LAWN ESTABLISHMENT AND CARE

LEARNING OBJECTIVES  Compare and contrast the processes of establishing a lawn by seeding vs. sodding.  Describe the proper and safe operation of a mower.  Describe the maintenance needs of a lawn including irrigation, fertilization, and aeration.  Explain the difference between selective and non-selective herbicides.

FUNCTIONS OF TURFGRASS  Ornamental  Sports and Recreation  Soil stabilization

TYPES OF GRASSES Cool-Season:  Kentucky bluegrass  Tall fescue  Fineleaf fescue  Perennial ryegrass  Crested wheatgrass Warm-Season:  Bermuda grass  Buffalo grass  Zoysia  Bluegrama

SITE PREP  Debris removal  Eliminate existing vegetation  Grading  Remove existing topsoil  Grade subsoil (1-15% slope away from the home)  Replace topsoil (should be 4-6 inches)  Soil Amendment  Soil testing is best  Organic amendments  2 lbs. actual N/1,000 sq. ft.  Surface preparation  Raking and rolling

ESTABLISHING A LAWN: SEEDING  Least expensive  Timing  Seeding by hand  Mechanical seeder  Mulching  Post-seeding care  Irrigate 2x daily until germination  0.5 lbs. actual N/1,000 sq. ft. after germination

ESTABLISHING A LAWN: SODDING  Sod is grass that is cultivated, mowed, and cut into strips  Provides instant groundcover  Most expensive  Irrigate plot several days before planting

ESTABLISHING A LAWN: SPRIGS, PLUGS, AND STOLONS  Plugging  Sometimes called spot-sodding  Sprigging  Pieces of short stems or runners placed in shallow furrows 4-6 inches apart  Stolonizing  Sometimes called broadcast sprigging  Used for very large areas

MAINTENANCE: MOWING  Mowing frequency  Remove only 30% of leaf blade at one time  Mowing height  ½ to 4 inches (varies with species)  Returning clippings  Adds nutrition  Mower operation  Mow when grass is dry  Keep mower blades sharp  Mow in one direction; next time mow at right angle

POWER MOWER SAFETY  Wear protective shoes.  Remove debris, rocks, sticks prior to mowing.  Use a stick to remove debris (not fingers) from mower blades.  Tractor mowers should have ROPS and seatbelt.  Disengage PTO before starting the engine.  Ground speed of 2 to 5 miles/hr.

MAINTENANCE: IRRIGATION  Performed according to need, not schedule  Water thoroughly and infrequently  Apply at least 1 inch per irrigation (soil should be wet down to 6 inches)  Sandy soil: 30 min  Loam: 2 hrs  Clay loam: 3.5 hrs  Automatic sprinkler systems  Rain sensors are helpful  Footprinting method for determining when to irrigate

MAINTENANCE: FERTILIZATION  High in nitrogen (2-4x as much as P or K)  Part slow-release, part quick-release  Timing and rate  Young lawn –½ to 1 lb. actual N/1,000 sq. ft. when grass reaches 2 inches; then every 3-4 weeks  Established lawns  2 lbs. actual N/1,000 sq. ft. twice a year  Application  Granular, broadcast and water-in  Fertilizer spreader  Diluted liquid provided with irrigation for very sandy soils

MAINTENANCE: AERATION  Relieves compaction  Core aerator removes small cores of soil to a depth of 4 inches  Mechanical or hand tools are available  Performed when grass is actively growing

WHAT IS THATCH?  A layer of stems and decaying organic matter that accumulates between the turf surface and the soil  A ½ -inch layer cushions and protects the grass  De-thatching is stressful and rarely indicated for residential lawns!

WEED CONTROL  Good cultural practices  Selective vs. non-selective herbicides  2,4-D (selective) controls broadleaf weeds in lawns  Dandelion, plantain, clover, puncture vine  Preemergence  Benefin, Dacthal  Kill weedy grasses before they germinate  Do not use “weed-and-feed” herbicide/fertilizer products near tree roots

REVIEW QUESTIONS  The least expensive way to establish a new lawn is by _____________.  If you are removing more than 30% of a grass blade at a mowing, you need to mow (more/less) frequently.  Lawns should be irrigated _________ and infrequently.  Thatch can be controlled by regular ____________.