Turf Talk digital-DEC-2024

BY LAWN SOLUTIONS AUSTRALIA | DEC 2024

DR. CHANDRA CHARLIE ALBONE JASON HODGES

KLEIM

Welcome to Turf Talk

Australia’s most comprehensive turf magazine. 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.

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AERIAL VIEW OF THE LAMEROO TOWN CENTRE PROJECT

Revitalising Rural Town Centres

LAMEROO TOWN CENTRE PROJECT

It would be hard to drive through Lameroo, South Australia and fail to notice the lush expanses of grass that now contrast the rural, desert-like landscape of the district. Situated in the Mallee 200km East of Adelaide, Lameroo is a small rural township that acts as the service centre to many large and small agricultural businesses and families. It’s also a popular thoroughfare connecting Adelaide to many large eastern towns and cities, making it a must-stop destination for many weary travellers.

As part of Southern Mallee District Council’s Commercial Centres Revitalisation Project,

Lameroo’s town centre now boasts a beautiful, functional space that includes a dog park, pump track, playground and BBQ shelter. A standout feature and something that can’t be missed as you drive through is a 22-metre-long centre-pivot structure that pays homage to the district’s strong agricultural history. To bring the project together and to provide areas of dust-free play space and greenery, over 2,000m2 of instant lawn were installed.

The upgrades were undertaken to create community assets that would boost tourism and the business economy of the area. It

was hoped that the new areas would be heavily utilised not only by the 900 or so residents of Lameroo but also by tourists in the area and travellers passing through.

To keep up with the regular and hopefully plentiful use, a hardy turf variety would be required, one that was self-repairing and versatile enough for the different recreational areas. The lawn had to be suitable for the full sun area which would endure hot, dry summers and frosty, cold winters that are typical of Lameroo’s climate. It also had to be an economical performer, as the project was funded by the Southern Mallee District Council mostly through

grant funding. After initial consultations with the team at The Turf Farm in Pinnaroo, Eureka Kikuyu was chosen for the project. This variety already featured across other council-maintained areas of the town and was, therefore, a familiar variety that would be well-suited to the high-traffic area around the play space.

Landscaping was completed by LCS Landscapes, a South Australian commercial landscaping business in consultation with the Southern Mallee District Council and the community of Lameroo. Working together with The Turf Farm, over 2000m2 of Eureka

Kikuyu was delivered and installed with the final roll being laid in August last year. The lawn was established quickly and has already been enjoyed by thousands of visitors to the area. The lawn has complimented and enhanced a previously dusty and dry area, providing useable spaces and much-needed greenery.

The project has been completed in perfect time for Lameroo to join the Australian Silo Art Trail with a stunning new mural by world-renowned artist Sam ‘Smug’ Bates. This fantastic community-lead artwork has already had a huge impact on the

community and has provided another compelling reason for travellers to stop by and enjoy the lawn and revitalised space.

‘We love working in and around our district, providing lawn to help beautify the Southern Mallee. It’s always a pleasure to drive through Lameroo, watching the community and visitors experience the joy of lawns and green spaces. There is nothing quite like sharing your passion with your community and seeing your hard work being appreciated! We’re excited to be a part of many more projects just like this one.’ – The Turf Farm

SHADED PLAYGROUND AND BBQ AREA

PUMP TRACK

ART BY SAM 'SMUG' BATES FOR THE SILO ART TRAIL

TAFE NSW apprentice driving through the ranks at prestigious golf course

NSW GOLF CLUB - ZARA SHANKS

A TAFE NSW sports turf management apprentice is achieving career success only 18 months into her studies, landing a management role at a prestigious Australian golf course.

Zara Shanks is a second year Certificate III Sports Turf Management apprentice who has just been promoted to a section leader position at the prestigious NSW Golf Club in La Perouse in Sydney.

Ms Shanks’ entry into the sports turf management industry came after a change in career direction.

“I grew up on our family farm in Dubbo and I always wanted to have a career where I could work outdoors,” Ms Shanks said.

“To follow this dream, I initially started a horticulture apprenticeship at TAFE NSW, but during COVID I had to withdraw and return to our family farm. It was then, when I was deciding what else to do, that I contacted the NSW Golf Club and did two weeks’ work experience as a greenskeeper.

“I absolutely loved it and knew instantly I wanted to follow this career path. I started

an apprenticeship at the club and enrolled in TAFE NSW’s Certificate III in Sports Turf Management so I could become qualified and further develop the skills I was starting to use on the job.

“The NSW Golf Club is rated as one of the top 100 courses in the world, so I’m really proud to work there and to have just been promoted into a leadership position.”

Only 2% of greenkeepers are women, but Ms Shanks said she hopes more will join the industry.

“Studying at TAFE NSW built my knowledge and practical skills, which gave me more confidence to succeed in the job I love,” she said.

“Working as a greenskeeper brings with it a great lifestyle where you can be outdoors and using the skills you’ve developed to help create a memorable and high-quality experience for our club members.

“As one of the few women in the industry, I’ve been well supported throughout my career. While there can be challenges, I encourage

any other women interested in a sports turf management career to give it a go and enrol in the TAFE NSW course.”

TAFE NSW Sports Turf Management Head Teacher, Ian Clarke, said the course provides students with the practical skills they need to succeed in a competitive industry.

“TAFE NSW has a proud history of supplying a pipeline of workers into the sports turf management industry,” Mr Clarke said.

“It’s pleasing to see Zara succeeding in the

industry, and it highlights how this career path is for anyone, men and women alike.”

“Through the Certificate III in Sports Turf Management, we ensure our students are equipped with the real-world experience and knowledge they need to get the job they want - whether that be at a local golf course or at elite courses like the NSW Golf Club.”

MS. ZARA SHANKS

OCEAN VIEWS AT THE NSW GOLF CLUB

The UK’s Most Iconic Sports Turf Surfaces

We marvel at the expertise demonstrated in delivering pristine turf surfaces, but we don’t often get an opportunity to see behind the scenes. Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) in collaboration with Tillers Turf in the UK earlier this year embarked on an unforgettable study tour of some of the world’s most impressive sports turf surfaces, including Wimbledon, Lords Cricket Ground and Twickenham Rugby Stadium.

The turf managers of these facilities achieve incredible outcomes, often under high pressure and quite difficult conditions. In this article, we share some of the challenges faced and how they overcome them to produce world-standard sports turf surfaces.

WIMBLEDON

First, we delve into the hallowed grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC)

hosted by Head of Courts and Horticulture Neil Stubley and his team. Two weeks out from the start of the Grand Slam Tournament, the entire facility will be an absolute buzz of activity in preparation for the event.

There is a strong sense of tradition in all aspects of the preparation, with the turf surfaces maintained to an astonishingly high calibre. All the courts to this day are still

marked out manually using string lines. The grass surfaces are made up of a combination of four different strains of ryegrass. The strains are reviewed and changed every single year in collaboration with the team at the Sport Turf Research Institute (STRI) to ensure the courts can perform at the highest standards possible. All courts are handmown using DeWalt Cylinder Mowers at a cut height of 8mm for Championship play.

Membership at the AELTC is notoriously exclusive, Neil Stubley informed attendees that the easiest way to become a member is to win The Wimbledon Championship. Even as a champion player like Rafael Nadal, if the practice courts are booked by AELTC Members, you must wait your turn to play, as all members are required to reserve their practice court times. Maintaining control over the use of all turf

surfaces is critical to delivering grass courts of the highest standard in world tennis.

LORDS CRICKET GROUND

Karl McDermott is the Head Groundsman at Lords Cricket Ground, the home of cricket.

For fans of cricket, this is an exciting place where a lot goes into preparing the turf surface, the pitches in particular, for big events like the Ashes.

The outfield was recently scarified but even in the process of recovery, it is always in world-class condition. The outfield grass is mowed with a 36” Dennis Mower with a steering seat. Lords has a mix of machines set at different heights for the main pitch and for the Nursery Ground. Wickets are mown down to 2mm for matches, with 17 different pitches for the curators to maintain. Contrary to popular belief, pitches are not prepared to favour the home team.

If you have the honour of walking across the field, you can’t help but notice the slope. Often referenced during match broadcasts, it’s said that you never truly get an understanding of how considerable this slope is until you witness it firsthand. The slope runs from the north end of the ground to the south end with a drop of two and a half metres.

TWICKENHAM RUGBY STADIUM

From the home of cricket to the home of English Rugby - Twickenham Rugby Stadium. Twickenham is managed by Head of Grounds and Technical Operations Jim Buttar and Deputy Head Groundsman Ian Ayling. Both Jim and Ian are very open with sharing their full turf management programs and appreciate the interest that their turf surface provides for those who are specialists in the turf production and maintenance industries. The field is predominantly fertilised with liquid fertilisers and biostimulant/humic products, including Micro Grow, SuperFifty Prime, and LamVita by BioAtlantis as examples.

The turf at Twickenham is immaculately kept, with preparation completed earlier this year for the domestic English Rugby

Competition, Gallagher Premiership Rugby between Bath and Northampton. The big goal for Jim and his team is to continue to seek efficient and sustainable practices while utilising their resources as best they can, without compromising on quality or the standards they set for themselves.

Something uniquely English when it comes to both Wimbledon and again at Twickenham was that for turf managers at both facilities, surprisingly damage from foxes was a challenge experienced. Urine burns were something that had to be prevented and repaired after these overnight visitors snuck their way into the facilities.

But the biggest challenge they experienced at Twickenham was the lack of sunlight and warmth for growth. It’s a big stadium and

WIMBLEDON - COURT #2

LORDS CRICKET GROUND - NURSERY END

LORDS CRICKET GROUND

- HEAD OF GROUNDS AND TECHNICAL OPERATIONS MR. JIM BUTTAR AND DEPUTY HEAD GROUNDSMAN MR. IAN AYLING

it’s not ideal for growing grass. To combat this, the team utilises artificial grow lights and when required undersoil heating which helps to prevent the pitch from freezing or to assist in seed germination. Additionally, the size and weather conditions at certain times of year present a challenge with wind exposure. This makes determining the best time to carry out spray schedules pertinent for the required feed applications.

With a rugby field in particular, getting these maintenance practices correct is pertinent in achieving optimum recovery between events. If there is a scrum or a maul repeatedly on the same part of the field, it can take many weeks for the field to fully recover.

