Grass Varities

Turf grasses are generally divided into COOL season (Tall Fescue) and WARM season (Kikuyu) grasses. All varieties of grasses are cut by a Turf Harvester and come in standard rolls (2 meters long by 600mm wide), which equates to 1 square metre. Turf rolls may vary depending on the species and grower. INSTANT lawn rolls come with approximately 25 – 30mm of soil and are usually delivered on a pallet (which holds approximately 50 rolls of turf weighing approximately 800kg) and are unloaded by a forklift or by hand, depending on the amount ordered.

100% Tall Fescue

Water Use: Medium

Drought Tolerance: Moderate 

Wear Tolerance: Moderate 

Shade Tolerance: Excellent 

Heat Tolerance: Moderate 

Maintenance Requirements: Medium 

Fertiliser Requirements: Moderate Mowing

Height: 50-75mm 

Winter Colour: Excellent

The toughest of the cool season grasses. Tall Fescue is a fine blade type grass which retains its deep green colour throughout the year (provided it is maintained), giving you a luxurious lawn. Tall Fescue is great for small or large areas, requires medium maintenance i.e.; watering up to 2-3 times a week in the summer, it tolerates traffic, is non-invasive and is available all year round. Tall Fescue is a good all-rounder and once established is a tough, hardy grass. 

Characteristics:

• Green all year round
  with no runners (non-invasive)
• Medium Maintenance
• Tollerates Traffic
• Adapts well to cold winters and warm summers
• Available all year round

Uses:

Tall Fescue is suitable for residential and commercial lawns where a soft formal appearance is required. Tall Fescue is best suited for small areas with no irrigation, whereas large lawn areas using Tall Fescue will require an irrigation system. 

Maintenance:
Tall Fescue requires mowing once a week (at height of 50-75mm) in its growing season and fertilising using a good organic fertiliser at least 4 times a year ie change of every season. In winter a single application of either a slow release or organic fertiliser will be adequate.  For optimum colour retention, Tall Fescue will require watering up to 3 times a week.  It can be top-dressed and seeded in any wear or damaged (dogs) areas.  (Seed available from McMahon’s Lawn Turf)

Kikuyu

Water Use: Low

Drought Tolerance: Excellent

Wear Tolerance: Excellent 

Shade Tolerance: Moderate

Heat Tolerance: Excellent

Maintenance Requirements: Low

Fertiliser Requirements: Low

Mowing Height: 30-50mm

Winter Colour: Dormant

Kikuyu is a broad leaf warm season grass.  Kikuyu is a vigorous light green creeping perennial with above and below ground runners.  Kikuyu will grow on any type of soil and has a wide adaptability.  Kikuyu can tolerate moderate shade and makes an especially good lawn on large areas and is one of the most economical grasses.

Characteristics:

• Will grow in sun but slower in shaded areas
• Can tolerate high traffic if grown in full sun with adequate water and nutrients supplied
• Vigorous growth under the right conditions
• Available all year roun

Uses:

Kikuyu can be used for both residential and commercial lawns, in land reclamation projects and along road sides.

Maintenance:

Kikuyu will require frequent watering during establishment but once established should be watered on a as per need basis. Mowing can take place every 7-10 days during late spring and summer (at a height of 30-50mm) to retain moisture. Autumn and winter – every 2-5 weeks. Every 2-3 years should be top-dressed with washed river sand to increase ground temperature to reduce the length of the dormancy period. Fertilisation 4 times a year at change of every season using a good organic fertiliser.