How to Specify Turf Like a Pro – A Landscape Architect’s Guide

In premium landscape design, every plant, material, and surface must serve both aesthetic and functional goals — and turf is no exception. The difference between a thriving, low-maintenance lawn and one that underperforms often comes down to informed specification.

This guide takes a deeper look at how to specify turf with the clarity and precision expected from elite landscape professionals. From microclimate assessment to species selection and performance benchmarks, we break down the critical considerations for successful turf integration in your projects.

1. Start with the Fundamentals: Site Analysis

Before specifying any turf variety, gather a comprehensive site profile. Your analysis should include:

Sunlight Hours

• Track seasonal variations in sun exposure.
• Determine hours of direct light in both summer and winter — critical for shade-sensitive varieties.

Traffic Load and Intended Use

• Define functional zones (passive vs active use).
• Specify turf in relation to wear class (recreational, ornamental, or hybrid use).

Soil Profile and Composition

• Conduct soil testing to evaluate:
  • pH
  • Organic matter content
  • Compaction and structure
  • Cation exchange capacity (CEC)
  • Nutrient availability (especially phosphorus and potassium levels)

Hydrology and Irrigation

• Analyse drainage capacity and water retention.
• Specify appropriate turf with respect to:
  • Water access (irrigated vs dryland)
  • Evapotranspiration rates
  • Long-term water restrictions

Maintenance Intent

• Consider who will manage the site post-handover — a maintenance contractor or the property owner?
• Specify based on realistic inputs (mowing, fertilisation, water application, pest control).

2. Turf Selection by Performance Category

Not all turf varieties are created equal — and not all high-end projects require low-maintenance grass. The key is to align your variety with performance metrics.

Sir Grange Zoysia (Zoysia matrella)

Category: Premium Ornamental Turf

• Shade tolerance: High (requires only 3–4 hours direct sun)
• Growth habit: Fine-bladed, dense mat; slow vertical growth (low mowing)
• Root structure: Deep-rooted; exceptional drought resilience
• Maintenance: Minimal fertiliser, low thatch build-up
• Establishment: Slower to establish; ideal for long-term visual impact

Ideal for: Rooftop terraces, boutique residential lawns, commercial forecourts with shade, display gardens

TifTuf Bermuda (Cynodon dactylon x transvaalensis)

Category: High Performance Wear Turf

• Traffic tolerance: Excellent; elite wear recovery rate
• Water use: Certified as the most drought-tolerant turf on the market (Smart Approved WaterMark)
• Establishment speed: Fast
• Colour: Bright green; holds colour well in heat
• Shade tolerance: Moderate (requires 4–6 hours direct sun)

Ideal for: Civic plazas, public open spaces, schools, playgrounds, high-traffic lawns

Eureka Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum)

Category: Utility Turf / Cost-Efficient Coverage

• Establishment: Rapid spread via stolons and rhizomes
• Sun requirements: Full sun only
• Maintenance: Requires frequent mowing and containment
• Resilience: High wear recovery; good for erosion control on slopes
• Water use: Moderate to high; thrives with regular irrigation

Ideal for: Infrastructure corridors, large open spaces, roadside verges, cost-sensitive developments

3. Soil Specification: Setting the Right Foundation

Pairing turf with the correct engineered soil blend ensures optimal performance. Consider the following:

• Sand-based profiles for high-performance sports and commercial turf areas.
• Loam-based blends for residential and ornamental use, where moisture retention is more desirable.
• Incorporate organic amendments (composted bark fines, biochar, zeolite) to enhance nutrient holding and microbiome development.
• Use pre-plant fertilisers and mycorrhizal inoculants where appropriate.

4. Detailing for Longevity: Edging, Transitions & Irrigation

Professional specification goes beyond turf choice. Attention to integration will make or break the design.

• Turf edging: Define crisp transitions using steel, concrete, or stone edging to prevent turf migration.
• Surface transitions: Where turf meets paving, allow for settling and clear irrigation demarcation.
• Irrigation design: Use zone-controlled irrigation with low-precipitation nozzles and matched precipitation rates to avoid overspray and runoff.

5. Maintenance Schedules and Client Education

Provide a maintenance matrix as part of your specification package. Include:

• Mowing frequency (by season)
• Seasonal fertiliser application (N-P-K ratios)
• Weed and pest management cycles
• Aeration and dethatching schedules

Educating your client or facilities manager on this plan ensures the turf maintains its performance and appearance over the long term.

Final Thoughts: The Signature of Professionalism

For the top-tier landscape designer, turf isn’t just a green carpet — it’s a living, responsive ground layer that must be matched with care to context. A well-chosen turf speaks volumes about your design intent and attention to long-term sustainability.

At Nepean Landscape Supplies, we support your vision with:

• Detailed product specs
• Site-specific recommendations
• Bulk delivery and installation coordination
• Soil science consulting to ensure optimal turf establishment

Let’s specify smarter — and grow greener.