MANCHESTER

MANCHESTER UNITED

A tour of England’s most iconic sporting surfaces wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the home of the Red Devils, Manchester United Football Club and Old Trafford. Head Groundsman Tony Sinclair resides over the playing surface for one of the world's most famous and successful sporting organisations. The hybrid pitch was resurfaced earlier this year by the team at Fineturf operated by owner Simon Hutton. Fineturf is a turf construction, installation and maintenance division which has contracts with several English Premier League Clubs, and Lords, among many other leading sporting facilities.

The hybrid pitch at Old Trafford is made up of three per cent stitching and 97 per cent natural grass. The stitching goes 20 centimetres deep and 15 millimetres above the surface. Similar to other stadiums, Old Trafford has an issue with the amount of sunlight the pitch receives during winter in particular. The same artificial growth lights used at Twickenham are utilised at Old Trafford, helping to create a microclimate within the stadium throughout winter. Once the English Premier League Season has ended, over the summer break the training surfaces are renovated before training resumes in July. The stadium pitch is then renovated in preparation for the first match in August.

TWICKENHAM RUGBY STADIUM

TWICKENHAM RUGBY STADIUM

MANCHESTER UNITED - OLD TRAFFORD

UNITED - HEAD GROUNDSMAN TONY SINCLAIR

Lawn Solutions Australia Announces Newly Developed Buffalo Turf Variety

TURF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) is strongly committed to the development of superior varieties of turf for the Australian landscape. Our Research and Development program now includes over 30,000 different cultivars of turf that we are constantly evaluating in the hope of finding a new variety that has a list of benefits for Australian consumers.

Together with our international turf breeding partners, we monitor new varieties for environmental benefits, water use, shade tolerance, drought tolerance, growing

speeds and other aesthetic, environmental and practical factors. We continue to work closely with our exclusive international breeding partners The University of Georgia, BladeRunner Farms and Texas A&M University to make all this possible.

LSA has been working with Dr Ambika Chandra from Texas A&M University on a new buffalo for the Australian market for many years. New turf varieties are not shelf-stock items and take many years of research, data collection, morphological testing and

comparable trials in the US and Australia before, and if, they are released to the market.

Important criteria for a new buffalo turf variety included winter colour, shade tolerance, improved drought tolerance and temperature variation from -7 to 45 degrees. These factors are all considered when assessing and observing whether a new cultivar is going to exceed what is currently already available to the Australian market. In most cases however, they fail to deliver significant results and are removed from further testing.

TRIAL PLOTS 1/12/2022 (PLANTING DAY)

TRIAL PLOTS 15/2/2023

TRIAL PLOTS 28/3/2023

Buffalo Grass Import

On Monday the 23rd of May 2022, 18 buffalo grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) cultivars arrived in Australia. It took a lengthy 12-month process of initial discussions, protocols, sourcing permits and planning before the cultivars could make their journey, but the precious cargo finally landed in good health.

These cultivars bred out of the world’s leading Texas A&M University Turfgrass Program are the best of the best in newly developed

buffalo grasses. This was an incredible milestone achievement for LSA which is exclusively partnered with the world’s best to bring these new grasses to Australia.

These outstanding grasses were then assessed in Post Entry Quarantine in Melbourne for the next 12 months. Once cleared, these buffalo grass cultivars were given to LSA for evaluation trials. This has been a massive investment for LSA and one that aimed to secure the pipeline for the ‘next big thing’ in buffalo grasses for Australia’s future.

These grasses have been assessed throughout Australia in various climates and conditions over the last two and a half years. Data was recorded throughout these trials, with current buffalo grasses in the market also included for comparison.

During trials and assessments, the buffalo grasses were narrowed, with factors like density, harvestability, colour, disease susceptibility and seedhead production used to find the best performers.

While cultivar performance varied across different sites, one consistently outperformed the rest, excelling in all key areas. It proved to be the best-performing cultivar during winter in some very cold and harsh environments, which is a crucial factor for many turf producers. Remarkably, this same cultivar remained unaffected by disease during the humid summer, whereas most other buffalo cultivars were impacted. Additionally, it boasted an impressive appearance and excellent harvest quality.

After 6 years of trials both here and in the US, LSA is pleased to announce we have selected a new buffalo grass

for release to the Australian marketintroducing Stampede Hybrid Buffalo.

The next step in releasing Stampede to the market has involved stock expansion. When a new variety enters Australia through quarantine, we receive only a few runners of plant material to expand from for testing.

This year, LSA has set up propagation facilities for planting stock to be available to LSA foundation farms to expand and make Stampede available for each member for planting. All the grass material supplied to LSA Members throughout this process has been expanded from these few pieces of trial stock that came through quarantine in 2022.

LSA engaged the services of the Australian Genetic Assurance Program (AusGAP) to monitor and enact protocols to ensure the purity of this selected variety every step of the way. As you can imagine, the process of creating a supply of a new variety of grass is slow and tedious, but it is pertinent to ensure the purity of the grass so that it performs as it has throughout trials.

Supply of this exciting new buffalo grass, Stampede Hybrid Buffalo is anticipated to be achieved for release to consumers in many areas throughout Australia towards the end of 2025.

FLAG PLACEMENT FOR BEST OVERALL 04/07/2023

BUFFALO VARIETIES IN THE GREEN HOUSE

Inside Troon Golf

PROFESSIONAL GOLF CLUB MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Business Overview

Troon Golf started as one facility in 1990 and has since grown to become the world’s largest professional club management company. Troon provides services to 900+ golf locations in over 30+ countries, while also managing various amenities, such as tennis, aquatics, fitness, food & beverage, lodging and more.

Interview with - David Lunardelli Director of Agronomy & Operations Troon Golf Australia, Asia & Pacific

What does Troon and more specifically Troon Agronomy do?

At Troon, we recognise that the complexities and cost of running a golf facility have never been greater.

In today’s golf market facilities need to take a fresh approach to their business

model to remain competitive and increase yield without forgoing quality and service. For Troon to continue to grow we have endeavoured to continually pioneer change in the industry.

Innovation and commitment to quality have now seen many facilities grow as a “Value for Money” approach has been implemented. Corners have not been cut, considered investment through planned phasing has allowed for effective cash flow management ultimately reaping rewards for having a solid, sound foundation.

It’s amazing how often the one-percenters or operational reviews are overlooked. Small improvements to golf course maintenance may not seem game changers, but many such changes equal a steep change forward.

Troon’s targeted programs based on our experience both internationally and in

Australia help our clients find the marginal gains in maintenance improvements and savings that keep facilities from stagnating and abreast of the nearest competition.

Savings are maximised in payroll, agronomic techniques, equipment purchasing and material procurement through exclusive vendor agreements and energy efficiencies through electricity, fuel and water reductions.

Typically, savings from our global vendor agreements alone place our engagement as a cost-neutral proposition, add to this ongoing training and fantastic career opportunities, working with Troon ticks all the boxes!

How is Troon flexible in what they offer clubs?

Firstly, I must state that Troon is not a contractor, we work independently of any governing bodies or trade suppliers alongside the existing team offering direction

and ongoing support while the club retains 100% control. This allows us to be fully engaged on a daily basis always working towards achieving the club’s goals as a team.

Our corporate executives are all exsuperintendents meaning that their expertise expands beyond just agronomic advice and includes all facets of golf maintenance operations.

As we expand our agronomy services, we want people to understand our flexible management model to assist clubs with an agronomy only package. It is more about building an offering that works for the facility to help them achieve their goals in an agreed upon timeframe be it long-term or a one-time-only engagement.

Why would courses choose an ‘Agronomy Only’ package?

Golf courses are a major business investment with maintenance making up most operational costs; the priority for clubs should be to achieve long-term financial sustainability and success.

Numerous factors contribute to that goal, including golfer retention, competitive prices and appealing amenities, all while lowering costs when possible. This is where professional advice and assistance can be the difference between being successful or struggling in these tough economic times.

We often see clubs with no real long-term plan or the resources to self-audit, mentor and grow their maintenance team. Troon provide the support especially for the superintendent who has all the site knowledge but not necessarily the ability to complete and sell the plan. This support is ongoing daily, weekly or monthly dependent on the team’s needs.

Understanding ‘What is good for Agronomy is not always good for Business’ is also a key initiative. Golf maintenance is a balancing act between incoming revenue vs. maintenance costs and the key for the club and superintendent is to understand the following;

• Set your standard – Do we really need to be Augusta?

• Understand cost centers and spending and adjust to suit

• Knowing your numbers – Budget compliance and reporting

• Opportunity Cost – Do we really need to spend that?

• Vendor Agreements – Bulk buying & dynamic pricing

• Sales Reps – They aren’t necessarily your friends

The agronomy only solution is great for facilities who want to improve their golf course

by taking advantage of Troon’s agronomy expertise; not only for maintenance, renovation and construction but also for access to all Troon proprietary standards manuals, auditing tools and templates, staff recruiting and buying advantages.

With over 900 managed golf clubs around the world, we have built great relationships with the major manufacturers and can offer clubs thousands of dollars in savings through our bulk buying power. This buying power alone would typically far exceed any Troon service fee.

Working with Troon could also be an ‘insurance policy’ to protect an owner’s assets. Through tried and tested techniques and regular compliance auditing, we are committed to helping owners ensure the adherence to regulatory compliance and longevity of their golf course.

Lastly, there is a perception that Troon is only a high-end operator and that any involvement in Troon is going to be costly or require huge financial investment for course improvements - which is far from the truth. Our programs are retrofitted to suit each property and their financial situation.

What are some examples of how Troon Agronomy has grown and benefited properties in Australia?

In the past 18 months alone, several new clubs have collaborated with Troon including Links Hope Island, The Brisbane and Ballina Golf Clubs during a change in their leadership teams along with Noosa Springs Resort. Collectively, these three properties have saved over 200k in equipment purchases already utilizing the Troon Vendor Program while also improving course conditions with the implementation of the agronomic programs.

Many clubs are also embarking on course renovation projects, through Troon’s extensive construction and development experience, we can offer recommendations on the selection of architects, construction methodology and delivery of projects in a cost-effective manner.

Clubs have also had the added benefit of access to Troon’s talent pool of highly trained superintendents. This is vital at a time when many highly talented superintendents are leaving the industry.

The Brisbane Golf Club recently hired Marcus Hartup after gaining 20 years of experience working on Troon managed properties in the UAE and Asia where he hosted multiple tour events and gained extensive construction and maintenance expertise. Marcus previously was the superintendent at Troon managed Pacific Harbour GCC.

Matt Legge, Brookwater GCC also had international experience in the UAE before returning to successfully lead the team at Brookwater. Matt initially started his career at Brisbane GC.

Additionally, several assistants have been successfully elevated to the position of superintendent under the mentorship of Troon.

The completion of an annual detailed forensic site audit into all aspects of the golf maintenance department has also not only found many opportunities for improvement but has also identified weaknesses consistent across all properties concerning health, safety and environmental compliance that the clubs were not aware of.

Lastly, the number of small gains is too many in number to mention, it’s quite unbelievable though, how the most basic practices are the

ones most often missed even at the perceived, well-managed and resourced clubs.

Collectively completing over 2000 annual site visits per year, our corporate team encounters simple, easily remedied problems consistently overlooked by the senior management teams. Identifying and correcting can often see a sharp increase in course conditioning and the avoidance of huge capital costs for things like replacing greens or bunkers when the solution is quite simple.

Troon Affiliated Properties in Australia include* The Brisbane Golf Club, Brookwater Golf & Country Club, Links Hope Island, Noosa Springs Golf Resort, Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club in QLD and Ballina Golf Club, Mollymook Golf Club

The Grange Golf Club in NSW.

*Multiple properties included in consultancy assignments not included.

“The partnership with Troon paid for itself immediately once the Troon discounts were applied to our 2023 capital equipment orders.

Along with this, the support provided to our superintendent to get our greens back to 100% grass cover and the guidance through the new course masterplan by Parry Design has been key to the recent member confidence and subsequent approval to commence a major course upgrade starting in 2024.”

In summary, Troon make golf maintenance simple, not only for our maintenance team to follow but also for our board to understand what is happening now and well into the future.

Andrew Porter (GM Ballina Golf Club)

The Renovation of Lord’s Iconic Nursery Grounds

LEADING UK SPORTS TURF CONTRACTOR FINETURF

Fineturf is a leading, long-established, UK based sports turf contractor. Fineturf was awarded the contract to reconstruct the Nursery Ground at Lord's, the Home of Cricket, in April 2023. Work began on Monday, 28th September, less than 24 hours after the last over was played at Lord's in 2023.

Fineturf removed approximately 20mm of existing vegetation and then stripped off

all the salvageable topsoil. This refuse was then loaded and removed from the site and taken to a Greenwaste Recycling Facility in Lincolnshire. Due to the existing square, net, and run-ups, the integration of new levels with the existing structure required careful attention to detail. Each segment had to be broken down into individual areas. Fineturf excavated to within 400mm of the new finish ground level around the outfield.

This approach allowed them to merge the new construction with the surrounding environment, maintaining a thoughtful and detailed approach throughout the process.

Fineturf then set out the drain and irrigation lines and cut them into the formation. 100mm lateral drains were then connected to a 150mm main drain. With a fall into a silt chamber, connected to a Permavoid

attenuation cell system to hold back the water, before it was discharged into a nearby sewer. The sewer was connected by the means of a hydro-brake, ensuring a systematic and efficient water management process.

First fix irrigation was installed in communal trenches in conjunction with the drainage system. A 100mm layer of 2-6mm gravel carpet was installed, followed by a 200mm

lower rootzone layer composed of medium sports sand. Finishing with a 100mm layer of 80/20 upper rootzone which was applied over the entire outfield footprint. Each layer was meticulously graded using a tractor with a custom-built mid-mounted laser level, ensuring the seamless integration of all components.

The second fix irrigation was then installed using a selection of Hunter Sprinkler Heads

and a Hunter Controller. They then installed three 20,000-litre underground water storage tanks with submersible pumps. Acco drains were installed around the perimeter of the entire outfield connecting to the new drainage scheme. The careful selection of equipment and installation contributes to the effectiveness and sustainability of the irrigation and drainage systems.

LAYING OF IRRIGATION PIPES

WATER STORAGE TANKS

The upper root zone was carefully prepared for fertilisation and seeding. We applied three pre-seeder fertilisers, ICL Pearl, Headland Multigreen 28.3.15, and Headland Greentech 6.5.18. After that, we applied MM50 amenity grass seed at 70 g/m² using a Gandy drop spreader and dimpled in the seed with a Blec Cultipac. This seeding process enhances the potential for

robust and uniform grass growth, laying the groundwork for a vibrant and resilient playing surface. The barrier fencing would remain in situ until the opening of the outfield. All the “grow in” maintenance would be carried out by Karl McDermott and his team.

Fineturf's reconstruction of Lord's Nursery Ground is a perfect example of their

expertise and precision. Every step of the process, from vegetation removal to advanced drainage solutions, reflects the team's commitment to quality. Their innovative irrigation techniques, lasergraded layers, and eco-friendly practices demonstrate their dedication to excellence which is applauded throughout the sports turf industry in the UK.

SEED APPLIED VIA GANDY DROP SPREADERS

SEED DIMPLED IN VIA BLEC CULTIPAC

TifTuf Gets the ‘Smart Drop’ Tick of Approval

The Smart Approved WaterMark launched in 2004 to certify and promote water-efficient products, has recently been rebranded to Smart Drop Certified. This updated branding aims to enhance consumer awareness and promote a wider range of innovative watersaving products and services.

Smart Drop will position the water efficiency certification program as contemporary, innovative, and forward-thinking

while respecting traditional values of conservation. It aims to be the leading and universally recognised symbol of water efficiency, empowering consumers and businesses to make sustainable choices through certified products and services.

As part of this transition, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, a turfgrass known for its exceptional drought tolerance, has now been Smart Drop Certified. Originally

developed in the United States, TifTuf was the first and only grass in Australia to receive the previous Smart Approved WaterMark due to its proven water-saving benefits. With over 25 years of independent trials demonstrating its superior drought resistance, TifTuf continues to stand out as a leading choice for water-conscious consumers.

The Smart Drop Certified program's success in Australia has long been the envy of TifTuf

growers in the United States (US). Having this truly independent certification program assures reduced water use for consumers and is a way of promoting this significant product benefit in the marketplace. The US has a WaterSense program headed up by the US. Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate select water efficiency products, but the program is government led and excludes plant materials.

Until recently, this meant that TifTuf was unable to be acknowledged in the US in the same capacity as it is in Australia. But thanks to a new partnership between the Chicago-based Alliance for Water Efficiency and The Water Conservancy in Australia, the Smart Drop program has now expanded and can include the US. This exciting development means that TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda has become one of the first products to receive Smart Drop Certification in the US, further solidifying its

reputation as a water-efficient turf option in both Australia and North America.

Smart Drop Certification is an incredibly useful tool for consumers to help them identify the most water-efficient products available. Keep an eye out for the Smart Drop Certified logo as it rolls out across Australia and the US.

For more information, please get in touch with Lawn Solutions Australia.

Crafting Zoysia on the ‘Florida Sandbelt’

BY CARLOS SARTORETTO, GLOBAL TURFGRASS SPECIALIST

My previous position involved running the Research Centre for STRI Australia in Brisbane. I was part of many memorable projects and trials that I hope have had a significant impact on the Australian turf industry.

Being from Brazil, Australia is a long way from my family back home. I enjoyed living and working in Australia, but in 2023 I decided it was time that I moved closer to home and took up an opportunity for a position in Florida in the United States of America. There are now no more 32-hour flights across 13 time zones to visit family and home in Brazil.

A few months after moving in, I met with Jason Straka, Principal Director and Designer of Fry Straka Global Golf Course Design. “Carlos,” he said, “Florida is the epicentre of the world of golf right now and I could use your expertise.” Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Well, I jumped in and joined the Miakka Golf Club (MGC) construction management team. Having been here for a few months now, I would like to share some of my experience with you.

The Miakka Golf Club is placed inland, about 50 km from Sarasota, on the west side of Florida (Gulf of Mexico), in a town

called Myakka City. This is where Steve Herrig decided to call home. A lifelong entrepreneur, Steve Herrig serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of SUNZ Insurance Company, Inc.

Steve bought 5000 acres of land in this cowboy countryside with its’ laid-back lifestyle, extensive prairies of pasture, white oak trees, flood plains, bodies of water perfect for fishing and lots of wildlife, including deers and alligators. His property is adjacent to the beautiful Myakka River. With his “Go big or go home” North American mantra, Steve built a state-of-the-art world-

class equestrian and riding centre with 6 arenas called TerraNova for his daughter Hanna who is a show jumper. Now, he has turned his eyes to one of his passions, Golf.

Steve has dedicated 1,100 acres to create an exceptional golf course, with 550 acres designed as a playable surface. The design features generous fairways without rough that will run hard and fast. The club will include an 18-hole championship golf course co-designed by Fry/Straka Global Golf Design and PGA TOUR Player Paul Azinger. The Club will not have any homes on the golf course, but it is located down the road from

The Estates at TerraNova and the TerraNova Equestrian Centre. Jason Straka and Dana Fry visit the site weekly and actively guide the shapers to the limits of the design plans. Steve and Paul often join the design tours.

The area had been explored for agriculture and cattle raising in degraded pastures of non-native paspalum notatum for over 100 years. This presents the perfect scenario for Steve, Paul, Jason and Dana who see the possibility of reestablishing the local natural habitat whilst improving the environment and creating great golf (maybe some great fishing too). Guided by the words: “Nothing

like this was done in America before” they want to build Australian sand belt style bunkers like Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath have. To accomplish this, they are utilising LockSand fibre to reinforce the up to 3 ft vertical edges – which is a must, given the amount of rainfall in Florida.

The selection of the zoysia turfgrasses for the project was not a traditional choice for a North American golf course. Not for greens, at least - not yet. Jason Straka was intrigued by it when he visited David Doguet’s Bladerunner turf farm outside of San Antonio, Texas. Jason toured many of the experimental turf plots with

David, gaining in-depth knowledge of the new, more sustainable varieties of zoysiagrass. A subsequent visit was made to Texas to visit courses such as Bluejacket National, Vaquero Golf Club and more, alongside representatives of Miakka Golf Club. Arrangements were then made for different varieties of Bladerunner’s zoysia to be planted in test plots back in Florida at Miakka.

