horticulture cd unit c3-4: nursery, landscaping, and gardening

Horticulture CDHorticulture CD

Unit C3-4:Unit C3-4:

Nursery, Landscaping, and Nursery, Landscaping, and GardeningGardening

Problem Area 3. Problem Area 3.

Landscape InstallationLandscape Installation

Lesson 4. Lesson 4.

Selecting and Establishing Selecting and Establishing TurfgrassTurfgrass

Interest ApproachInterest Approach

What are some of adjectives to What are some of adjectives to describe a sweeping lawn (like that describe a sweeping lawn (like that of a golf course fairway)?of a golf course fairway)?

Interest ApproachInterest Approach Chances are their lists will use many Chances are their lists will use many

favorable terms. favorable terms. In scientific surveys where people were In scientific surveys where people were

shown photos of different habitats, 85 shown photos of different habitats, 85 percent of the people tested worldwide - percent of the people tested worldwide - regardless of what ecosystem they were regardless of what ecosystem they were living in or what country - chose open living in or what country - chose open savanna as the most appealing. savanna as the most appealing.

There is strong biological evidence, There is strong biological evidence, probably based on our evolutionary probably based on our evolutionary roots, supporting a lawn’s appeal.roots, supporting a lawn’s appeal.

Student Learning ObjectivesStudent Learning Objectives Explain how to select the proper Explain how to select the proper

turfgrass.turfgrass. Describe how to properly prepare the Describe how to properly prepare the

planting site.planting site. Describe how to seed the planting Describe how to seed the planting

site.site. Discuss how to properly install sod.Discuss how to properly install sod. Explain the proper installation of Explain the proper installation of

plugs.plugs.

TermsTerms

Cool season Cool season turfgrassturfgrass

PluggingPlugging SeedingSeeding SoddingSodding TurfTurf

TurfgrassTurfgrass Turfgrass blendTurfgrass blend Turfgrass mixtureTurfgrass mixture Warm season Warm season

turfgrassturfgrass

What is the best turfgrass to use?What is the best turfgrass to use?

I. Turf is the top layer of soil with the I. Turf is the top layer of soil with the plants that it supports. plants that it supports.

Most Americans who use the term Most Americans who use the term turf are referring to turfgrass, but turf turf are referring to turfgrass, but turf can actually be a groundcover such can actually be a groundcover such as ivy or other plants such as as ivy or other plants such as chamomile, creeping thyme, or chamomile, creeping thyme, or creeping yarrow. creeping yarrow.

What is the best turfgrass?What is the best turfgrass?

Turfgrass is specifically the Turfgrass is specifically the collection of grass species grown to collection of grass species grown to form a groundcover. form a groundcover. Turfgrass adds appeal to nearly every Turfgrass adds appeal to nearly every

landscape. landscape. Turf can create a visual floor or carpet Turf can create a visual floor or carpet

for outdoor rooms, residential settings, for outdoor rooms, residential settings, and panoramic vistas. and panoramic vistas.


Additionally, lawn areas act as a Additionally, lawn areas act as a transition between physical transition between physical structures and their surrounding structures and their surrounding beds. beds.

Most turf is highly wear resistant in Most turf is highly wear resistant in comparison to other plants, making comparison to other plants, making it a good choice for heavily trafficked it a good choice for heavily trafficked areas.areas.


A. Proper selection of turfgrass is A. Proper selection of turfgrass is necessary if the grass is to achieve necessary if the grass is to achieve its desired use, whether it’s for a its desired use, whether it’s for a golf course, playing field, park, or golf course, playing field, park, or suburban lawn. suburban lawn. The grass on a playing field will have The grass on a playing field will have

different stresses than a suburban different stresses than a suburban lawn or a golf course putting green. lawn or a golf course putting green.


Lawns with high traffic should use Lawns with high traffic should use tougher strains of grass than areas tougher strains of grass than areas which are used more for visual which are used more for visual interest which call for a finer interest which call for a finer textured grass.textured grass.


B. Environmental considerations play B. Environmental considerations play a large part in selecting a turfgrass. a large part in selecting a turfgrass. Temperature and precipitation are key Temperature and precipitation are key

factors affecting the adaptability of a factors affecting the adaptability of a turfgrass to a site. turfgrass to a site.

Other factors include the type of soil, the Other factors include the type of soil, the use of the area to be established, and the use of the area to be established, and the grasses’ maintenance requirements.grasses’ maintenance requirements.


