Looking for some helpful TifTuf maintenance advice? Look no further! With a fine leaf blade and dense growth, TifTuf is ideal for a wide variety of applications, and perfect for Australian backyards. From this, here our new advice regarding TifTuf and maintenance to get the best results from this fantastic new lawn.
Before installation
The biggest takeaway from the updated research is that TifTuf is a prolific grower. Our TifTuf maintenance advice is if you do wish to use a starter fertiliser before you lay TifTuf only give it a very light sprinkle at ¼ rate. This is because extra nitrogen will encourage too much leaf growth at a time that root growth is a priority.
If you want to use a pre-emergent herbicide it is safe to use, another option is Oxafert as its nitrogen levels are low which we stock at our office in Acacia Ridge. Oxafert is best to use in two windows; between March and May as well as between September and November, coving up to 150m2. If you need help or advice on installing your new lawn check out our installation guide here.
During establishment
While it is clear that TifTuf uses very little water after establishment (38% than similar varieties) it still needs water during establishment. Like all turf, the leaf must be kept continually moist throughout establishment period. During hotter periods we recommend giving your new turf a deep watering. We suggest the following schedule:
- Weeks 1 & 2: Water deeply 1-2 times daily.
- Weeks 3 & 4: Water deeply every second day.
- Weeks 5 & 6: Water deeply twice a week.
- Week 7 onwards: Water deeply regularly.
A new and vital piece of TifTuf maintenance advice out of the new research is to mow early. We have been advised it is critical that customers mow 1-2 weeks after installation. As always ensure that the turf has taken root before mowing, you do this by trying to lift the corner of a slab. Mowing is required on a weekly interval. Regularly mowing TifTuf will prevent scalping issues and avoid extra maintenance.
Regular care
Ongoing TifTuf maintenance is fairly simple thanks to its low input usage. The only thing to keep on top of is the length of the leaf. Mowing may be required on a weekly interval, especially through strong growing months like January and February. It is suggested that TifTuf should be mown at a cutting height of 20-40mm. While TifTuf is perfect for water restrictions, it is very drought tolerant and is highly wear tolerant. Regular watering will keep it looking its best, especially during the summer season.
While TifTuf is proving to use a lot less fertiliser, for the healthiest lawn it is still suggested to fertilise 3 times a year. We suggest it is best to fertilise in early spring, summer and autumn. The big key is to only apply fertiliser at a ¼ rate as too much nitrogen will create too much leaf growth. If you prefer organic fertilisers it is recommended to only use liquid fertilisers or a composted organic product.
How TifTurf performances in the shade
Yes it does! Our bonus TifTuf maintenance tip is some more information about why TifTuf is able to perform far better in the shade. New research is showing that TifTuf needs 50% less sunlight than similar grasses.
BUT HOW!!! Is what we hear the most about this statement. It is well known respected shade grasses like buffalo grass relies on the surface area to create more photosynthesis from the available sunlight. This leads to questions of ‘how can a fine leaf grass like TifTuf perform in the shade’.
The answer is that TifTuf produces greater amounts of Gibberellic Acid than all other Bermuda varieties. Gibberellic Acid is what plants use for photosynthesis, so the more Gibberellic Acid a plant has the less light it needs to grow. This creates another advantage as the higher amount of Gibberellic Acid giving it winter colour like no other Bermuda grass.
TifTuf receives Smart Approved WaterMark
To get more advice on TifTuf maintenance or to order a new lawn call our team on (07) 3114 8281. You can also to pop in and order in person at our sales office on 1/243 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge. The office opens Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm and Saturday 7am to 12pm. You can also download our TifTuf installation & maintenance guide.
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