Paul Azinger, a personal friend of Steve’s, has been involved with this project since the beginning. “We wanted something different, something new,” he said. “We were sold on the Stadium Zoysia™ for the fairways, but we needed to figure out what to put on the greens.” The test plots had 5 different

grasses. Four different Zoysias side by side on a green scenario. Lazer, Trinity, Prizm and Stadium. A TifEagle green was later added at the back as a control, for dormancy and spring green-up assessments. It had no chance, the wet, cloudy winter favoured the Zoysias. Paul visited the test site weekly to look at it, feel it, and touch it. In addition, assessments of greens speed (Stimpmeter), firmness (using Fieldscout Trufirm meter) and moisture (TDR) were collected weekly. Visual assessments for leaf stress and at surface level were also conducted.

Brock Alexander, the superintendent of MGC, who has been maintaining the test plots, revealed some information. The

grasses were brought in during March 2023. The height of cut is 3.8 mm and 3.55 mm. “We maintain it mainly with foliar fertiliser applications, given Zoysia has a lower requirement for nutrients,” says Brock. Throughout the planning stages, Steve has emphasised the commitment of the project having minimal environmental impact. Due to the proximity to the Myakka River, they do not want to have any nutrients leaching away. This approach pleases Florida’s Southwest Water Management District and its Department of Environmental Protection.

Brock works closely with Terry Kennelly, Director of Agronomy for MGC, who is conscious that they will be writing the

The Club:

Golf holes:

Exclusive, invitational by the owner

18 holes on the championship course, 12 on the par 3

Par: 72 and 7700 yards approximately

Bunkers: 82, not including the waste bunkers

Greens: Variable depth

Size and depth of the Irrigation Lake: 48 acres, 11 metres deep

Total earth movement estimative: 3,100,000 m3

Pick levels of fill: +/- 17 meters above normal ground.

Grass type: Lazer (greens) & Stadium Zoysia (fairways)

Features:

• Australian sand belt green bunker style

• No roughs, generous fairways

• Wetlands and waste bunkers with native vegetation

• Cracker cattle pond

• Live oak trees with Spanish Moss

book on Zoysias for greens in Florida. They envision mowing only 2 to 4 times per week and using plant growth regulator at variable rates depending on clippings yield.

The fairways will have a sand cap of 6” mixed with amendment to further improve drainage, and water and nutrient holding capacity. Granular fertiliser will be kept to a minimum which Brock estimates to be around 83kgs of Nitrogen per hectare/year. For the fairways, the Stadium Zoysia TM will be cut at 8.3 and 8.9 mm, highlighting its dark green colour and fine leaf texture.

Under this environment, Lazer Zoysia grass stood out in the results of the trials.

According to Texas A&M AgriLife Research professor and turfgrass breeding program lead Ambika Chandra, Ph.D. “This variety marks a very big stride in the viability of zoysia grasses for this application.” Lazer Zoysia grass is a first-generation hybrid developed by crossing the species zoysia minima x zoysia matrella. The result is an “ultradwarf” turfgrass well-suited for golf course putting greens in a wide range of environments across the U.S., including the difficult transition zone in the central part of the country. It is the first viable alternative to TifEagle. Zoysia minima is originally from New Zealand, whilst Zoysia matrella is famously from South East Asia.

Steve was so pleased with Stadium and Lazer that he built a 1600-acre turf farm right in front of the golf course, 150 acres with the same rootzone material as the golf course. The goal is to turf the fairways and sprig the greens, whilst also serving the Florida turf market for these two cultivars. Paul and Steve can be seen now and then hitting golf balls at the turf farm. “I love putting at the green surface they built on the back,” says Paul. All going according to plan, the course is due for opening on the last trimester of 2025.

MIAKKA GOLF CLUB (MGC) CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT TEAM

A New Golf Frontier on the Southern Ocean

THE CLIFFS KANGAROO ISLAND

Set to open in 2025, this world-class course by Darius Oliver offers a stunning golf experience atop ancient cliffs on Kangaroo Island.

A world-class golf experience is coming to South Australia. The Cliffs Kangaroo Island (KI), designed by renowned Golf Course Architect Darius Oliver and The Cliffs KI Managing Director Sam Atkins, will soon be a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. The first rounds are expected to be played in October 2025.

Created in collaboration with the team behind Cape Wickham Golf Links, The Cliffs KI features wide, sweeping fairways that follow the dramatic contours of ancient cliffs. The course boasts cutting-edge facilities, including a Clubhouse, Restaurant, High-End Retail Store, and Eco Pod Accommodation.

The Cliffs Kangaroo Island is situated on a 600acre site of sand and rock, atop 30 millionyear-old cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean. Located on Australia’s third-largest island, which is accessible only by ferry or plane, Kangaroo Island is renowned for its natural beauty and local wildlife.

Conversations first began in May 2022 when Martin Greenwood, Communication Manager for Programmed Turnpoint and Golf Course Builder at The Cliffs KI, reached out to Andrew Rowett at Sunnyside Instant Lawn. With a focus on water conservation and creating a world-class playing surface, Greenwood wanted to learn about the science behind TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. The Cliffs KI team and Programmed Turnpoint collaborated closely with Sunnyside Instant Lawn to develop effective solutions for turf establishment and maintaining turf quality.

Golfers will encounter a unique mix of challenges, including elevated cliffs, sea breezes, sand dunes, and high temperatures, making it a distinctive environment for turf growth. The Cliffs KI team, led by Managing Director Sam Atkins, planned the project with extensive research, placing a strong emphasis on the turf. Key discussions with Sunnyside Instant Lawn arose primarily due to challenges related to water supply, as the course will be irrigated with desalinated water from a newly constructed dam.

A meeting with the University of Georgia’s Dr Brian Schwartz, the turf breeder behind the release of TifTuf, was arranged at Sunnyside Instant Lawn with The Cliffs KI team. Dr Schwartz worked through the science and supporting trials behind TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, providing key data and a thorough understanding of the

most researched grass in the world. They were able to discuss water usage with Dr Schwartz, who provided detailed insights into TifTuf’s proven water-saving research.

This information demonstrated that water usage could be reduced by 38% compared to initial suggestions to install other Bermuda grasses. The Cliffs KI could now reduce water volumes and, in turn, reduce overall expenses.

TifTuf research extended further with a group visit to inspect the TifTuf at Sunnyside Instant Lawn. "How can you assure us genetic purity?" was a question raised on-site, which highlighted the AusGAP Program and offered confidence in turf purity. To see this firsthand, TifTuf trials were established on-site. Two areas of focus were the 1st tee and the 18th hole, where turf was fenced off from kangaroos. Freshly

harvested TifTuf slabs were raked into the sand and exposed to harsh conditions. Each trial was laid directly on top of the sand profile and watered for four weeks until the roots connected. After this period, the trials remained untouched, enduring sun, strong winds, salt spray, and sand drift, with no watering and only minimal rain over the hot summer period.

When asked about the results, Martin said areas exposed on the sand dunes were a “good golf surface” and “I could put a mower over that and play on it”. He was astounded by one area protected from wind, which had “great results, unbelievable in fact”. Trials over the six months leading up to a proposal showed TifTuf’s ability to survive in summer with only small amounts of rainwater on virgin sandy dunes. Despite being exposed to minimal rainfall, TifTuf thrived — something

that Sunnyside Instant Lawn’s Andrew Rowett monitored closely with Martin Greenwood and The Cliffs KI team.

The results proved that TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda would perform on a sand profile, with the ability to survive in a long dry climate, handle winter cold conditions, and offer a fast spring green-up. “An unbelievable outcome,” and a great fit for this golf course location. Turfing at The Cliffs Kangaroo Island is set to begin in late 2024 and will extend over 12 months, involving both sprig planting and solid turfing. Solid turfing will primarily focus on erosion-prone areas, bunker faces, and surrounds. As South Australia's top tourist destination, Kangaroo Island will soon offer golf enthusiasts and visitors a world-class experience on Australia’s first full 18-hole TifTuf golf course.

TIFTUF TRIAL PLACED ON THE FIRST TEE

SAND PLUG FROM TRIAL

TifTuf Turf Southeast

BY HILLARY THOMPSON, HORTICULTURIST AND COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, SUPER-SOD

American sod farmers aren’t naturally forthcoming with information. Yes, we share and support each other . . . to a point. There’s an invisible line that is not defined yet is never crossed. Cutting-edge farmers protect their “secret sauce.” In the land of slow-cooked, pulled pork BBQ, this is how you get an edge over the competition.

That is why I heard static in April of 2016 when Ben Copeland Jr., CEO of Super-Sod, asked me to meet with North Georgia Turf and Buy Sod (now SodStar) to work together to spread the word about TifTuf Bermuda’s drought tolerance and water savings. Ben is truly our fearless leader, and he patiently listened to me bellyache about why this was a bad idea (our secret marketing sauces would be revealed!). He then told a far-fetched tale about Lawn Solutions Australia. My mind was changed when Ben explained how working together as a group would make more of a splash for TifTuf than going for it alone. He wanted to

band together with competitors to put weight behind the water savings consumers will experience due to TifTuf’s drought tolerance. After cyber stalking Lawn Solutions, I was impressed by the collaboration and primed to go for it on our turf.

In group meetings, we mobilised the website tiftufbermuda.com, filmed some videos, created a trade show booth, secured magazine ads, and printed flyers highlighting TifTuf’s drought tolerance case studies. We ordered TifTuf shirts and business cards without our individual sod farm logos on them (these last two items were a bit of a stretch for the outside sales team to accept – but they did!). Our first collective trade show was booked for that November and we headed to South Carolina for a show organised for golf course superintendents.

At the first trade shows, the sales reps from our three sod farms eyed each other

suspiciously and stayed 6 feet away from each other, like they were contagious. After several awkward shows, we had each other’s mobile numbers keyed into our cell phones. This exchange of numbers was the first step in becoming true associates and a sign we were easing into this.

Over the last eight years, we have attended targeted tradeshows to reach all points where TifTuf would be considered - from home builders, apartment builders, green builders, sports field managers, facility managers, landscapers, to landscape architects. We no longer run magazine ads, but we are getting together for choice shows, like the recent show in July 2024 geared to water management professionals in Georgia.

