By following the instructions below… your new quality natural Turfgrass lawn will be established within the weeks.

INTERESTING TURFGRASS FACTS:

• Based on researched water requirements, natural turfgrass will require a maximum of 715 mm of water per year.  Queensland’s average annual rainfall across the state is 826 mm on the coastal strip (1200 mm in North Queensland).  Therefore theoretically if the soil is properly prepared there is no need to irrigate quality natural turfgrass.  Obviously strategic watering is recommended in prolonged dry times especially in spring and in high wear areas to stimulate growth.
• Aeration and fertilising is recommended before forecasted rain events to further stimulate growth.
• Clearly the perception that “Natural Turfgrass” is a water guzzler is totally incorrect and provides you with a proven and independently qualified worthwhile investment to enhance the value of your home (approximately 12% L.J.Hooker), lifestyle and environment.
• Natural turfgrass will tell you itself when it’s under stress and requiring water when walking on it, the grass will be crunchy underfoot, stiff and probably brown in colour.
• Always contact your Turf Queensland Accredited Turfgrass supplier (Ph: 07 3488 0917) for confirmation and professional advice on correct species to meet your requirements.  Refer to list of member companies on this website.

PREPARATION: Level the ground utilising a rake to remove all lumps, rocks and building debris (laying turf is like laying carpet). Spread new top soil if required, a properly formulated turf underlay mix to a depth of 50 mm is strongly recommended to hold the moisture in the soil to support growth. Avoid watering at this stage as it will make installation messy. Fertilise the ground with an NPK fertiliser such as — “Shirley’s” Lawn Food –or equivalent as recommended on the pack.	Ideal for sowing new lawns maintaining lawns. Greens lawns fast Keeps lawns healthy
TURFGRASS INSTALLATION: Select a straight line to work from (e.g. Path or Driveway). Place turf slabs across the slope in a brick laying pattern. Trim edges with garden knife or spade if required. Ensure the turfgrass lays flat – ensure firm contact with the ground, tap down with your feet. Importantly roll the new turfgrass for a smooth final finish and good soil contact for long term benefit.
WATERING REQUIREMENTS: Give your new lawn a good soaking immediately after laying (equivalent to 50 mm of rain) this will ensure the soil under the turf slabs are wet promoting growth. For the first two weeks after installation do not allow your new lawn to dry. Always soak your lawn (equal to 20 mm of rain minimum once per week) rather than lots of little watering is to assist in deep root development. Once your new quality lawn is established, give a good soak once per week. Avoid walking on your lawn after watering it possible to prevent imprints and an uneven surface.
TURFGRASS MAINTANCE: Initial mowing should occur when your new lawn is 80 mm tall. Do not mow lawn lower than 30 mm in warm months and 50 mm in cool months, to avoid build up of thick thatch. Fertilise little and often (approximately every three months) and water in all fertiliser utilising rain where possible Maintain healthy dense lawn as this is the most effective measure to control weeds. Top dress if necessary with quality sandy mix.	Makes lawn green fast Begins to work in 3 days Ideal for new and existing lawns.

For further information and advice please contact a Turf Queensland “Turf Accredited” supplier PH (07)3488 0917.

While most turfgrass species will grow satisfactorily across a range of maintenance levels, there is an optimal level of management needed to maintain good turf quality for each turfgrass species.

Click below to read more.

[prettyfilelink src=”http://qtpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/No-08-Maintenance-of-turfgrass.pdf” type=”pdf”]No 08 Maintenance of turfgrass[/prettyfilelink]

Establishing a new lawn is not hard if you break it down into a series of logical steps. It is also greatly beneficial to plan ahead and make sure that you have everything you need on hand for each stage of the process.

Click on the link below for more information.

[prettyfilelink src=”http://qtpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/No-07-Installation-of-turfgrass.pdf” type=”pdf”]No 07 Installation of turfgrass[/prettyfilelink]

The cosmetic appeal of a natural turfgrass lawn immediately attracts attention and is seen as a strong part of our Australian Heritage. Issues such as improved health, safe sports fields, tourist attraction and increase in residential values have all promoted natural turfgrass to the building owner.

Click below to read more.

[prettyfilelink src=”http://qtpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/No-03-Top-10-Reasons_Natural-Turfgrass.pdf” type=”pdf”]No 03 Top 10 Reasons_Natural Turfgrass[/prettyfilelink]

Quality natural turfgrass is an integral part of enhancing the overall aesthetic appearance of the landscaping around your home. A good-quality lawn will enhance and add value to your residential property and provide a healthy playing surface for your family.

