Turf suppliers in Brisbane offer well-known services for cultivating quality turf grass. However, when it comes to the development of healthy, long-lasting landscapes, the turf quality isn’t the only facet of the process. A vital component that lies within the earth is nutrient-rich soil, which is equally, if not more, important.
More often than not, installing a turf landscape is either successful or a complete failure due to the overall health and condition of the soil that the grass is established upon. This is one of the main reasons why turf suppliers are so influential in the cultivation and installation of turf.
Testing the Soil Before the Installation of Turf Is Crucial
The chemical and physical properties of the soil, which include the following, should be assessed prior to the installation of turf:
- Texture
- Structure
- pH levels
- Nutrient content
The root development, the vitality of the lawn, and the establishment of the turf can be influenced by the aforementioned factors. Turf suppliers who are familiar with the condition of the soil in Brisbane will use testing the soil as a diagnostic tool to help them discover any limitations before installing the turf.
If the turf is laid without first testing the soil, it could be installed on acidic soil that is highly compacted or lacks the essential nutrients needed for it to be healthy.
The Most Consistent Soil Challenges in Brisbane
The unique topography and climate of Brisbane can cause several common problems with the soil. For example, some suburban developments may have soil that consists of compacted layers that have drainage issues due to possibly being disturbed by construction. It’s also possible that soil in other areas has a deficiency in phosphorus or nitrogen.
And soil in some areas can have either low or high pH levels, which makes it difficult to have consistent grass growth. In the western parts of Brisbane, turf suppliers have commonly found clay-heavy soils, which can develop water retention and limit the growth of roots.
The Procedures Used to Test the Soil
Turf suppliers will begin testing the soil by first collecting several soil samples from certain areas of the landscape site. Those soil samples can either be tested on-site by using a field kit, or they will be sent off-site to a laboratory to receive a more detailed analysis. The results from that test can offer important details about the soil’s nutrient profile, pH balance, structure, and salinity.
The turf supplier may be able to make well-informed decisions regarding soil amendments once the results are obtained. The possible soil amendments include the following:
- Lime: Added to raise overall pH balance.
- Gypsum: Added to help break up any clay in the soil.
- Organic Compost: Added to boost the nutrient levels and improve the overall structure of the soil.
In certain areas that are more sandy, it is recommended to use water retention agents or soil conditioners to increase moisture retention.
Personalised Recommendations and Preparation of the Soil
When it comes to preparing soil, most turf suppliers rely on test results to offer personalised recommendations. These could include the following:
- Topdressing
- Tilling
- Aerating
- Fertilisation
These plans are usually aligned with the turf variety that the client selected and the environmental conditions of the site.
Final Thoughts
To ensure your turf installation is successful, having the site’s soil tested beforehand can be crucial. Understanding the unique qualities of the soil, turf suppliers are able to provide recommendations that are tailored to suit each different site and its needs. Contact Brisbane’s commercial turf suppliers to handle the job right.