None of these endeavors would have been possible if key stakeholders had not given their energetic support to this untraditional alliance. (As an aside, I have yet to hear of any other group forming to

market other American plant material.) Because Ben recognised the importance of the Lawn Solutions Australia model of collaborating for the good of everyone, TifTuf Turf Southeast was able to form a unique union and reach customers. Ben, plus the leadership at North Georgia Turf and SodStar gave their monetary support, staff, and personal time to the equation. Finally, none of this would have happened if almost 25 years ago Dr. Bryan Schwartz had not recognized the significant drought tolerance of TifTuf Bermuda. Not only did he single out TifTuf, Bryan also attends key tradeshows as a pro bono speaker, then hangs out in the TifTuf show booth to answer questions. Due to the weight of scientific support, his talks telling the story of turfgrass development and showcasing the research on TifTuf’s drought tolerance cause an excited stir in the audience.

Speaking to the success of TifTuf for SuperSod alone, TifTuf now accounts for 47% of our turf sales. Out of our six turfgrasses, one grass carrying nearly half of the sales is noteworthy, especially when that metric was reached in only eight years.

We are focusing on growing TifTuf as our only Bermuda variety, having already phased out all other Bermudagrass sales from our farms in our original footprint of Georgia and the Carolinas. At our new farms in Alabama and Tennessee, we are selling out the existing Bermudas fields and replanting only with TifTuf.

Another way to examine the significant sales is to look backward from 12/31/2023 through 1/1/2017 (a period of 84 months), when we harvested 134 million square feet of Tifway 419 Bermudagrass. Comparing it to TifTuf sales, we can look backward during the shorter timeframe of 12/31/2023 through 7/1/2022, when we harvested 141 million square feet of TifTuf in a period of only 18 months.

For Super-Sod, TifTuf is now the “builder grade” Bermudagrass of choice for new residential and retail developments because builders and landscapers experience the ease of establishment and reduced callbacks after jobs are done. TifTuf is also specified for sports fields and high-profile gardens like the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the University of Georgia campus.

Without Lawn Solutions modeling collaboration, our respective sod farms would have missed out on an enriching experience. Because we’re three sod farms pooling resources, we don’t have ROI for each event, publication, or marketing effort, except that the rising tide of TifTuf has now sold 2 billion square feet of sod and has put older turfgrasses such as Tiway 419 straight into retirement. Many thanks to our wise Australian counterparts for leading by example!

TIFTUF TURF SOUTHEAST /

TIFTUF TURF SOUTHEAST AT GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF WATER PROFESSIONALS

Course Shines as Host of NSW Open PGA Qualifier

The picturesque Teven Valley Golf Course recently had the honour of hosting one of the six prestigious NSW Open PGA Qualifier events, marking a significant milestone in the course's history. This event not only put Teven Valley on the map but also highlighted the dedication and hard work of the entire team behind the scenes.

A Unique Challenge for Professional Golfers

James King, the General Manager of Teven

Valley Golf Club, shared insights into the journey that led to this significant event. Having been at Teven for ten months, King found himself managing the event, a role he was both excited and honoured to take on. The selection of Teven Valley as a qualifier location was driven by Golf New South Wales' desire to promote the tournament across six diverse regions. The course's unique layout, consisting of nine holes with varied challenges, stood out to

the PGA officials, who ultimately decided to play the course as the members do—off the front markers for the first nine holes and the back markers for the remaining nine.

This approach offered a distinctive challenge to professional golfers, who had to adjust to playing a course where par threes dominated one half, while the other half featured par fours and par threes. Despite the unconventional setup, the

TEVEN VALLEY GOLF COURSE

professionals adapted well, showcasing their versatility and skill.

A Community Effort

Hosting such a significant event required extensive logistical planning, particularly given the course's split across two roads and the need for external resources to accommodate the influx of players and spectators. King acknowledged the immense support from the local

community, including Ballina Council, local businesses, and the Rotary Club, which helped cater the event. This collaborative effort not only ensured the smooth running of the event but also strengthened Teven Valley's ties with the community.

A Testament to Teven Valley's Quality

The event, featuring 72 of the top-ranked players, was a true test of Teven Valley's course. The competition was fierce, with several

players under par after the first day. However, it was Matt Miller who ultimately triumphed, delivering an extraordinary performance with five consecutive birdies on the par threes, securing his victory in a thrilling finish.

For Teven Valley, hosting this PGA qualifier was more than just an event; it was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The course, which underwent significant construction and grass

selection changes under the guidance of Superintendent Paul Gumbleton, has now been recognised as a top 100 public access golf course by Golf Australia magazine. This recognition, coupled with the successful hosting of the PGA qualifier, solidifies Teven Valley's status as a world-class golfing venue.

In the reconstruction of Teven Valley Golf Club, the choice of turf played a significant role in the course's transformation. For the fairways, the club opted for Sir Grange Zoysia, a premium turf variety renowned for its fine blades, high shade tolerance, and minimal nutrient and water needs. Originally

developed for the golf industry, Sir Grange Zoysia is highly adaptable to various climates and features a striking dark green colour, making it the top-selling Zoysia grass in the United States. This choice was heavily influenced by Craig Parry, the course's designer, who had firsthand experience playing on this turf variety in the U.S. Recognising its quality, Parry insisted on using Sir Grange at Teven.

Looking Ahead

With the success of the NSW Open PGA Qualifier, Teven Valley Golf Club is already looking to the future. Plans are in place

to enhance member facilities, including expanding the car park and installing warmup nets. These improvements aim to further elevate the experience for both members and visitors, ensuring that Teven Valley remains a premier golfing destination in New South Wales.

As the Teven Valley Golf Club continues to grow, the recent PGA qualifier serves as a proud reminder of what can be achieved through vision, hard work, and community support.

SPECTATORS WATCHING FROM THE GRASSY KNOLL

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Making the Best Use of Pre-emergent Herbicides

BY JYRI KAAPRO, DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, ENVU

Pre-emergent herbicides are a valuable tool in weed management in both sod production and established turf maintenance. They prevent weed infestations, assist with herbicide resistance management and reduce the requirement for post-emergent weed management.

There are characteristics of pre-emergent herbicides which provide useful information about how they perform.

Binding: The binding of pre-emergent herbicides is generally closely related to the level of soil organic matter. The Koc is a measurement which indicates how tightly the active ingredient binds to organic matter. The pre-emergent herbicides used in turf bind well so they stay in the soil profile to provide weed control.

Persistence: Half life of a pre-emergent herbicide is an indication of its persistence. The half-life (DT50) is the time it takes for 50% of the herbicide to degrade. Shorter half life indicates a shorter period of pre-emergent activity.

ACTIVE INGREDIENT DT50 (DAYS)

Metolachlor 21

Pendimethalin 44

Dithiopyr 3-49

Propyzamide 60

Oxadiazon 60

Simazine 90

Oryzalin 20-128

Prodiamine 70-120

Indaziflam 69-160

Volatilisation: Herbicides with a higher vapour pressure can be lost in a gaseous form if not quickly incorporated into the soil by irrigation or rainfall.

ACTIVE INGREDIENT

Metolachlor 3.7

VAPOUR PRESSURE (MPA @ 25°C)

Pendimethalin 3.34

Non-Persistent DT50 0 - 30

Moderate DT50 30 - 100

Persistent DT50 >100

Solubility: Herbicides with lower solubility will require more irrigation to move into the soil and are less available to move into soil solution for root uptake by the germinating weed seed.

Oxadiazon 0.67

Propyzamide 0.058

Prodiamine 0.0033

Simazine 0.00081

Indaziflam 2.5 X 10-5

Dithiopyr 4 X 10-6

Oryzalin 1.1 X 10-7

Active ingredients with a vapour pressure of greater than 1 mPa are generally considered volatile

Active ingredients with a vapour pressure of less than 1 mPa are generally considered low or non-volatile

Pendimethalin 17491

Prodiamine 13000

Oxadiazon 3200

Dithiopyr 1600

Propyzamide 840

Oryzalin 600

Indaziflam 496

Metolachlor 200

Simazine 130

Non-mobile K oc >5000

Slightly mobile K oc 500 - 5000

Moderately Mobile K oc 75 - 500

(MG/L @ 20°C)

Pendimethalin 0.33

Oxadiazon 1

Dithiopyr 1.4

Oryzalin 2.5

Prodiamine 0.013 Low Solubility (0-49 mg/L)

Indaziflam 2.8

Simazine 5

Propyzamide 9

Metolachlor 480 Moderate Solubility (50-500mg/L)

Understanding herbicide modes of action are important for managing herbicide resistance. Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in wintergrass populations becoming resistant to many herbicides. There are four main pre-emergent Mode of Action Groups available for turf managers. Many of these are not suited to sod production or worn sportsfields due to their effects on turf recovery in areas with bare soil. Rotating and tank mixing different modes of action are important strategies in managing for herbicide resistance. This applies to both pre and post-emergent herbicides.

PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDES ON ESTABLISHED SPORTS TURF SURFACES ARE A VERY USEFUL TOOL FOR CONTROL OF WEEDS

LIKE POA ANNUA

POA ANNUA IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WITH POST-EMERGENT HERBICIDES BECAUSE OF INCREASED HERBICIDE RESISTANCE

GROUP MODE OF ACTION ACTIVE INGREDIENT

3 Inhibition of microtubule assembly Dithiopyr Oryzalin Pendimethalin

Prodiamine Propyzamide

14 Inhibitionprotoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO inhibitors)

Oxadiazon

15 Inhibition of very long chain fatty acid synthesis Metolachlor

29 Inhibition of cellulose biosynthesis Indaziflam

Pre-emergent herbicides generally have little post-emergent activity. Applications should be made before expected weed germination and emergence. In turf production application should be as soon as possible after harvesting to minimise weed establishment on bare soil. In established turf autumn and spring are the two key timings for application of pre-emergent herbicides. This will help manage winter and summer weed populations.

In established turf there are some new strategies to help manage herbicide resistance and to improve weed control.

