Turfgrass Management

What is turfgrass? Turf -- the plants in a ground cover and the soil in which the roots grow Turfgrass -- a collection of grass plants that form a ground cover.

Uses of Turfgrass Ornamental Utility Athletic

Benefits of Turfgrass Increase property value Control erosion Cooling effect/clean air Reduces player injuries

Types of Turfgrasses Cool-season grasses –g–grow best in a temperature range of Warm-season grasses –g–grow best in a temperature range of

Warm Season Grasses Bahiagrass Bermuda grass Carpetgrass Centipedegrass St. Augustinegrass Zoysia

Cool Season Grasses Buffalograss Bentgrass Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Perennial Ryegrass

Establishing Turfgrass Which way is the BEST way?

Common Methods of Turfgrass Establishment Seeding Sodding Plugging Sprigging

Turfgrass Establishment By SEED

Advantages: Desired species or cultivars can be used The plants develop in the environment in which they must ultimately survive This method is LESS EXPENSIVE

Factors for Good Seed Germination & Growth Live seed…don’t buy cheap seed Adequate moisture Sufficient soil warmth Adequate soil aeration

Steps in Seeding a New Lawn

#1. Site Preparation Rough Grade; remove rocks and wood Apply herbicide to kill existing weeds Conduct a soil test Apply soil amendments as necessary Thoroughly mix amendments to a depth of 6” Finish grade the site

#2. Seed Selection Select disease resistant varieties May be one single cultivar or a blend Buy certified seed

# 3. Planting Read the Seed Label for application rate –Tall fescue: 7-9 lb/1000 sq ft. –Kentucky Bluegrass: 2-3 lb/1000 sq. ft. Sow Seed Uniformly –sow with a broadcast spreader –sow 1/2 in one direction; sow other half at 90 degree angles –Avoid sowing too thickly

Assure good seed to soil contact –Use a rake to lightly mix seed into top 1/4” of soil –Roll lightly Apply a thin layer of straw Make sure adequate water is available –Water frequently and lightly –Important for root development

Turfgrass Establishment By Vegetative Propagation Sodding, Plugging, Sprigging

Sodding Provides an instant lawn Includes grass plants and a thin layer of soil Sod is harvested in rolls

Things to Remember Sod is usually 18” wide, 6’ long, 5/8” thick Comes in rolls or stacks Buy high quality = dense and free of weeds Should be installed 24 hours after cutting Steps in site prep same for seeding

Steps in Laying Sod Prepare site Dampen planting area Position 1st piece along a straight edge Lay rolls in parallel manner, staggering the ends Adequate irrigation is a must

Plugging Plug = a small, 2-4 inch square or circular piece of sod Mainly used to establish sub-tropical grasses Plant plugs 6-8 inches apart Firm soil around plugs…maintain moisture

Sprigging Sprigs = pieces of turfgrass rhizomes or stolons with roots attached Install by making shallow furrows 2-3 inches deep and 10 to 18 inches apart Bermuda grass is typically established by sprigs