They are experts in their field.

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When Mike and Debbie Glasson bought a hydroseeder machine 17 years ago, it was arguably one of the most crucial business decisions they ever made.

The couple have owned Ōhaupō-based Lawn & Turf Contracting (civil and domestic lawn and turf specialists) for 21 years relying initially on Mike’s international experience as a golf course greenkeeper and turf expert.

He realised hydroseeding – hydraulic mulch seeding, or spray on lawns – offered cost effective opportunities to install a quick establishing and healthy lawn.

So, they borrowed the money to buy the hydroseeding machine and they have never regretted the decision.

The company now owns four hydroseeding machines using them for everything from domestic lawns to civil works, small lifestyle blocks and farms.

Mike was an earlier adopter of hydroseeding machines realising what a game-changer they are to the lawn and turf market.

“Preparation is the key and that’s what we pride ourselves on,” he said.

The service doesn’t stop after the lawn or turf has taken either. The company provides a complete package – from preparation and lawn installation through to irrigation and aftercare.

The business worked its way through the Covid pandemic and is now busier than it has ever been.

“Our business has grown due to our ability to provide an all-round service, from site preparation, irrigation design and installation, sowing of seed, hydroseeding and providing aftercare service and lawncare service,” said Mike.

In recent years the company has also branched out into synthetic artificial turf, popular among town house developers as an example.

They are both committed to their community – Mike grew up in Te Awamutu and Debbie in Ōtorohanga and they now run their family-owned business in Ōhaupō because it is ideally placed to cover the greater Waikato area.

The business has a large client base ranging from local councils, building companies, home owners, civil companies and has just completed a large hydroseeding job on the new Waikato Expressway in Tamahere.

They were also brought in to provide their expertise at the new Tīeke golf course (formerly Lochiel).

Swale drains, new roadside and footpath berms are among regular jobs they do for various councils and developers.

“We have a can do attitude – anything to do with lawn and turf, our goal is to get it right so our clients have a great lawn or turf to be proud of,” said Mike.

Lawn & Turf also has an online shop for everything from lawn seed to fertiliser and garden equipment.

You can also visit their showroom in Ryburn Road (entrance off Forkert Road) in Ōhaupō to look at the various lawn and turf options available.

If you are a golfer, take your putter – Mike has installed a putting green to prove his greenkeeping skills are still top notch.

There are also examples of lawn available – rye-fescue, fine fescue or tall fescue – so you can take your shoes off and try it out yourself.