1. Cool season turfgrass grows best 1. Cool season turfgrass grows best in temperatures of 60 - 75 °F. in temperatures of 60 - 75 °F.

They may become dormant if They may become dormant if allowed to dry out during the allowed to dry out during the summer. summer. Warm-season turfgrass grows best in Warm-season turfgrass grows best in

temperatures of 80 - 95°F.temperatures of 80 - 95°F.


2. There are four main turfgrass 2. There are four main turfgrass climatic zones:climatic zones: a. Cool humid - best suited to cool a. Cool humid - best suited to cool

season grasses such as bluegrass, season grasses such as bluegrass, ryegrass, fescue or bentgrass. ryegrass, fescue or bentgrass.

The soils are generally acidic and The soils are generally acidic and some irrigation may be needed to some irrigation may be needed to supplement the natural rainfall of the supplement the natural rainfall of the area.area.

Four Turfgrass Climatic ZonesFour Turfgrass Climatic Zones

b. Warm humid - best suited to b. Warm humid - best suited to warm season grasses such as warm season grasses such as Bermuda grass, zoysia, or St. Bermuda grass, zoysia, or St. Augustine grass. Augustine grass.

The soils are generally strongly The soils are generally strongly acidic and may be infertile due to acidic and may be infertile due to low organic content.low organic content.


c. Cool arid/semi-arid - best suited c. Cool arid/semi-arid - best suited to buffalo grass and wheat grasses. to buffalo grass and wheat grasses.

The soils are generally acidic and The soils are generally acidic and will usually not support other will usually not support other grasses unless there is adequate grasses unless there is adequate fertilization and irrigation.fertilization and irrigation.


d. Warm arid/semi-arid - best suited d. Warm arid/semi-arid - best suited to warm season grasses like gamma to warm season grasses like gamma grasses. grasses.

The soils are usually alkaline with The soils are usually alkaline with low fertility. low fertility.

They will not support grass without They will not support grass without irrigation.irrigation.


3. The amount of sun or shade a 3. The amount of sun or shade a lawn receives will also affect grass lawn receives will also affect grass selection.selection.

How can the site be properly How can the site be properly prepared?prepared?

II. In order to establish turf, II. In order to establish turf, regardless of the means of regardless of the means of installation, proper preparation of installation, proper preparation of the planting site will reduce many the planting site will reduce many problems. problems.

Properly Prepared SiteProperly Prepared Site

The following may need to be The following may need to be addressed:addressed: drainage drainage aerationaeration soil compactionsoil compaction pHpH soil fertilitysoil fertility debrisdebris


A. Weeds, especially perennial A. Weeds, especially perennial grasses, must be removed before grasses, must be removed before seeding a lawn or they will compete seeding a lawn or they will compete with more desirable grasses for the with more desirable grasses for the available nutrients and water. available nutrients and water. Use of an herbicide prior to other work Use of an herbicide prior to other work

will effectively remove these pests.will effectively remove these pests.


B. Proper drainage can be created B. Proper drainage can be created by grading the site. by grading the site. Generally a 1-2% slope away from Generally a 1-2% slope away from

buildings is adequate. buildings is adequate. If the soil is clayey, soil amendment If the soil is clayey, soil amendment

may be necessary to improve may be necessary to improve percolation of water.percolation of water.


For very heavy clay soils, it may be For very heavy clay soils, it may be necessary to install drainage tiles. necessary to install drainage tiles.

During the grading process, debris During the grading process, debris such as rocks or wood should be such as rocks or wood should be removed.removed.


C. Most turfgrass grows best with a C. Most turfgrass grows best with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

A soil test should be done, if topsoil A soil test should be done, if topsoil is being brought to the site. is being brought to the site. Amendments such as lime or sulfur Amendments such as lime or sulfur

can be added if necessary.can be added if necessary. Soil fertility can also be addressed at Soil fertility can also be addressed at

this time by adding organic matter or this time by adding organic matter or fertilizer.fertilizer.

How is seeding accomplished?How is seeding accomplished?

III. Seeding a lawn, where grass III. Seeding a lawn, where grass seed is used to establish the turf, is seed is used to establish the turf, is usually done in cool-season areas. usually done in cool-season areas.