• Split applications – instead of applying a full rate of pre-emergent in spring or autumn the rate is divided into 2 or 3 applications spaced over several months. This strategy can prolong the period of weed control, which is important for weeds like wintergrass which keep germination over a period of 6 months or longer. Split applications will also help with keeping the pre-emergent herbicide in the soil in locations subject to extreme rainfall events which can reduce level of active ingredient in the soil. Split applications can also help with uniform coverage. When relying on a single application any debris on the turf/soil surface can impact on achieving uniform coverage.

• Pre & Post-emergent tank mixes – a new strategy recommended for wintergrass management is making tank mix application of pre and post emergent herbicides in late autumn after wintergrass germination has commenced. This strategy is designed to aid in managing for the development of herbicide resistance.

An integrated programme would make use of both split applications and pre/post tank mixes to successfully manage weeds.

Application of pre-emergent herbicides should be done to ensure that uniform coverage is achieved. Increasing spray water volumes can improve distribution and on established turf situation will also improve penetration into the turf canopy. Generally after application irrigation should be applied to move the herbicide into the soil, this is especially important for active ingredients prone to volatilisation or degradation by exposure to sunlight. In sod production situations with a complete harvest (like couchgrass, zoysia and kikuyu) the amount of irrigation required is reduced. In established turf more irrigation is required to move the herbicide through the canopy and thatch.

With granular pre-emergent herbicides the amount of irrigation should be carefully monitored to ensure the granules do not move with the result of higher concentration in low areas and little herbicide in high spots.

Understanding the differences between pre-emergent herbicides is important in choosing the correct one for a particular situation at a particular time. These differences also need to be considered when applying the herbicide.

A Hi Quality Turf Story

FROM MALTA TO THE HAWKESBURY

At Hi Quality Turf you can most certainly say farming is in the blood. Charlie Muscat aged in his late teens decided to leave his family farm in Malta and follow his 3 brothers Jimmy, Joe and Dominic to chase bigger and better things by migrating to Australia in 1964.

Charlie was blown away by the vastness of the open land before him, so different to the rocky landscape he was used to back home. It didn’t take Charlie long to begin farming with his brothers on their first parcel of land at Pitt Town Bottoms on the Hawkesbury River. There they were the Muscat brothers doing what they do best.

By 1980, Charlie had bought out the land with his wife Maria and their young family and were farming 30 acres growing potatoes, lettuce, cauliflower, watermelon and cabbage. Eventually, Charlie’s boys David, Richard and Jason grew up and of course, wanted nothing more than to join their father full-time on the farm and one by one that is where they ended up.

It was in the late 90’s after many arduous years of veggie farming, that the family recognised the potential of the growing turf industry and decided to make the transition from veggies to turf in 1999. Planting crops

of Kikuyu, Couch and Soft Leaf Buffalo on the 30 acres initially.

Hi Quality Turf was established in 1974 by Keith Smith a local of the Hawkesbury that grew and harvested turf at Pitt Town Bottoms. As his business grew, he resorted to buying all his turf from local growers including Charlie and the boys, who eventually were his exclusive supplier.

After a few years of farming and supplying turf to Keith, the opportunity arose to purchase the Hi Quality Turf business.

In 2001 Charlie, David, Richard and Jason jumped at the opportunity and were excited to take on the new challenge. Even back then the fundamentals of the Hi Quality Turf brand was built on high standards in product and service, which shows in the longevity of the business and clientele, some of which have been customers of Hi Quality from the outset.

Since the takeover in 2001, farm expansion has gone from 30 acres to 180 acres and an increase in commercial services provided by Hi Quality to include supply and installation of maxi rolls, washed turf, turf planting and

field surface renewal. Gone were the days of arriving at a job barefoot and hand unloading an entire load of turf to the kerb side.

In 2009 and 2010 Hi Quality Turf was proud to be the sole supplier of turf for the Breakfast on the Bridge event in Sydney where 10,000m2 of turf was laid to cover the entire span of the Harbour Bridge to have over 6000 people attend and enjoy breakfast. It was quite an experience.

Other noteworthy jobs include installing turf at the Prime Minister’s residence at Kirribilli House, the field renovation works at the

Cronulla Sharks stadium, supplying turf to various charity events like the reconstruction of the local soccer fields at Pitt Town Sports Club and working with Hogs for Homeless returfing several regional sports grounds in Central West NSW.

The soil at the turf farm alongside the Hawkesbury River is some of the best turfgrowing soil you will find anywhere. The evident drawback of being so close to a major river system is the obvious threat of flooding, which has unfortunately happened several times since 2020. The worst was in July 2022 when flood levels exceeded

'BREAKFAST ON THE BRIDGE' EVENT WITH ALL TURF SUPPLIED BY HI QUALITY TURF

13.5m breaking the largest flood record for 50 years, resulting in a total loss of crops and production, major loss of infrastructure and riverbank erosion making some parts of the farm unrecognisable.

However, during this tough period, it was nice to witness new business relationships being forged and the industry coming together to support each other. This played a major role for turf farmers across the Hawkesbury being able to sustain their businesses and get through.

Then in 2023, the prospect of joining Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) transpired and after consideration among the family, they knew it was an opportunity that could not be missed. Knowing that by joining LSA, Hi Quality Turf would be able to streamline its production varieties into premium LSA brands that have the backing, research and support that will allow them to move forward as a company. In early 2024 Hi Quality Turf became LSA’s newest Member and was accredited by AusGAP a short time later. This

was followed by the planting of Sir Walter DNA Certified in January 2024, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda in February 2024 and Zoysia Australis planting in early spring 2024.

David, Richard and Jason still actively manage Hi Quality Turf. Charlie, who you can find in the mowing tractor most hours of the day during spring and summer continues to work on the farm also. They are joined by their sister Sue who runs the office and a small team of personnel getting the job done.

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For a FREE CONSULTATION, contact your GTS Technical Field Agent: sales@greenwayturfsolutions.com

Breaking Ground in Portugal: A Journey from Family Landscaping to Golf Course Renovations

BY LASSE JENSEN, CEO GRUPO ESDAV

Moving to Portugal as a 6-year-old Dane in 1982 was a challenging experience. My parents, who had a landscaping business in Denmark, decided to try their luck in Portugal, where landscaping wasn't yet a recognised industry—builders handled most of the work. Establishing themselves in this field was a difficult journey, but in 1986, my father, John, received an opportunity to complete a project at the prestigious Trust House Forty: an 18-hole golf course, San Lourenzo, in Quinta do Lago.

As a young boy, I spent my holidays and weekends helping out on the project, and

this continued throughout various ventures until I turned 19. On my 19th birthday, my brother and I founded our own company, which had the privilege of constructing the 18-hole Royal Course at Vale do Lobo. Over the years, our business evolved, transitioning from general landscaping to a focus on golf course construction and maintenance, offering services such as tee and bunker renovations, green restoration, and cart path renewals. Eventually, we expanded into residential landscaping and sports field renovations.

Today, we are a leading company in southern Portugal for pitch and golf course renovations. With a team of 50 employees, over 20 vehicles, and a vast fleet of tractors and heavy machinery, we now manage multiple golf courses and sports fields simultaneously.

The future looks bright, especially as my son Jeff (23) is about to complete his master’s degree in landscape architecture. It seems he is ready to follow in the family business, ensuring a "green" legacy.

During COVID-19 lockdown we won a contract to refurbish a prestigious 18-hole

golf course in the area, allowing us to continue working outdoors while adhering to social distancing measures. This project involved stripping 200mm of Bermuda grass, installing new drainage systems, spreading 1,400 truckloads of sand, reshaping, and laying out 10 hectares of big roll Bermuda. We also renovated bunkers and tee tables, completing the entire job in just 14 weeks.

This year, we have taken on a similar challenge 300km from home, refurbishing another 18-hole golf course and installing

20km of piping and 120km of irrigation cables. The course will be overseeded with cool-season grass, ready for a grand opening in the fall. We also recently completed a stadium renovation using cool-season sod and regularly handle end-of-season renovations for several regional pitches.

Our work requires agility and a dedicated team to tackle projects on short notice, and I’m proud to say we consistently meet expectations. Our fleet of heavy machinery— excavators, dumpers, tractors, and trucks—

ensures we have everything we need to get the job done efficiently. For a bit of fun, every spring, we dredge sand for the beach season.

The journey hasn’t always been smooth, but with persistence, expertise, and a strong team, we’ve established ourselves as leaders in the field, both in golf course maintenance and sports field construction. The future holds plenty of promise, and we’re excited for what’s to come.

Zoysia Australis: The Turf That Southeast Queensland Can't Get Enough Of

THE RISE OF ZOYSIA AUSTRALIS

Zoysia Australis has quickly become a top choice for homeowners and landscapers in Southeast Queensland. Its exceptional qualities and low-maintenance nature have made it a favourite among residents seeking a beautiful, durable, and easy-to-care-for lawn, and turf producer GoTurf can attest to that.

Ever since Australis hit the family-owned and operated GoTurf farm, it's quickly become their number one selling retail turf variety, and the team is far from surprised.

What is it about Australis that's caught Southeast Queensland's attention?

Turf expert Simon Pilbeam has been singing its praises as he's witnessed firsthand why it's a top choice, with customers continuing to reach out and share their appreciation months down the line. "Not only does it look incredible, but it's also incredibly low-maintenance and has a good wear tolerance. Perfect for busy lifestyles, and with weather as good as ours,

the more time we can spend enjoying our yard over maintaining it, the better."

Bob, a thrilled homeowner in Burrum Heads, transformed their newly built property with Zoysia Australis turf last year.

"I'm absolutely delighted with the lawn," Bob shared. "We listed our property this week. Have a look; the grass has come up well. It looks absolutely gorgeous, the best street appeal on the block."

Simon chimed in, "The turf paired with the newly built home makes his house look like a million dollars, and his street appeal is the envy of neighbours. As he mentioned, choosing Zoysia Australis increased the value of his property. Besides the turf's aesthetic appeal and beautiful hue, Australis would give every purchaser a satisfied feeling for their home."

Down the coast in the Glasshouse Mountains, Matt Heilig, General Manager

of GoTurf oversees over 150 hectares of turf and the Australis share of the land is rapidly increasing to meet demand. Matt shared, "As one of Australia's largest producers of popular Zoysia grasses over the past decade and a half, replacing these varieties with Australis was a no-brainer after watching it grow and farming it for an initial 12 months.

