards)
Whenever you are using chemicals such as Grub Guard Ultimate, it is always important that you follow the safety directions provided on the product and wear the recommended protective clothing. So make sure you take some time to read the instructions in full before opening the product for application.
Battle Insecticide is an insecticide and termiticide supplied in a liquid concentrate that contains the active ingredient Bifenthrin. It is a powerful knockdown and residual pesticide that works through direct contact with the spray and by residual action as the pest comes into contact with treated surfaces.
Battle Insecticide can be used as a protective treatment when applied at regular intervals or as a knockdown treatment to control existing pests.
Battle Insecticide is required to be diluted in water prior to use, at the specific application rate on the label recommended for the pest being treated.
Application of Battle Insecticide should be made with a sprayer calibrated to deliver a fine and even spray to ensure thorough coverage.
Equipment can include a variety of application techniques, such as power sprayers, hand-held pump sprayers or backpack sprayers, which are operated to produce large droplets to minimise spray drift. Do not apply Battle as a fog or mist.
Best results are obtained when the product is applied before pest populations build up to damaging levels. If there is a high level of pest pressure, there is a higher application rate recommended on the label that you should follow.
Battle Insecticide also contains a surfactant helping the product to adhere on application.
If you notice continued pest activity, follow-up applications may be required. Reapplying is also recommended for some pests like Black Beetle larvae or lawn grubs, for example, to ensure you are targeting them again once they have transitioned to the next stage of their lifecycle.
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phOkkfhVLdA” title=”Battle Insecticide and Termiticide”]
Safety Directions and Protective Personal Equipment (PPE)
Whenever you are using chemicals such as Battle Insecticide, it is always important that you follow the safety directions provided on the product and wear the recommended protective clothing. So make sure you take some time to read the instructions in full before opening the product for application.