Dennis Scott talks lawn and order

Dennis Scott: “Follow these tips and tricks, and you will be on the way to a lush green ‘carpet’ of your dreams.”

Dennis Scott says spring is the best time to roll up the sleeves and get the lawn looking its absolute best. Follow these tips and tricks, and you will be on the way to a lush green ‘carpet’ of your dreams. I could quite easily pretend that I know everything about growing the perfect lawn but the truth is, I don’t.

That said, many hours spent on Google combined with plenty of trial and error, means I know a little more than your average punter.

First, the basics. In a nutshell, we’re talking sunlight, water and nutrients in the soil. You can throw a heap of products at a lawn, but if it’s not getting the essentials, it’s not going to perform as well as you would like. So, a little more detail about the aforementioned basics.

Dennis Scott entertains family and friends around his freshly mowed lawn. Picture by Luke Marsden.

SUNLIGHT: Most turf species will need no less than four hours of sunlight. This will give the turf sufficient light to survive, not necessarily thrive.

WATER: Early in the morning is best. This allows water to be absorbed into the soil before drying out too quickly. Watering in the middle of the day will see it evaporate quicker meaning the lawn will not get the full benefit. Watering late evening can see the water sit for longer creating fungal issues. I recommend watering less often, but for longer and accordingly deeper.

FERTILISER: To know what fertiliser to use, it is best to do a soil test to find out what your soil is missing and requiring more of. Your local hardware store can assist with these or you can hire a professional to help provide advice.

Now we have our equipment up and running, our soil tested and the right combination of fertiliser confirmed we can sit back and relax right? Wrong, the fun has only just begun. We now need to eradicate future and present weeds and with weeds it’s not just a one solution fits all scenario. Weeds don’t just look bad they can ruin our grass and they can hurt bare feet too. If you have a small lawn the best option to remove weeds is to hand pull them. Ensure you get them roots and all.

Larger lawn areas are a tad more difficult.

Can you identify the weeds growing in your garden?

Start by identifying your weeds, then talk to your local lawn expert or turf supplier and they will help you with the chemical needed. There are also professionals that can come to your property and treat them for you. With either option please ensure you, or they, follow the instructions and have the appropriate PPE.

By following the above advice and learning along the way you will have a healthy lawn in no time. The only thing left to do now is enjoy it. Feel proud, puff out your chest and enjoy the neighbours envy.  And maybe invite them over. For me a lawn isn’t just to look at. It’s to enjoy and be used by the entire neighbourhood. Share your advice and knowledge to the next person wanting and needing information on the art of getting good grass. This is a gift we should impart to others because green grass is not only beautiful it makes the world a better place. Truly, your lawn will soak up carbon dioxide that is stored in the soil from grass clippings. Just like trees, grass is good for the planet. In fact, a 1000 sqm area of grass will absorb about a tonne of carbon per year. Bottom line, grass is the carpet of the outside world and the unsung hero in our garden, love it and it will love you back.

See more of Dennis Scott on Selling Houses Australia, on Foxtel’s LifeStyle channel.

Feeding your lawn with granular fertiliser for perfect green grass is a must.

LAWN TYPES YOU’LL LOVE

BUFFALO

A classic backyard grass. Durable, water friendly and easy to maintain. Wide leaf blade, that can be feel scratchy to the touch. New softer leaf varieties such as Sapphire are now available. Good in shaded areas and remains green year-round.

COUCH

Tough narrow leafed variety with the ability to quickly repair. If you have a high traffic scenario Couch is the answer. Quick growing grass that may need mowing more often. Can be mowed extremely short for that bowling green look. Fertilise, water and mow on repeat for this grass.

TIFF TUFF

Its fine leaf blade, deep green colour with dense growth produces a soft leaf to walk on and yet is able to handle high wear situations. It’s a great looking all-round lawn that will retain good summer and winter colour. Once established it’s very drought tolerant.

KIKUYU

A favourite for Aussie backyards. Rapid green growth, drought tolerant, wear resistance, tolerant to most soil types and an ability to survive both gardener neglect and a hammering from children and pets. Sounds perfect, however, it can be invasive to garden beds and will require a lot of mowing to maintain.

ZOYSIA

Zoysia is not a new grass but only recently has been added to the list of best grasses for Australian conditions. Better suited to warmer environments. Requires minimal mowing and fertilising, salt tolerant, drought tolerant and not very invasive. It is an ideal grass for coastal locations.

Getting the right gardening tools and lawn care equipment will make the job a whole lot easier.

TOOLS OF THE GARDENING TRADE

POWER UP

Perfect lawns don’t require all that much but these three power tools will make the job that bit easier. Here’s how to care for them now that the spring gardening season is here.

LAWNMOWER

Change the spark plug, clean the air filter, replace the oil and lubricate the moving parts. If you’re not confident, head to your local mower shop for a professional service. With an annual once-over your mower should last for years.

There are steps you must take before fitting a new line cleaner.

LINE TRIMMER

Change the spark plug, clean the air filter and refresh the fuel. Don’t forget the line. Choose the correct diameter string or line. I like to use 2.3mm. Before fitting your new line in the trimmer soak it overnight in a bucket of water. This will rehydrate it and make it last longer.

BLOWER

Change the spark plug, clean the air filter and make sure the tube isn’t clogged. Wipe clean after each use. Blowing down all areas after mowing will give you a professional look and sure to impress the neighbours.

Originally published as Dennis Scott talks lawn and order