Lawns
Preparation
- Good soil preparation is the key to achieving a good lawn
- Spray out all weeds with a glyphosate weed killer such as Roundup
- Allow 10-14 days for weeds to die and brown off
- Soil should be dug to a depth of 15cm - break up large clods and remove all stones and debris
- Create a new, level surface with Tui Lawn Preparation Mix to a depth of 2-3cm
- f soil is clay or very heavy, apply Gypsum Claybreaker and work in some sandy soil
- In very wet conditions, artificial drainage may be necessary
- If soil is sandy and free draining, add compost, peat to improve its water holding ability
- Rake and level, filling in hollows and removing high spots
- Slope lawn away from house and other buildings
- Tread and rake the area several times to consolidate and stop further sinking
Fertilising
- Apply a slow release fertiliser such as Scott’s Lawn Builder
- Once grass is established, feed with Tui Lawn Fertiliser every spring and autumn
- Never fertilise in dry conditions
Sowing Seeds
- Sow in calm weather
- Sow in early morning
- Mixing seed with some sand helps even spread
- Sow seeds in two directions, walking backwards across lawn, North -South, East - West
- Ensure even coverage - avoid dumping seed in patches
- Sow at 30gm/m²
- Keep surface moist with light watering until seeds germinate, ie. at least daily
- As seed grows water more heavily but less frequently, i.e. every 2 days
Mowing
- Mow frequently for best results
- Avoid cutting too low or ‘scalping’
- Cutting height between 2.5 -4cm is ideal
Pests & Diseases
The worst enemies of good lawn are Porina and Grass Grub, and the invasion of broadleaf weeds
Porina Caterpillar
- Feed on grass
- Chew grass off to ground level
- Do not eat roots
- Caterpillar is grey colour with dark head
- Appear Feb - April
Grass Grub
- Feed on roots
- Yellow patches and stunted lawn growth
- Adult beetles feed on foliage in garden in November
- Grub appears autumn, early winter
Pest & Disease Control
- Porina
- Apply Kiwicare LawnPro Lawnguard in autumn
- Grass Grub
- Apply Kiwicare LawnPro Lawnguard in spring and autumn
- Broadleaf weeds
- Apply Yates Turfix in spring and autumn
- Onehunga weed
- Apply Yates Prickle Weed Killer in spring