Tips and Tricks
Tips and tricks
Taranaki born and bred, Brad completed his certificate in commercial horticulture at New Plymouth's Western Institute of Technology in Taranaki before taking up an apprenticeship at Fitzroy Golf Club. Next was a trade certificate in golf and sports turf management before Brad completed a NZ diploma in turf culture.
With over 18 years of knowledge and international experience, our tips and tricks are simple but effective - helping you achieve the quality lawn you deserve.
A key point to keep in mind is that the best looking lawn in our climate is a cool season grass. With this in mind it is vital your lawn is in the best shape possible heading into the summer.
For the summer you will need to:
- Ensure most spraying is done.
- Raise the mowing height, apply wetting agent . Be prepared to irrigate in prolonged dry periods.
- Regular mowing is key to a healthy lawn.
- Frequent removal of more than 30% of the leaf will result in an open and unhealthy sward.
- Some weeds, particularly grass weeds are difficult to control and the products used can damage your lawn. Nothing wrong with a bit of hand weeding the likes of paspalum, cocksfoot etc. Done regularly, a few weeds a day can make a massive difference, especially in the summer.
Beware of unqualified advice. Always look for the active ingredients in unfamiliar brands when looking to purchase selective herbicides. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Round up.
Liquid fertiliser and chemical combinations sold with applicators' that attach to the garden hose have caused lawns to die. We very strongly do NOT recommend these, as the water to chemical ratio are very difficult to control. For example the water pressure for each hose will be different but the same volume of chemical will be used.
If you would like to learn more tips and tricks to ensure your lawn is looking great, get in touch with us, or click on our Lawn Care and Maintenance guide.
Excellence
The first step on your journey towards a beautiful lawn is the consultation. Brad will come to your property, discuss what you're aiming to achieve and explain the various options for getting there. His recommendations - which could be a renovation, a tidy up for a family event, or a complete 're-do' - will depend a lot on the condition of your existing lawn.
He'll discuss the different grass species, what you have versus what could work better, whether you should consider installing irrigation and how much maintenance will be required going forward.
Professional
A strong interest in horticulture led Brad Voullaire into a career that has seen him manage the fairways and greens at one of New Zealand’s premier golf venues.
Taranaki born and bred, Brad completed his certificate in commercial horticulture at New Plymouth's Western Institute of Technology in Taranaki before taking up an apprenticeship at Fitzroy Golf Club. Next was a trade certificate in golf and sports turf management before Brad completed a NZ diploma in turf culture.
Expertise
Watched over by the sentinel of Mt Taranaki himself, the turf nursery is where your beautiful instant lawn begins.
Brad's own blend of fine fescue is raised here in the rich, volcanic topsoil before being cut to order and laid to produce a lawn with a touch of luxury.
Since returning to Taranaki in 2012 my staff and I have installed many high quality lawns. Here is what some of of our customers have to say, now they have beautiful lawns since engaging Taranaki Turf Doctor:
