TURF QUALITY

Turfgrass Grass plants that tolerate mowing and traffic

TURF QUALITY Visual characteristics Density Number of shoots per unit area Varies with type of grass and cultural practice

TURF QUALITY Visual characteristics Texture Leaf blade width Fine versus coarse Not appealing when mixed Finer texture related to higher density

TURF QUALITY Visual characteristics Color Darker green seems more appealing Mowing quality Fertilizer Species

TURF QUALITY Visual characteristics Uniformity Even appearance of turf Color, texture, density, height, evenness

TURF QUALITY Visual characteristics Smoothness Roll of ball on golf green Stimpmeter

TURF QUALITY Functional characteristics Rigidity Resistance to compression Wear resistance to traffic Softness on bare feet

TURF QUALITY Functional characteristics Elasticity Leaves spring back after compression Water stress indicated by low elasticity

TURF QUALITY Functional characteristics Resiliency Capacity to absorb shock Athletic fields Due to shoots, roots, and thatch

TURF QUALITY Functional characteristics Yield Clippings removed by mowing Indication of growth Excessive yield can reduce root growth and increase thatch

TURF QUALITY Functional characteristics Recuperative capacity Ability to recover from damage by disease, insect, traffic…