FAQs

Mulches and Pebbles

How do I know how much mulch, or how many pebbles, I need?

Just enter the dimensions of your area into our calculator tool.
 

Can mulch completely stop weeds?

Sadly, no. The strongest deterrent is probably pebbles over weed mat, or, with organic mulches, a thick covering of wood chips. However, a thick layer of any mulch (around 10cm) should deter most weed growth.

How long does mulch last?

Forever, if you use pebbles. Organic mulches break down at different rates. Wood chip can last a few years. Many people choose to add a fresh layer of mulch every spring to freshen up their garden, while underneath the old layers are decomposing and improving the soil.

How does mulch help save water?

Under a thick layer of mulch, your soil will stay dark and cool. You won't have to water your garden as often, but when you do water it, do so thoroughly so the water penetrates through the mulch to the soil. If possible, lay your mulch over damp soil and the moisture will stay in your soil for longer.

Is "Soft Landing" a normal mulch?

Yes, it's just a particularly soft and fine pine mulch which has been designed and certified for use under play equipment and trampolines. But many people also use Soft Landing as a garden mulch.

Do termites like mulch?

It's always good to avoid having mulch in contact with wood, including your house. However, termites are repelled by cypress mulch - it smells lovely to us, but not to them.

What is in your red or black wood chips?

Our coloured wood chips are dyed with environmentally-friendly dye. They retain their colour well, but will fade slowly in sunlight and when exposed to weather.

Do Australian native plants need a particular type of mulch?

The only mulch to avoid with natives is a manure-type mulch, because they don't like the high levels of phosphorus. Other than that, the choice is yours.
 

What type of pebble should I use for a path or driveway?

Gravels and crushed products like blue metal or decomposed granite are ideal for this. You could use smaller pebbles as well. For pathways, stick to stones around 5-10mm and for driveways don't go over 20mm.

Soils

Why do you have Organic Garden Mix and Native Organic Garden Mix?

Native plants need a special low-phosphorus mix which is similar to our native soils. Organic Garden Mix is good for all your other plants. Or, if you're into growing vegies, try our Vegie Organic Mix.

What is TurfGro?

TurfGro has been specially designed to nourish your lawn. It can be used as an underlay when you are laying turf (at a depth of about 75-100mm), or as a top dressing. To use it as a top dressing, just scatter it over your grass and even it out to about 15mm thick with a lawn leveller before watering it in (or top dress just before rain is due and let the rain do it for you).

Can I improve my existing soil rather than buying more?

Yes, we also have products that will help nurture your plants as, unfortunately, our local soil is not always the most nutritious. VitaGrow can be dug into an existing garden to encourage growth, or you can add manure or fertiliser. With new areas, like planter boxes and raised garden beds, you are best to start with a new soil to give your new plants the best chance of growth.

What is topsoil?

Topsoil just refers to the top layer of soil. Turf grows in that top layer.

What is loam?

Loam is the ideal soil, with the perfect composition of sand, clay, silt, organic matter to offer the right level of drainage and nutrients to encourage plant growth.

I really can't do anything with my terrible soil--should I replace it?

If you feel like your soil is truly beyond saving, for example, if it is full of stones or only a thin layer of soil over rock, then spare yourself the task of removing it by building some garden beds. It's straightforward to build vegetable and flower beds with sleepers/ and it will give your plants the environment they need and instantly beautify your garden. Some people do remove their soil if it is particularly weed-bound before laying turf.

If I improve the quality of my soil, will it last forever?

Well, elements of soil will last forever (or a few lifetimes at least), but as your plants grow they will devour the nutrients in the soil. The organic matter will break down over time and eventually your soil will become barren if you don't do anything to add fresh organic matter.
For existing plants, adding compost and fertilizer to your soil every year will help keep them strong. For annual plants, improve the soil in your garden beds at the start of every season. You can add more of the quality soil you have chosen, or add fertilisers or Vitagrow Extra, which is a soil additive created from composted green waste. Mix Vitagrow into your soil to add nutrients.

Are soil pH test or soil nutrient test kits any good?

Not always. It's one of those products where you get what you pay for. Cheap kits can be misleading and not report the right ph. Most people aren't prepared to spend what you need to get a correct soil pH result.

Will mulch improve my soil?