We are over halfway through replacing our current 30-odd hectares of existing Zoysia with Australis and at the rate of its popularity

(with good reason), I can see it becoming a top grass for Queensland and Northern New South Wales down the line. I regularly check with customers who have had Australis for 12 months or longer, and it's still as great as the day it arrived. In fact, in the past 18 months since Zoysia Australis came to market, we have not had a single piece of negative feedback. With over 100,000 sqm now supplied to the local market, that's a great testament; it's just a great grass."

In the state's capital, GoTurf's Kieran Marsh weighed in on why it's taken Brisbane by storm: "Since Australis has hit the market, we have seen a massive shift in the turf market in Brisbane. Australis has quickly taken over in popularity at the store at Brendale; once customers get the chance to get up close and personal and compare it to other varieties, it's an easy decision to make."

"Australis provides great aesthetics while being easy to care for; it can fit many

different lifestyles, from lawn enthusiast to an everyday family backyard." As Australis thrives in various conditions, from full sun to medium shade, you'll find it gracing yards across the city, whether they're bathed in sunlight or nestled under the shade of trees and buildings.

Despite its admiration and fast rise in popularity, Zoysia Australis is a relativity new kid on the block, but that doesn't mean the science behind it is.

Zoysia's pride and joy, cultivated with care

Are you familiar with TifTuf? The same scientist who developed the globally popular TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda Dr Brian Schwartz, also developed Zoysia Australis. Zoysia Australis has outperformed other Zoysias in testing in both the USA and Australia and is among GoTurf's top picks for Australian families for its wide applications of use, good wear tolerance, and low maintenance needs.

Shade or shine, Australis thrives in a variety of conditions

Are large buildings or trees casting shade on your yard? That's no issue for Australis. It's adaptable to both full sun and medium shade, making it a suitable contender for various properties. This hardy cultivar can photosynthesise (a critical step in maintaining the proper nutrient balance) in as little as 3-4 hours of direct sunlight each day.

A rapid rate of growth and establishment

Zoysia Australis develops a deep root

system with strong rhizome growth during establishment. This exceptional root system promotes a soft, medium-leaf grass that enables it to recover quicker than other zoysia varieties from wear and tear, while also providing greater disease and weed resistance.

Not to mention, the strong root and rhizome system means that your Zoysia Australis lawn will stay lush and green without the need for a strict watering and

fertilising schedule, making this one of the easiest turfs to care for.

Striking appearance, changing hue

Zoysia Australis brings an aesthetic charm to home lawns, further solidifying its position as one of the best types of Zoysia grasses to grow in the region. Additionally, Zoysia Australis has some unique qualities when it comes to changing the season. During dormancy in the cooler months, it can develop a beautiful red hue, making it a stunning addition to landscaped properties.

ZOYSIA AUSTRALIS: THE TURF THAT SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND

Lawn Solutions Australia builds strong relationships with the industry

ASTMA CONFERENCE JUNE 2024 – BRISBANE

The 2024 Australian Sports Turf Management Conference & Trade Exhibition was held at the Convention Centre in Brisbane. With record exhibitors and attendance, it is the largest conference in the turf sector. This conference also combined with Golf Management Australia (GMA) which had record attendees as well.

Monday evening kicked off with the presentation of the National Turf Industry Awards, with several highly deserved winners taking the stage to accept their awards. One standout was the Claude Crockford Sustainability and Environmental

Award presented to Paul Gumbleton (Teven Valley Golf Club), the work Paul and his team have done at this course over the last 5 years is amazing. To be in the Top 100 courses in Australia and to host a PGA Qualifier event is truly outstanding.

Over the course of the conference education, trade exhibitors and innovation were the key focus. The education stream was first class with presentations on leadership, managing teams, workplace culture, automation in the industry, the pressure of managing high-profile venues, managing growing conditions in different

environments, and the latest updates in pesticides just to name a few. These sessions are led by the world’s most experienced and knowledgeable presenters in each of their specialised fields.

ASTMA staff are always looking for new and innovative ways to engage with attendees, this year was a first for the ASTMA Innovation Hub – where attendees could sit and talk and check out the latest turfgrass that is available to the market. Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) were called upon to provide different turfgrasses for display including Sir Grange Zoysia cut at different heights,

Zoysia Australis, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda and Primo Zoysia for greens. LSA also took the opportunity to record and interview some key people for the Turf Talk Podcast – ASTMA President Ben Tilley, Suncorp Stadium Grounds Manager Matt Oliver, and Ohio Intern Program leader Mike O Keefe.

The highlight of the conference was the trade exhibition which kicked off on Tuesday afternoon with the VIP opening – as an exhibitor this was great to see all attendees in one area mingling with industry peers and seeing firsthand the technology, innovation, and best practice options available for

turf managers. Over the next 2 days, it was fantastic to talk and discuss the latest turfgrass varieties available to sports turf managers. The most interest was based on the breeding, research selection process and trials carried out in Australia before a turfgrass is released to market.

Sir Grange Zoysia sparked interest from many golf course staff for its versatility on tee’s, green surrounds and bunker faces. TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda for sportsfield use and high wear areas - it is the most researched, trialled and tested turfgrass in the world, over 25 plus years. This was great

information to share with the industry at the ASTMA Conference.

One of the most popular events at the conference is the opportunity to socialise with industry and the many friends and colleagues you have met over the years. ASTMA and Supplier events keep the connection in the industry alive, lifelong friendships, mentors and mates that you can call on at any time for help, advice or assistance.

Thanks to the ASTMA team for a great conference and looking forward to being in Homebush, Sydney June 2025.

MR. SIMON ADERMANN MANNING THE LSA STALL

MR. JOE ROGERS OF LSA RECORDING A TURF TALK PODCAST WITH MR. MATTHEW OLIVER, GROUNDS MANAGER AT SUNCORP STADIUM

Australian Turf Growers Gather in Darwin

TURF AUSTRALIA NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2024

Turf Australia hosted its 2024 National Conference in the Northern Territories capital city of Darwin. The event brought together nearly 70 industry leaders, turf growers and professionals from across the country to network and share industry knowledge.

The conference focus was on sustainability and provided attendees with the position to hear from their peers in addition to other agricultural industry representatives on how they are embracing the changes in their agricultural trends, practices and applications working towards the federal

government’s 2030 environmental protocol commitment. All while enjoying the unique backdrop the Northern Territories capital city has to offer.

Day one began with an optional mini Territory Experience that included a Barramundi farm fishing experience, lunch, and then exploring and swimming in an NT natural waterhole at the beautiful Berry Springs Nature Park. It concluded with a casual meet and greet dinner at The Precinct on Darwin’s waterfront which was an opportunity to meet the Turf Australia board

members as well as catch up with old and new industry attendees.

Day two was a seminar format held in the function room of the George Brown Botanical Gardens. The was opened and hosted by ABC Country Hour’s Matt Brann. The assembly then heard from Turf Australia’s President who delivered the welcome address and then was formally opened by the Hon. David Littleproud, MP, Leader of the Federal National Party, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Member for Maranoa, Queensland.

The minister was followed by Cynthia Mahoney who delivered the people resources section of the day, as she inspired the attendees in ways to ‘Attract, Create, Retain and Sustain a Productive and Team onFarm’ before morning tea. Richard Shannon, CEO, of the National Farmer Federation –Horticultural Council delivered the midmorning session around ‘Understanding the Seriousness and How to Adopt the Federal Government’s 2030 Roadmap.’

Richard was followed by a discussion on ‘Innovative Practices in Regenerative

Farming’ from turf industry stalwart and Living Turf’s Executive Chairman Rob Cooper. Rob’s talk was about reducing the use of synthetic fertilisers and adopting sustainable farming practices and organics to help aid healthier soil profiles. Explaining that the science behind this can help in reducing costs for turf growers while being better for their farms and as well as the environment.

Our next speakers engaged the audience by taking a step away from turf-specific topics. First, we heard from Dr Anne-Marie Boland, who shared her extensive knowledge in

agricultural natural resource and water management industries. Her insights drew from past research, development, and consultancy work within these fields. A very insightful dialogue was communicated about ‘The Importance of Soil, Water, and Nutrient Management,’ benefiting not only turf growers but the entire agricultural industry.

Following Dr Boland was Simone Cameron the Senior Policy Manager at Northern Australia Cotton Australia, providing perspective on how they have adopted environmental stewardship practices

FIELD DAY AT TURF NT

that make Australian (especially Northern Australian) cotton the most soughtafter in the world. They believe that the quality drawn from the industry-adopted stewardship has made it one of the most sustainable industries in Australian agriculture. The passion and dedication Simone has for the cotton industry was clear and helped us understand why this has been achieved within their sector of agriculture in Australia.

Leading into lunch we heard from turf producer Brett Currie who owns and operates Waterwise Turf on the banks of the Manning River in Taree New South Wales. Brett spoke on ‘Managing Soil Health in Turf Production’ from which he provided some background on the farm and how they are now using predominately compost as the fertilisation program on all his turf crops. The talk was concluded on how he has seen this change away from traditional synthetic fertilisers benefiting his crop yields and overall soil health.

After lunch was 2016 Nuffield Australia Scholar and Griffith NSW farmer Luke Mancini. Luke works in the Grain industry but is also involved in his family’s mixed enterprises that include vineyards, olive groves, and winter cereals. His discussion was about ‘How the Australian Wine Industry has Changed its Culture to Achieve Excellence Regarding Eco-stewardship.’

The afternoon finished with the room being split into several groups for inactive workshopping sessions. Each activity centred around each of the day’s speakers’ messages and ways to incorporate such practices into the turf industry. Day two was concluded with a Gala Dinner that evening at the renowned Crustaceans restaurant Darwin Harbour Wharf. Guests were greeted by a local wildlife handler offering photos with a native python and baby crocodile. It concluded with the Turf Australia Benevolence Fund auction, which raised over $10,000 towards the funds that support growers or industry workers in severe hardship.

The final day of the conference was a field day held at Turf NT just under an hour southeast of Darwin in Middle Point. The day was opened by owners Gavin and Lauren Howie with a walk and talk of the farm’s turf variety paddocks while discussing ‘The Pros and Cons of Turf Farming remotely.’