Seeding should be done in early Seeding should be done in early spring or late summer (in the cool-spring or late summer (in the cool-humid region), when the weather is humid region), when the weather is at it’s optimum for good germination at it’s optimum for good germination and growth. and growth.


Advantages to seeding include:Advantages to seeding include: using desired species or cultivars.using desired species or cultivars. having the plants develop in the having the plants develop in the

environment in which they will be environment in which they will be growing.growing.

having plants develop deep root having plants develop deep root systems.systems.

reduced costs compared to other reduced costs compared to other methods of turfgrass establishment. methods of turfgrass establishment.


A. Once the site has been prepared, A. Once the site has been prepared, the proper grass needs to be the proper grass needs to be selected. selected. Turfgrass may be of one cultivar or it Turfgrass may be of one cultivar or it

may be a blend. may be a blend. A turfgrass blend is a combination of A turfgrass blend is a combination of

different cultivars of the same species. different cultivars of the same species.


Most blends contain several Most blends contain several cultivars, all chosen for their uniform cultivars, all chosen for their uniform appearance and growing habit.appearance and growing habit.

A turfgrass mixture is a combination A turfgrass mixture is a combination of different grass species.of different grass species.


B. When planting the grass seed, it B. When planting the grass seed, it is important to follow the seed is important to follow the seed label’s instructions for seeding rates.label’s instructions for seeding rates. Seed should be chosen for freshness, Seed should be chosen for freshness,

high germination rate, and the lowest high germination rate, and the lowest weed seed rate possible. weed seed rate possible.

Good turfgrass seed is more Good turfgrass seed is more expensive but will save much time and expensive but will save much time and money in the long run.money in the long run.


1. Once selected, the seed should 1. Once selected, the seed should be applied using a spreader. be applied using a spreader. Divide the seed into two halves. Divide the seed into two halves. Apply one half the seed going in one Apply one half the seed going in one

direction, then sow the other half at a direction, then sow the other half at a right angle to the first course.right angle to the first course.


2. After the seed is sown, 2. After the seed is sown, germination can be improved by germination can be improved by lightly raking the soil surface to lightly raking the soil surface to insure good seed-to-soil contact, insure good seed-to-soil contact, followed by rolling the lawn.followed by rolling the lawn.

How is seeding accomplished?How is seeding accomplished? 3. Light mulching of the seed bed 3. Light mulching of the seed bed

reduces drying out of the tender reduces drying out of the tender seedlings. seedlings.

Use clean straw or paper mulch Use clean straw or paper mulch scattered lightly over the surface. scattered lightly over the surface. Mulching has the added benefit of reducing Mulching has the added benefit of reducing

seed from blowing or getting washed away seed from blowing or getting washed away by rain. by rain.

Grass seedlings will grow up and over the Grass seedlings will grow up and over the mulch as it decomposes.mulch as it decomposes.


4. Adequate water is essential for 4. Adequate water is essential for establishing a seeded lawn. establishing a seeded lawn.

For the first few weeks, the For the first few weeks, the seedlings should be watered lightly seedlings should be watered lightly and frequently, sometimes more and frequently, sometimes more than once in a day. than once in a day.


The goal is to create a consistently The goal is to create a consistently moist (yet not saturated) environment for moist (yet not saturated) environment for the tender young plants. the tender young plants.

As the grass begins to mature, irrigation As the grass begins to mature, irrigation should become less frequent but more should become less frequent but more thorough, so that the soil is well thorough, so that the soil is well hydrated to a depth of one inch.hydrated to a depth of one inch.

How is seeding accomplished?How is seeding accomplished? 5. The first mowing should be done 5. The first mowing should be done

when the new grass has grown about when the new grass has grown about ½ inch taller than its desired height ½ inch taller than its desired height (between 2 ½” to 3”). (between 2 ½” to 3”). No more than one third of the grass blade No more than one third of the grass blade

should be removed at each mowing. should be removed at each mowing. For the first mowing, the cuttings may be For the first mowing, the cuttings may be

collected. collected. After that, mulching the grass cuttings back After that, mulching the grass cuttings back

into the lawn contributes to the health of the into the lawn contributes to the health of the turf.turf.

How is sod installed?How is sod installed?

IV. Sodding is when the mature top IV. Sodding is when the mature top layer of turf including the grass plant layer of turf including the grass plant and a thin layer of soil is used to and a thin layer of soil is used to establish a lawn. establish a lawn.

