In this blog we will cover the advantages and disadvantages of three options, hydro seeding, ready lawn and artificial turf. When deciding on what grass product to use, you'll need to consider a few factors; your budget, time frame, maintenance required, how this area will be used and consider questions, will that area get enough sun to prosper. With all these products, precise preparation is vital to get maximum results.

​Hydro seeding is the most cost effective but also the most high maintenance of the three options. It is a blend of wood-fibre mulch, fertiliser, seed and water mixed to a slurry in a purpose built tank and sprayed onto your prepared site. The mulch protects the seed, retains water and ensures even germination. The fibre is dyed green which also gives a grass-like effect immediately. This mulch mixture bonds the seed to the soil, preventing erosion from the windblown soil and light rain. The fertiliser and mulch mixture provides an ideal nurturing environment for seed germination to establish a healthy lawn. 
Germination time will depend on the weather and the consistency of watering after application. In optimum growing conditions, including sufficient watering and warm ground temperatures, germination can be achieved in just 5 days. You new lawn could be requiring a mow in approximately 3 weeks. Generally lawn germination will take approximately 10 -14 days depending upon watering and ground temperatures. Irrigation in the first 2-3 weeks is most important for getting your new lawn to germinate evenly and quickly. The mulch must be kept damp at all times so the emerging seedlings do not dry out. Under or over watering can both produce unfavorable results. Depending on the site preparation, if there are any areas where water pools it can cause the grass to die which can produce bald patches. 
The hydroseeding product is weed-free but weed seed is always present in the soil whether supplied to you or existing. When you start watering your new lawn, weeds will also start to appear. These can be controlled with a selective weed-spray when your lawn is established.
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​It requires the same level of ground preparation as hydro seeding but when laid you will have an immediate green lawn that can be walked on straight away. It will need to be kept well watered for the first three weeks until the ready lawn is established, then water normally. If perennial weeds are a problem, spray with Roundup or Buster and then leave the area for about 3 weeks. 

With ready lawn, there’s no uncertainty. You know you’ll have a lush, springy, deep green lawn within hours – not months.

​Artificial grass has taken off world-wide as a low maintenance alternative to natural grass. Gone are the days of bright lime green “fake grass”, modern synthetic grass products look and feel just like real grass. It doesn't require mowing, fertilising or maintenance, looks manicured all year round, drains and wears better than natural grass. It reduces allergy triggers, nuisance insects and is easy to clean, so ideal for dog runs and children's playground areas.


There is a large range of specialist artificial landscaping grasses that suit different situations and personal tastes. Variations in blade thickness, length and texture ensures you get the look that suits your property or application. The turf options can now imitate the curled structure of natural grass and can vary in color. It is popular for areas where growing natural grass has proven to be problematic or difficult to access and maintain. Do you have an area in your garden where the sun doesn't reach but you would like to have grass there? Artificial turf could be the answer.


Like both other grass options, it is very important that the site be prepared carefully to get maximum results. 

Things to look out for when researching this product. Is it UV stable? Make sure you test the product, are you happy with the texture, colour, structure and feel of it? Make sure it doesn't contain any nasty chemicals or heavy metals. What is it's life expectancy and does it come with a guarantee or warranty for lasting colour and durability?

Way up the pros and cons and choose the option that best suits you and your family. Summer is here and it is time to get out into your garden and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Here is the link to our very handy Yardscape Grass Guide. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to give us a call. 

Garden design has evolved and become extremely popular. Gone are the days where the garden or terrace was an after thought. Houses are designed and renovated to take full advantage of the sun and utilise the section area, as is now the landscaping. People are thinking more creatively about how they use their exterior spaces, recognising the importance of kerb appeal and the value it can add to their property. Whether you own a lifestyle block or an apartment it doesn't matter the lines are being blurred between the interior design and the exterior spaces. People are expanding on the concept of indoor, outdoor flow creating outdoor spaces into extra living spaces, comfortable outdoor rooms with style and personality. 
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Whether it is scandi-sleek or modern rustic the interior concepts, materials, colours and textures are being translated into exterior designs. It could be as simple as using a mixture of plants to create different visual textures and laying them cleverly to create a relatively low-maintenance but highly dramatic outdoor space. By adding areas of concrete, paving or decking to define an area, which adds contrast and enhancing the design trend you are going for. For example, a modern rustic influenced garden may use recycled unique slabs of timber where as teak and pine may work well in a retro-relaxed style garden. You might introduce pops of colour like teals and mustard yellows into a scandi-sleek design, or contrasting and contemporary colours into a retro-relaxed style which will create a sense of drama. No matter how big your exterior space is you are only limited by your imagination. A vertical or multi-level garden are clever space-saving ideas for smaller spaces.
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To find out about the top five latest interior trends influencing garden designs in 2017 follow this link to NZ Gardener.