Succeeding the break Syngenta Turf & Landscape ANZ’s Technical Service Manager, Dr Brett Morris talked about advancements in remote sensing and how it can help with sustainable decisionmaking. Followed by his Technical Service Lead counterpart Peter Ambrose-Pearce, discussing his role in ‘The Fire Ant Eradication Program.’

On the return bus trip to Darwin, a group photo was taken in front of the famous Humpty Doo Hotel and then ended the day with a farewell dinner at Pink Chopstix restaurant at Darwin Wharf. The conference then concluded on day four with Turf Australia’s annual general meeting (AGM) in the morning.

MEET AND GREET DINNER AT THE PRECINCT ON DARWIN’S WATERFRONT

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Transform Your Turf with ColourGuard Plus

TURF PIGMENT PROVIDING INSTANT ENHANCEMENT

In the competitive world of turf management, first impressions matter. Whether you’re managing the pristine fairways of a golf course, the high-traffic grounds of a sports stadium, or the lush expanses of public parks, the appearance of your turf is paramount.

Enter ColourGuard Plus — a solution designed specifically for the Australian market by Lawn Solutions Australia. This innovative product is not just about aesthetics; it’s about delivering superior performance and value to the commercial turf industry.

What is ColourGuard Plus?

ColourGuard Plus is a 100% Australianmade liquid turf pigment and fertiliser that enhances the natural colour of grass while promoting healthy growth. Unlike traditional turf colourants that simply coat the grass, ColourGuard Plus provides nourishment and protection, ensuring that your turf looks its best year-round.

Key Performance Attributes

Instant, Long-Lasting Green: ColourGuard Plus delivers an immediate boost in colour, transforming dull, patchy turf into lush, vibrant green spaces. This effect lasts up

to three months, ensuring your turf looks impeccable regardless of the season.

• Advanced UV Protection

Harsh Australian sun can cause turf to fade and dry out. ColourGuard Plus acts as a sunscreen for your grass, providing essential UV protection that helps maintain colour and health, even during peak summer.

• Improved Drought Tolerance

In regions prone to water restrictions, keeping turf green and healthy can be a challenge. ColourGuard Plus enhances

the turf's ability to retain moisture, reducing the frequency of watering without compromising on appearance.

• Environmentally Friendly

As a 100% Australian-made product, ColourGuard Plus is formulated to be safe for the environment, pets, and people. It is biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals, making it a responsible choice for your turf management needs.

• Benefits for Turf Professionals

Cost-Effective Solution: By extending the green life of your turf and reducing

the need for excessive watering and maintenance, ColourGuard Plus offers a cost-effective solution that maximises your budget while delivering premium results.

• Versatile Application

Whether you’re treating a small area or an entire sports field, ColourGuard Plus is easy to apply and provides consistent coverage. It can be used on all turf varieties, making it a versatile tool in your turf management arsenal.

For landscapers, sports turf curators, superintendents, and council turf managers,

maintaining a lush, green turf is crucial for all key stakeholders. ColourGuard Plus ensures that your turf is always in peak condition.

By choosing ColourGuard Plus, you’re not only supporting a 100% Australian-made product but also partnering with a company that understands the unique challenges of turf management in Australia – Lawn Solutions Australia.

To learn more or to place an order, visit Lawn Solutions Australia and experience the difference that ColourGuard Plus can make for your commercial turf management.

ITGAP Visits Australia for Turf Production Quality Inspections

Billy Skaggs, Georgia Crop Improvement Association (GCIA) Executive Director and ITGAP Program Administrator, visited Australia to inspect and provide training to AusGAP Certified farms in New South Wales and Queensland.

During Mr. Skaggs’ visit, job one was to ensure genetic purity had been maintained for AusGAP Certified paddocks and that turf producers understood what it takes to remain compliant.

“ITGAP, and by extension AusGAP, expect certified turf producers to produce the best,

it’s genetically pure and is free of noxious and objectionable weeds. This can only be accomplished when the turf producers and AusGAP work together. ITGAP and AusGAP work hard to provide producers with the proper tools and resources to make good management decisions. From what was seen, the producers are putting in the necessary time and effort to scout their fields for potential problems.”

Mr. Skaggs also took the time to deliver varietal morphology and inspection training to new and existing AusGAP

clients, while emphasising how ITGAP is the only internationally accepted and recognised verification program for turfgrass production. Around the world, golf and sports turf facility owners, architects and designers see ITGAP as a respected source for quality assurance.

“Working hand in hand, AusGAP has extended ITGAP’s circle of influence by reaching new turf producers and, ultimately, new turfgrass consumers. In addition, the introduction of TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda grass and Sir Grange Zoysia grass has added value for producers. We’re equally excited about the newest

releases, Zoysia Australis and the research and development of new buffalo varieties.”

When asked what he most enjoyed during his visit to Australia, Mr. Skaggs fired off several highlights including the producer’s attention to detail and the quality of the turfgrass.

“I have encountered good folks all over the country. Everyone is very welcoming and hospitable. Of course, the AusGAP Certified producers are great. They often have questions about how turf producers in the US are tackling certain challenges and I’m sure I’m learning just as much from them.”

“I continue to be impressed with the exceptional quality of the turfgrass in Australia and this time was no different. The turf producers have TifTuf figured out for sure."

Mr. Skaggs was also keen to learn more about Zoysia Australis as it is an exclusive release only available in Australia.

“It was great to see Zoysia Australis in production. I was able to look at some of the early plantings last time I was in the country. It’s an exclusive release to Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) members; US growers do not

currently have it in production. So far, this variety is looking outstanding. I think it could be a nice alternative to buffalo in some situations. Frankly, I wish we had it in the States.”

Mr. Skaggs expressed his appreciation to everyone who made his visit possible. Following his trip, Mr. Skaggs will be providing a full report on his findings to AusGAP, Lawn Solutions Australia and the University of Georgia Research Foundation.

MR. BILLY SKAGGS AND MR. FRANK MUSCAT OF J&B BUFFALO TURF SUPPLIES, NSW

TIFTUF SLABS PRODCUED BY JIMBOOMBA TURF GROUP, QLD

Pioneering Green Spaces with Husqvarna Automowers

LILYDALE INSTANT LAWN

At Lilydale Instant Lawn, our dedication to providing lush, green lawns extends beyond simply supplying high-quality turf. We incorporate innovative technologies to ensure our lawns thrive with minimal effort. One of our most recent exciting ventures is our collaboration with Husqvarna as a Pro Partner Dealer and their state-of-the-art Automower®, enhancing both domestic and commercial lawn projects.

Revolutionising Lawn Care

Husqvarna’s Automower® represents a leap forward in lawn care technology. These robotic

mowers handle lawns of various sizes, from as small as 100m² to as large as 75,000m², with varied complexities from flat open sports fields to complex sloped gardens, ensuring a perfectly cut lawn every time. They operate autonomously, navigating your lawn with wireless advanced GPS guidance or boundary wires to cover every centimetre of lawn. Equipped with sharp, pivoting blades, they trim the lawn consistently and gently, promoting healthy and dense growth. These mowers work in all weather conditions, day or night, and return to their charging stations when their batteries run low.

The benefits of Husqvarna Automower® extend beyond convenience. They produce minimal noise, making them ideal for residential areas where noise pollution is a concern. Additionally, their electric operation means zero emissions, contributing to a greener environment.

Projects and Collaborations

Our Pro Partner collaboration with Husqvarna has enabled us to undertake numerous successful projects, both domestically and commercially.

In commercial settings, we’ve recently integrated a fleet of CEORA’s into the first Australian golf course site, and the largest installation to date for Husqvarna Automower®, cutting over 140,000m² of roughs. This golf course has seen significant improvements, maintaining their roughs at a consistently high standard, minimising manpower, and freeing up their team for other tasks.

For residential estates, we’ve partnered with numerous high-end aspirational landscapes and homeowners to install

Automower® in some remarkable homes, ensuring that homeowners can enjoy perfectly maintained lawns without the hassle of traditional mowing. High-end residences with expansive gardens also benefit from these mowers, which navigate complex landscapes with ease.

Providing that Pro Partner Experience with an Experienced Team

Our success with Husqvarna Automower® wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated team of experts. Combining extensive knowledge of turf management

with a passion for innovation, our team, consisting of a Business Development Manager, Marketing Manager, Sales Consultant, and Certified Technician, all highly trained in Husqvarna Automower®

This allows us to advise our clients not only on the best Automower® for their project but also to have it professionally installed and provide long-term service support.

Promoting Sustainable Landscaping

We are dedicated to promoting sustainable landscaping practices. Husqvarna Automower® offers an eco-

friendly solution to lawn maintenance with their electric operation, meaning no fuel consumption and no emissions. The fine grass clippings produced by the Automower® act as a natural fertiliser, returning essential nutrients to the soil and resulting in a better lawn long term.

Looking to the Future

Our collaboration with Husqvarna Automower® as a Pro Partner Dealer is just the beginning. We are constantly exploring new technologies and methods to enhance our lawn care services. By expanding

our services to more residential and commercial clients, we aim to showcase the benefits of Husqvarna Automower® and sustainable lawn care.

Lilydale Instant Lawn’s partnership with Husqvarna represents a significant step forward for the turf industry. By combining our expertise in turf management with Husqvarna’s cutting-edge technology, we offer a superior lawn care solution that is efficient and environmentally friendly. Whether for residential properties, sports fields, golf courses, or public parks,

Husqvarna Automower® is helping us create and maintain green spaces that enhance the beauty and sustainability of our communities.

At Lilydale Instant Lawn, we are proud of the work we do and the team that makes it all possible. We look forward to continuing our journey of innovation and excellence in lawn production, making the world a greener place, one lawn at a time.

A FLEET OF HUSQVARNA CEORA AUTOMOWERS®

Tired of Inconsistent Turf Quality? Choose AusGAP Certified Turf. Your turfgrass purity assurance.

Tired of Inconsistent Turf Quality? Choose AusGAP Certified Turf. Your turfgrass purity assurance.

Australia’s Leading Turf Accreditation Program

Australia’s Leading Turf Accreditation Program scanme!

To find suppliers of AusGAP Certified Turf near you visit ausgap.com.au or call 1300 287 599

To find suppliers of AusGAP Certified Turf near you visit ausgap.com.au or call 1300 287 599

To find suppliers of AusGAP Certified Turf near you visit ausgap.com.au or call 1300 287 599