That depends on the type of mulch. Organic mulch will decompose gradually and increase the level of nutrients in your soil. Compost mulch is the fastest to decompose--as the name suggests, it's already partially composted. Inorganic mulch, like pebbles, don't decompose, so you don't get any soil improvement, although they will help to retain the water in your soil, stop weed growth and look good.

How much soil will I need?

Our soil volume calculator will help you figure out what you need.

How often should I top dress my lawn?

Ideally every year. Top dressing can give your turf a quick boost for a season, but used consistently it builds up nutrient levels over years, giving your turf a longer, healthier, better-looking life.
 

Turf

Which types of turf do you sell?

Our most popular turf is Sir Walter Buffalo turf, but we also sell Kikuyu, Couch, Zoysia and others, and can order in different types if needed. We even have artificial turf. See our turf range.
 

Why is Sir Walter so popular?

Sir Walter has been bred to thrive in Australian conditions, and to be much softer than the buffalo lawns of the past. It combines everything needed for the Aussie garden; strength, softness, durability, shade tolerance and more. It handles the extremes of our climate well and even needs less mowing than some other popular turf types. Our Sir Walter is DNA certified, which means that you get a certificate showing that it is genuine Sir Walter, and you also get a ten-year guarantee. So, yes, we sell a lot of Sir Walter!  

Q: Do you do trade pricing?

A: If you are logged in as a business or trade customer, yes. Once you log into your account, all pricing on the website will be your specific trade pricing.
Not yet a business customer? No worries, call us on 8543 3499 to arrange an appointment with a Project Consultant to set up your trade account, giving you access to exclusive trade pricing.

Q: Can I get same-day delivery?

A: We can usually deliver on the day of order, or within 24 hours. Special orders tend to take longer.

Q: Do you offer quantity discounts?

A: Yes, most of our products have quantity pricing, so the more you buy, the cheaper it gets.

Q: What weight increments do you sell in?

A: Most of our bulk products are measured in cubic metres or tonnes and are available in increments of a quarter.

Q: How long do special orders take?

A: The lead time for most of the products we special order is three to five days. If you're looking for lead times on a specific product, view the product on our website and the lead time is shown under Item specifications.

Q: How many cubic metres of product do I need to cover a square metre of ground?

A: This varies, depending on the product and how deep you need it to be. Use our calculators to figure it out, or call us for more info.

Q: Do you deliver and is there a minimum quantity?

A: There is no minimum delivery quantity if you pay the full cost of delivery. Our delivery calculator can estimate delivery costs, but please note it only works if you have something in your cart, and may change depending on the products in your cart and the delivery address.

Q: How soon can you deliver?

A: When would you like your product? In most cases we can deliver on the day you order or you can choose a time to suit you.

Q: What days do you deliver?

A: In the greater Sydney region, we deliver six days a week, from Monday to Saturday. We usually offer next day delivery, depending on the area. We also offer delivery of larger quantities to other areas - call us on (02) 8543 3499 to discuss.

Q: How will I know when my delivery is coming?

We keep you in the loop every step of the way so you know exactly when to expect your delivery:

Order confirmation: Email sent confirming your itemised order, payment and delivery details.

One day prior to delivery: Text message confirmation of upcoming delivery date, except for same day deliveries.

On the morning of delivery: Text message reminder confirming the delivery window.

On the day of delivery: Text message with arrival ETA once our truck leaves the yard.

Did you request a proof of delivery? Delivery docket will be emailed the morning after a completed delivery.

Are you a trade customer? Your invoice will be emailed or faxed after 10pm on the delivery day.

Q: How far can your crane trucks lift the bulk bags?

A: Our crane trucks will fit down most driveways (2.7m or 9 feet needed for access) and we have a fleet of cranes ranging from 3m to 21m, so our driver can usually put the bag in a convenient location for you. Depending on access, our crane trucks can also lift bags over side or back fences.

Q: Do you offer a Click & Collect option?

A: Yes, you can make your purchase online or over the phone, and pick up your goods at either our Taren Point or Brookvale yards for free. You can also hire a courtesy trailer, which can handle a weight of up to 750 kilos (deposit required). Please remember to bring your photo ID for all Click & Collect orders.

Still have more questions? Give us a call on 8543 3499.