It can create an ‘instant’ lawn for the It can create an ‘instant’ lawn for the homeowner. homeowner.


Sod is also selected for its erosion Sod is also selected for its erosion control and its post installation ease control and its post installation ease of upkeep. of upkeep.

In warm-season regions, sod is the In warm-season regions, sod is the first choice of lawn installation since first choice of lawn installation since many warm-season grasses many warm-season grasses reproduce through vegetative reproduce through vegetative propagation.propagation.


A. Sod should be used as soon as A. Sod should be used as soon as possible after harvesting, ideally possible after harvesting, ideally within 24 hours, other-wise rolled within 24 hours, other-wise rolled sod will heat up, damaging or sod will heat up, damaging or destroying the live grass. destroying the live grass. Choose sod that contains a mix of Choose sod that contains a mix of

grass varieties that will grow well in grass varieties that will grow well in your weather region. your weather region.


Additionally,take into account the Additionally,take into account the conditions where it will be planted, conditions where it will be planted, choosing shade tolerant sod for choosing shade tolerant sod for under trees, drought tolerant sod for under trees, drought tolerant sod for hillsides, etc. hillsides, etc. In cool season regions, sod is best In cool season regions, sod is best

laid in the early fall but it can be laid in the early fall but it can be established at any time of the year established at any time of the year provided the ground is not frozen.provided the ground is not frozen.


B. The soil bed should be moist B. The soil bed should be moist before the sod is laid. before the sod is laid. Sprinkling the site the evening before Sprinkling the site the evening before

or the morning of installation is or the morning of installation is effective.effective.


C. The soil should be prepared for C. The soil should be prepared for sodding much as it would be for sodding much as it would be for seeding. seeding. It should be graded, amended, and It should be graded, amended, and

rolled to improve the sod’s chances of rolled to improve the sod’s chances of good establishment. good establishment.

Once prepped, the sod is laid, starting Once prepped, the sod is laid, starting at a straight edge. at a straight edge.


Sods should be butted together Sods should be butted together closely, but not overlapping. closely, but not overlapping.

The strips must also be in good The strips must also be in good contact with the soil for the grass contact with the soil for the grass plants to survive. plants to survive. A running bond pattern is used to A running bond pattern is used to

reduce gapping of the sod sheets.reduce gapping of the sod sheets.


D. Once laid, the sods should be D. Once laid, the sods should be irrigated regularly until well irrigated regularly until well established.established.

How are plugs installed?How are plugs installed?

V. Plugging is when small circular or V. Plugging is when small circular or square pieces of sod (between two square pieces of sod (between two to four inches in size) are inserted to four inches in size) are inserted into an established turf or on a into an established turf or on a prepared seedbed. prepared seedbed. This method is particularly useful in the This method is particularly useful in the

establishment of zoysia grass or other establishment of zoysia grass or other subtropical turfgrasses, since these plant subtropical turfgrasses, since these plant species do not produce seed well.species do not produce seed well.


A. Grass plugs are sold by the tray A. Grass plugs are sold by the tray or pallet. or pallet. Plugs are used to create a pattern of Plugs are used to create a pattern of

grass that will eventually grow over to grass that will eventually grow over to fill the empty areas. fill the empty areas.

It is usually a less expensive process It is usually a less expensive process than sodding with a comparable grass, than sodding with a comparable grass, however it is a time-consuming/labor however it is a time-consuming/labor intensive process.intensive process.


B. Plugs are planted generally six to B. Plugs are planted generally six to eight inches apart on the seedbed. eight inches apart on the seedbed. After planting, the soil should be After planting, the soil should be

firmed around each plug and the area firmed around each plug and the area should be kept moist for a few weeks should be kept moist for a few weeks until the grass is established. until the grass is established.

The plugs will typically grow to cover The plugs will typically grow to cover the entire area within one season.the entire area within one season.

Review / SummaryReview / Summary

1. What considerations should be made 1. What considerations should be made when selecting the proper turfgrass?when selecting the proper turfgrass?

2. What is needed to do to properly 2. What is needed to do to properly prepare a planting site?prepare a planting site?

3. What is the proper method to seed 3. What is the proper method to seed the planting site?the planting site?

4. Discuss how to properly install sod.4. Discuss how to properly install sod. 5. List the steps to the proper installation 5. List the steps to the proper installation

of plugs.of plugs.

horticulture cd unit c3-4: nursery, landscaping, and gardening

Documents