The latest news and advice on Instant Turf -

From September this year, the Victorian Government will grant households a 28-day water exemption to allow establishment of drought tolerant turf such as Couch, Kikuyu and Buffalo.

This means we can now look at greening up our backyard dusty patch with lush, green turf! September is prime time to be looking at laying instant turf. Couch is coming out of it's winter dormancy period while Kikuyu and Buffalo will be starting strong growth.

Here are our top 10 tips for installing instant turf:

1. Ensure the area is free draining and remove all existing weeds and vegetation.

2.  Rotary hoe or dig the soil to a depth of 100-150mm. You may add topsoil, if not make sure your existing soil is friable. Level the soil and prepare a firm surface for laying.

3. Apply lawn starter. This will help establish the root system of your newly laid lawn. A wetting agent can also be applied to aid water retention.

4. Install an irrigation system to maintain your turf.

5. Lay the turf as soon as it's delivered.

6. For warm seasons grasses like Kikuyu, Couch and Buffalo, a light top dressing of washed sand can help retain moisture and smooth out any cracks or gaps.

7. Roll your new lawn to achieve contact with the soil underneath.

8. Water immediately to saturate the lawn and ensure the soil underneath is wet. Water daily, or more often, keeping the lawn moist until it is firmly rooted in about 4 weeks. Then water less frequently and for longer periods to encourage a stronger, deeper root system.

9. Mow when the lawn is dry and ensure your mower blades are sharp. Never cut more than 1/3 off the leaf when mowing.

10. A regular, scheduled lawn feeding regime will give you a rich green lawn surface throughout the year. Your first feed should be scheduled 6 weeks after being laid.

Of course you can have a professional take care of installation for you - phone Craig at Smart Turf & Irrigation for a quote on 0401 297 940.

Dry, crusty lawn - urgh!

The last week of high temperature and no rain has really taken it's toll on our lawn. No longer is it the lush green oasis that it was during the colder/wetter months. Our tanks just don't have the capacity to cope with the water demands - and unfortunately our garden plants have taken the water priority for survival.

Some very compelling reasons why I am considering the switch from natural grass to synthetic turf:
- synthetic turf looks and feels like natural grass without all the hassles that can come with high maintenance, high water usage grassed areas.
- it's versatility makes it suitable for lawns, pool surrounds, entertainment areas, patios and pergola areas.
- underfoot comfort - soft and lush
- low maintenance - doesn't need watering or mowing
- pest resistant - no need to use pesticides
- natural look, feel and color - also UV resistant
- drains quickly after rain

The synthetic turf being manufactured today is a world away from the original astroturf. The attention to quality in texture, variety of application, options for installation and ease of maintenance makes it the perfect surface for a time-poor, thirsty world.

It seems artificial turf is the smartest option...Until recent times the choice as to whether to use natural grass or artificial turf was a 50/50 proposition depending on how much water was available, maintenance needs, or amount of use it would get. The popularity of artificial turf continues to grow as it's development continues to improve.

Farewell dead grass...hello green!

New Synthetic Grass has arrived!!!

Smart Turf & Irrigation are pleased to announce the arrival of its new variety of synthetic grass: Real Smart Turf 40 and Real Green Turf 40+. Our new synthetic grass has the most true appearance to natural turf, incorporating dried blades with the green, it's almost impossible to pick the difference. Not only does this provide a more true appearance, it enables a better grass stand up requiring less sand infill, saving you money. Both synthetic turf varieties are triple backed for durability and strength and come with a 10 year manufacturer's warranty.

Real Smart Turf 40
40mm pile height
Triple backed for the highest possible durability
10 year manufacturer's warranty
Machine Gauge: 3/8"
Stitch Rate: 16.5 per 10cm
Matte green blade with brown thatching.


Real Green Turf 40+
40mm pile height
Triple backed for the highest possible durability
10 year manufacturer's warranty
Machine Gauge: 5/8"
Stitch Rate: 18 per 10cm
Matte green blade with green thatching.


Here are some tips to remember when you are investing in Synthetic Grass:

1. What is the warranty? Do you provide a warranty certificate? Is your synthetic turf FIFA approved?
2. Compare the backing strength - a good, strong base will improve durability.
3. Do you have a reputable installer? Are there referees who can testify their workmanship?


Get samples from suppliers and COMPARE the QUALITY, WARRANTY and PRICE!

Synthetic Turf is the perfect solution to save you time, water and money - no mowing, no fertilising, no weeding and no water! Ideal for areas where a lack of space and natural light can inhibit grass growth. Perfect for allergy sufferers, the elderly, body corporates, councils and busy home owner.

Not only is synthetic turf perfect for landscaping, it is providing a drought-proof alternative for community sporting groups. There is a synthetic turf product for almost every sporting application including; golf, tennis, football, soccer, netball, athletics, bowling and basketball. Synthetic turf surfaces replicate the natural playing surfaces often providing a better shock absorption for the athlete.



Contact us for samples of our synthetic turf varieties, or visit our website for more information.

You can read some of our client testimonials here.

How to choose Artificial Turf

With so many Artificial Turf varieties available, it can be difficult to make the right choice for your lawn area.

There are 3 key indicators that you should look for when making your artificial turf purchase:

1. What is the warranty - is it fade resistant - is it FIFA approved?
2. Compare the backing strength - a good, strong base will improve durability.
3. Do you have a reputable installer? Are there referees who can testify their workmanship?

The amount of traffic, or usage the area will encounter will impact your maintenance program - such as cleaning and brushing-up. Some artificial turf varieties have a very thin backing which wont be suitable for durable wear and longevity, so keep this in mind when making your choice.

Get samples from suppliers and COMPARE the QUALITY, WARRANTY and PRICE!

Contact us for samples of our Artificial Turf varieties.

COMING SOON: NEW ARTIFICIAL TURF VARIETY

Stay posted...we have a new variety of artificial turf arriving soon! Craig says it's the most natural looking artificial turf he's ever seen - incorporating brown blades for a more true appearance.

Will post as soon as it's released!

ARTIFICIAL TURF FOR HOME, BUSINESS AND SCHOOLS – Wednesday 19th February 2008

Water restrictions are changing our approach to landscaping surfaces at home, business and our schools. Inadequate irrigation of natural turf leads to patchy, dusty and sometimes unusable recreation areas. With the drought further affecting Murtoa College in Victoria’s Wimmera region, the solution was to install Smart Turf & Irrigation Artificial Turf, providing the students with a practical and attractive recreational area.

Dr Joanna Day, Principal of Murtoa College has been delighted with the reaction from her students: "Over the break we laid some artificial turf at the back of the Primary section. It has proven to be a great hit with the students and is usually filled with lots of happy, smiling faces during the breaks. It has proved to be so popular that we have made it a Primary students' only area! We are really pleased with our artificial grass at Murtoa College. The students love it and it has made a dusty patch of dirt into a play area that’s useable 365 days a year. It was installed quickly and with the minimum of fuss." Dr Joanna Day - Principal (Murtoa College)

Smart Turf Artificial Turf surfaces are designed to look and feel like real grass, while providing a durable UV stabilized surface that is suited to the harsh Australian climate. “Artificial Turf appearance and manufacturing has come a long way since Astroturf, often pleasantly surprising our customers”, says Craig McLachlan - owner of Smart Turf & Irrigation. “Our site preparation and installation ensures longevity, while all our artificial turf varieties are backed with a manufacturer's warranty of up to 10 years.”

For a sample of our artificial turf or for more information, please contact Smart Turf & Irrigation on 0401 297 940 or visit http://www.smartturf.com.au/