Many lawns in new developments are not fit for purpose.
Announcement posted by Jimboomba Turf Group 10 Mar 2017
By Shane Bridges
March 10, 2017
Brisbane, Australia - Jimboomba Turf one of Australia’s leading turf growers have today release a case study that investigates the continued use of lawn types that are not fit for purpose. Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that the average percentage of residential block taken up by the house has grown from 27% in 1985 to 85% in 2012. This astronomical growth has put huge pressure on the unchanged grass varieties still used in modern backyards that aren’t fit for purpose for shaded lawns.
"Traditionally the project built home sector specify a ‘not fit for purpose’ lawn type that has next to no shade tolerance, this is done on cost basis with scant regard to longevity and multigenerational issues. The research from the University of Hawaii shows that the commonly used Couch grass needs six hours of direct sunlight and many modern Australian backyards just don’t get that amount.” – Lynn Davidson, Jimboomba Turf Group – Managing Director.
The minimal cost savings of installing a lawn that is not fit for purpose are completely offset by increased lifetime costs of both lawn maintenance and the risk of the lawn requiring replacement.
Both homeowners and builders need to pay closer attention to the conditions a new lawn will face. The focus on price needs to be changed to a focus on climatic conditions especially focussing on the factor of shade. By using the amount of direct sunlight a new lawn will receive the lawn installed will be fit for purpose, delivering lower maintenance costs for the life of the lawn.
The liveability of green spaces in modern backyards will also benefit from a focus on fit for purpose lawn types. With parents already struggling to get children to swap screen time for outside time, without the added complication of dusty and worn out lawns that cannot thrive or survive in the shade.
“A healthy thriving lawn environment around a home encourages children to participate in physical activity. Generally speaking the environment where the alternate ‘not fit for purpose’ lawn type products exist, are decimated by shade and are far from appealing recreate on.” – Lynn Davidson, Jimboomba Turf Group – Managing Director.
The full Case Study can be found at: http://jimboombaturf.com.au/fit-for-purpose-turf/