Click on the link below to read more.

[prettyfilelink src=”http://qtpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/SELECTION-OF-NATURAL-TURFGRASS.pdf” type=”pdf”]SELECTION OF NATURAL TURFGRASS[/prettyfilelink]

Current situation

Further reports of myrtle rust in Far North Queensland

There have been ongoing detections of myrtle rust in Far North Queensland since the last communiqué including new detections in the Forest Creek area north of the Daintree River and in Tolga and Yungaburra on the Atherton Tablelands.

Based on information from overseas, with the cooler weather conditions during winter, it is anticipated new detections of myrtle rust will slow over the coming months picking up again in spring and summer.  However, data from public reports received in Queensland during winter 2011 showed ongoing disease activity in the south east of the state during that period.  The warmer climate in North and Far North Queensland may mean there is little to no reduction in disease activity in these areas over winter.

Queensland statistics

Below is an overview of the current situation in Queensland (as at 21 June 2012):

Myrtle rust information sessions

The Myrtle Rust Program recently presented information sessions on myrtle rust to affected stakeholders in Townsville and Cairns.  The program has been committed to visiting regional areas to provide advice and information to industry, local councils, other government officers and local communities on myrtle rust, its impacts, disease management options, decontamination and hygiene procedures, encouraging Queenslanders to help minimise the spread and impacts of the disease.

The Townsville sessions were well attended with 61 people representing a range of affected businesses, industries and the local community attending the two sessions.  Due to the recent establishment of the disease in Far North Queensland, an extra information session was presented in Cairns by Dr Kylie Ireland.  This session was attended by 70 people and was well received by all participants.

These Myrtle Rust Information Sessions have been an integral part of the program with sessions delivered in Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Cairns (2), Mackay, Gladstone and Townsville over the last eight months.  Raising awareness of the disease has helped us promote public reporting of suspect detections of myrtle rust in regional areas and to track and monitor the disease’s spread and host range in Queensland.  We would like to thank all those who attended the regional information sessions and for people’s continued cooperation and support in looking out for and reporting this significant disease.

Report myrtle rust

The impact and spread of myrtle rust is evidenced by the growing number of myrtle rust cases in Queensland. The Myrtle Rust Program is currently receiving on average around 20 reports a day of the disease.

Please continue to report sightings of myrtle rust – it contributes to our understanding of the geographic and host range of the disease in Queensland and will help us to develop more effective strategies for managing the disease and its potential impacts.

Report myrtle rust by calling 13 25 23 or filling out the online reporting form.

For your background information on “Climate Change” I have attached a copy of a recent report, “Climate Change in South East Queensland Region” for your reference.  I have summarised the projections below in table form.

Overview of climate projections

In summary, the ‘best estimate’ changes to temperature and rainfall under the three emissions scenarios are:

 2030 (medium emissions scenario)

• Annual and seasonal temperature: annual mean temperature (the average of all daily temperatures within a given year) is projected to increase by 0.9 °C. There is little variation in projections across the seasons.

• Annual and seasonal rainfall: annual rainfall (the total rainfall received within a given year) is projected to decrease by three per cent (-34 mm). The largest decrease of five per cent is projected for spring ( -11 mm) and winter (-7 mm).

• Annual and seasonal potential evaporation: across all seasons the annual ‘best estimate’ increase is projected to be around 3−4 per cent (47−62 mm), with some models projecting up to a six per cent increase in autumn (20 mm) and winter (14 mm).

 2050 (low and high emissions scenarios)

• Annual and seasonal temperature: annual temperature is projected to increase by 1.1 °C and 1.8 °C under the low and high emissions scenarios, respectively. There is little variation in projections across the seasons.

• Annual and seasonal rainfall: annual rainfall is projected to decrease by three per cent (-34 mm) and five per cent (-57 mm) under the low and high emissions scenarios respectively. The largest seasonal decrease of 10 per cent (-15 mm) is projected for winter under the high emissions scenario.
• Annual and seasonal potential evaporation: under a high emissions scenario an increase in annual potential evaporation of up to 10 per cent (155 mm) is projected with the best estimate being six per cent (93 mm). Autumn and winter are projected to have the greatest increases of up to 12 per cent (40 mm and 29 mm respectively).

 2070 (low and high emissions scenarios)

• Annual and seasonal temperature: annual temperature is projected to increase by 1.5 °C and 2.9 °C under the low and high emissions scenarios respectively. There is little variation in projections across the seasons.

