ANTHONY MUSCAT

Turf grower Anthony Muscat has produced turf in family-owned businesses for 21 years and strongly believes grass plays an important role in our wellbeing.

Anthony’s farm, Greener Lawn, employs eight people including his wife Margaret and two sons. It produces 150-200 acres of fresh, weed-free, mature turf each year.

Greener Lawn, a subsidiary of Green Line Turf, grows six varieties of grass, with the popular Sir Walter soft leaf buffalo comprising 70 per cent of the annual crop.

Greener Lawn and its sister companies, Green Life and Green Way, are operated by Anthony and his two brothers.

Greener Lawn supplies direct to Sydney-based landscapers, homeowners, and wholesales interstate. Via Green Line Turf, Anthony provides turf for all Bunnings stores in NSW that feature a gardening centre.

Green Line Turf also supplied the popular renovation show, Backyard Blitz, which featured Turf Australia ambassador, Jody Rigby.

Anthony uses environmentally-friendly fertiliser and pesticides on his farm and always looks for ways to save water. The farm has recently installed a new $150,000 lateral move irrigation system to save water.

The farm often trials new varieties of grass, however, according to Anthony most are not well-suited to Australia’s varied climate as those varieties already available.

Anthony says grass in both residential and commercial areas is important for health and wellbeing and shouldn’t be taken for granted.

“Grass has many practical and aesthetic benefits and isn’t the water guzzler that many think. These are important messages for our industry to share with Australians,” says Anthony.

Anthony has been a board member of Turf Australia since 2010. Turf Australia represents growers across Australia and is a voice for the industry on the benefits of turf.

“It’s important to me as a turf producer to ensure the industry keeps growing. Turf Australia helps educate the public about why grass is important to our Aussie way of life, and how people can continue to enjoy their lawns with easy maintenance,” says Anthony.

Via Turf Australia, Anthony is involved in grass research and public awareness projects. An upcoming project in Queensland aims to show landscape architects, council planners and specifiers how turf can prevent soil erosion on building sites, land developments and roadsides.

A large demonstration site will simulate the soil erosion potential of various mediums such as silt fences, rocks, hay bales and hydro mulch in comparison to turf.

For more information on Greener Lawn, visit:www.greenerlawn.com.au

More information on Turf Australia can be accessed at: www.turfaustralia.com.au