1. Turfgrass Establishment and Renovation
Dr. John Stier
University of Wisconsin-Extension
and
University of Wisconsin-Madison

2. Considerations Site Uses Management inputs Seed or Sod? Expectations
Sunny or shaded?
Moist or dry?
Sandy or clay soil?
Uses
Management inputs
Seed or Sod?
Expectations

3. Seeding Advantages Disadvantages Inexpensive Choice of turfgrasses
Labor intensive
Time to establish
Daily effort
Weed encroachment
Seasonal limits

4. Step 1: Soil Test Determine soil type
Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium levels pH
Determine lime requirement
Submit 2-6 weeks prior to establishment

5. Step 2: Site Preparation
Remove surface/subsurface obstacles
Pre-plant vegetation control
Glyphosate (Roundup)
Allow 3-7 days translocation

6. Step 3: Rough Grade Remove topsoil & stockpile Till soil
Avoid extensive tillage
Contour the subgrade
Add topsoil or
root zone mix*
*Delay this step if soil test indicates amendments are necessary

7. Step 4: Add Amendments Lime Basic Fertility (0-20-20) Other amendments
Raises soil pH
Increases nutrient availability
(N, P, Ca, Mg, S, Mo)
Mix into top 4-6”
Basic Fertility ( )
Sandy soils, low in P & K
Other amendments
Peat into clay for structure
“Sand in clay is money thrown away, clay in sand is money in the hand”

8. Step 5: Fine Grade Smooth surface Remove rocks > peach pit
Fill depressions
Lower humps
Rake or drag mat
Remove rocks > peach pit
Rain/irrigation to settle soil
Lightly roll to find depressions

9. Step 6: Starter Fertilizer
N, P, K at 1:2:1 ratio (e.g., )
P for root growth

10. Step 7: Seeding Rates- seed size, growth habit
Kentucky bluegrass: 1 -2 lb/1000 ft2
Fine fescues: lb/1000 ft2
Perennial ryegrass: lb/1000 ft2
Tall fescue: lb/1000 ft2
Mixes:  2 species Blends:  2 species
Use supplier’s suggested rates
Optimal time: mid-August through mid-Sept
Alternates: Dormant seeding (Nov.), early spring (Apr)

11. Step 7: Seeding (cont’d)
Seed to Soil Contact is Essential!
Raking
Rolling
Slit-seeding
Core aerate
1/16-1/4” depth

12. Step 8: Mulch Purposes: Favorable moisture
Prevent wind erosion, animal activity, traffic
Types: Straw, marsh hay, hydromulch
cover 50% area with straw
1-2 bales /1000 ft2
No need to remove;
avoid excessive mulching

13. Step 9: Post-plant care Irrigation Germination periods Species Days
Keep moist, not saturated
1-3+ daily until germination
1/4 inch/application
Sun, wind, temperature, soil
1-7 times weekly for 1-2 months after germination
No traffic during establishment
Germination periods
Species Days
Kentucky bluegrass 7-21
Perennial ryegrass 5-7
Annual ryegrass 3-5
Fine fescues
Tall fescue
Creeping bentgrass 6-10

14. Step 9: Post-plant care (cont’d)
Mowing
Mow to 2” when turf/weeds  3” height
1/3 rule
Reduces weed competition
Fertilizer
0.5 lb N/1000 ft2 at 1-2” height
Herbicides
After 2nd or 3rd mowing: Read Label!
Siduron (pre-emergent; crabgrass, etc.) may be used at time of seeding

15. Sodding Advantages Instant lawn No weeds Reduced post-plant care
Little seasonal dependency
Disadvantages
Cost
Labor intensive-hire out? (big roll)
Potential soil layering
Insect/disease pests?
Limited species (KBG)

16. Sod Quality Weed-free Insect-free Soil type? Density, color, quality
Quackgrass, bentgrass
Insect-free
White grub, chinch bug, billbug, cutworm
Soil type?
Density, color, quality
Reputation is important-satisfied customers

17. Sod Preparation Soil test Site preparation--loosen soil if compacted
Rough grade
Soil amendments
Fine grade
Starter fertilizer
Moisten soil

18. Sodding Lay sod within 24-48 hrs Stagger sod pieces (brick-like)
Perpendicular to slopes
Use stakes if > 10% slope
Roll lightly
Air pockets
Water thoroughly
wet the underlying soil

19. Post-sodding care Keep moist until rooted (10-14 days)
Avoid overwatering
Avoid traffic until rooted and ground is firm, dry
Mow when traffic can be tolerated
Fertilize at days (0.5 lb N/1000 ft2)
Core aerate compacted ground or different soil types