• Annual and seasonal rainfall: annual rainfall is projected to decrease by four per cent (-45 mm) and eight per cent (-91 mm) under the low and high emissions scenarios respectively. The largest seasonal decrease under a high emissions scenario of 15 per cent is projected for spring (-34 mm) and winter (-22 mm).

• Annual and seasonal potential evaporation: under a high emissions scenario, annual evaporation is projected to increase by as much as 16 per cent (248 mm). Autumn and winter are projected to be the seasons most impacted with increases up to 19 per cent (63 mm and 46 mm respectively) in some models.

 Temperature extremes

Global Climate Models indicate that increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere will increase the likelihood of record high temperatures in a given region. The Global Climate Models project a rise in extreme temperatures (CSIRO & BoM, 2007). Table 1 shows the projected number of days above 35 °C for three observation stations in the SEQ region with good historical records. Under a high emissions  scenario in 2070 for Amberley the number of hot days above 35 °C per year are projected to increase from 12 to 41 days and from one to six days in Brisbane. Under the same scenario for Tewantin, hot days above 35 °C are projected to increase from three to 11 days.

[prettyfilelink src=”http://qtpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/regionsummary-seq.pdf” type=”pdf”]regionsummary-seq[/prettyfilelink]

Current situation update

Myrtle rust detected in further sites in Far North Queensland

There have been detections of myrtle rust in a number of significant new sites in Far North Queensland since the last e-newsletter, including: the Mossman Gorge section of Daintree National Park; the Barron Gorge and Kuranda National Parks; the Smithfield Conservation Park; a residential garden in Mareeba; and the Herberton Range State Forest west of Atherton on the Atherton Tableland. These recent detections confirm that myrtle rust is now established and widespread in Far North Queensland.

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What is Junior Landcare?

Junior Landcare is about encouraging young people to play an active role in ensuring the safe future of their environment.

Launched in May 1998, Junior Landcare recognises that the contribution of young people is vital if the land they are to inherit is to be in the best possible condition. Junior Landcare also encourages young people to develop a sense of responsibility to the land and other natural resources.

Landcare activities can be successfully integrated into a range of topics within the school curriculum or be part of scout or similar youth group activities.

Landcare programs organised by schools and youth groups provide a great framework for learning in outdoor ‘living classrooms’. Junior Landcare enables kids of all ages to become involved with their local landcare group and work on a range of environmental projects.

Landcare Australia has teamed up with Turf Australia to help refresh, rebuild, or revive 15 school grounds across Australia with natural grass through a new program -Turf Australia Junior Landcare Perfect Patch of Green. The new Junior Landcare program highlights Turf Australia’s commitment to making a positive difference to the environment for schools and youth groups.

Turf Australia is giving schools and youth groups the opportunity to win a free green makeover. Schools and youth groups across Australia have the chance to have their sports field or recreational area revitalized with new turf.

Schools, students and teachers are invited to enter by telling us how natural turf will enhance your environment and how your school ground, recreational area and/or sports field will benefit from a real green makeover. We want to know how real turf will make a positive difference to your school and student community.

1. Download and complete the “Perfect Patch of Green” Entry Form [Click here to download]
2. Tell us about your school or group and how real grass will be of benefit to your students
3. Include 3 photos of the area that you would like to see improved with natural grass
4. Email your entry form by the 31^st July 2012 to grants@landcareaustralia.com.au

• Schools including preschools, kindergartens, primary and high schools across Australia.
• Youth groups including Scouts, Girl Guides and other community organisations that involve and support young people as a key component of their activities and services.

Schools or groups are invited to nominate an outdoor area that will be used by children or young people – that does not exceed 68m wide by 100m long and includes:

• Recreational or play area for children or students
• School grounds
• Sports fields (no bigger than 68m wide by 100m long) * or 6800 m² for round/odd shaped grounds.

• Turf Calculator – find out how to measure the area that you would like turf laid
• Turf Varieties – find out what variety of turf your school or group requires
• Turf Maintenance – find out more about caring for turf and maintaining lawns
• Turf Watering – find out how to make the most of your available water
• Download the Perfect Patch of Green program focus & criteria document

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: The Perfect Patch of Green program will close on Tuesday 31^st July, 2012 (5.00pm EST).

If you would like more information about Turf Australia and turf care tips please visit www.turfaustralia.com.au

OR Turf Queensland at: www.qtpa.com.au

For more information about the Perfect Patch of Green Program call (02) 9412 1040 or email grants@landcareaustralia.com.au or visit the website below.

For more information you can also log onto the Junior Landcare website on:

http://www.juniorlandcare.com.au/grants-2/turf-australia-junior-landcare-perfect-patch-of-green