Backyard for All Seasons

Kickball, soccer, golf — for an East Oahu homeowner, enjoying these activities and spending quality time with his two young sons happens daily in a backyard that’s made to last. But it wasn’t always so: It took quality products and service from Hawaiian Turfgrass to transform the family’s lot from “rocks and weeds” into a verdant recreational space.

“I grew up in the Midwest where I had a big yard,” says the homeowner. “I was like, you know what, we may not be able to build on this right away, but I can put the work in and figure out how to do it, so that I can make a nice yard for my boys to be able to play on.”

The homeowner began researching different turfgrass varieties last summer. “I was interested in the SeaStar Seashore Paspalum, because they use that on golf courses over on the Big Island,” he explains. But after connecting with Hawaiian Turfgrass founder Sean Aukanai‘i Fong, the homeowner learned about another variety that would work better for his family’s needs.

An East Oahu ohana opted for Stadium Zoysia for this expansive backyard. The turfgrass variety is attractive, drought-tolerant and sturdy enough to withstand the family’s many activities and gatherings.

“Sean explained to me the challenges of handling the weeds with Seashore Paspalum,” says the homeowner. “He started showing me the Stadium Zoysia, which has all the benefits of the Paspalum as far as the look and the color and the fine blade.”

Stadium Zoysia is a recent addition to Hawaiian Turfgrass’ farm in Mililani. Fong is eager to educate customers on this lush variety — it’s drought-tolerant, relatively easy to maintain, aesthetically attractive, and durable against extensive foot traffic. Most Hawaii homeowners opt for the standard El Toro Zoysia, Fong notes, but as the exclusive local supplier of Stadium Zoysia, he encourages residents to explore this alternative as well.

The homeowner agrees. “It’s not so finicky,” he says, “It has everything I was looking for in the type of grass I wanted to add to my home.”

Working with Fong and the Hawaiian Turfgrass team was “fantastic,” the homeowner adds. After sharing pictures and ideas of his backyard project with Fong, the two collaborated on how to best prepare the lot. From understanding soil pH to figuring out how to incorporate the grass with pavers, Fong was available for assistance and site visits along the way.

Hawaiian Turfgrass has a staff of licensed landscape contractors, but Fong and his crew also support homeowners who choose to work on projects themselves. In either case, ordering any of Hawaiian Turfgrass’ varieties can be done quickly and easily online, 24/7, with efficient delivery to your door.

And the results are worth it, says the homeowner.

“We absolutely love it. When it first grew in, the kids were going out of the car and they looked at the lawn, and they were just so enticed by it that they went out there and started tumbling and rolling around. It was just the best feeling that after all the work that we put in, the boys really appreciated having a space that they love.”

Online ordering is available 24/7 on the Hawaiian Turfgrass website, hawaiianturfgrass.com. Hawaiian Turfgrass delivers statewide. Call Fong at (808) 371-0527 to schedule an appointment, and ask about Hawaiian Turfgrass’ $600 discount on installation with purchase. (License #C-32884)