Jon Hill Turf explains here all about the turfgrass and its management. Turfgrass means a collection of grass plants that form a ground cover. Jon Hill Turf is an expert in laying turf profession.

1. TurfgrassTurfgrass
ManagementManagement
By: Jon Hill Turf

2. What is turfgrass?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.

3. Uses of TurfgrassUses of Turfgrass
Ornamental
Utility
Athletic

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

5. Types of TurfgrassesTypes of Turfgrasses
Cool-season grasses
◦ grow best in a temperature range of 60-75.
Warm-season grasses
◦ grow best in a temperature range of 80-95.

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

8. Cool Season GrassesCool Season Grasses
Buffalograss
Bentgrass
Fescue
Kentucky Bluegrass
Perennial Ryegrass

9. Establishing TurfgrassEstablishing Turfgrass
Which way is the BEST way?

10. Common Methods of TurfgrassCommon Methods of Turfgrass
EstablishmentEstablishment
Seeding
Sodding
Plugging
Sprigging

11. Turfgrass Establishment ByTurfgrass Establishment By
SEEDSEED

12. Advantages: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

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

14. Steps in Seeding aSteps in Seeding a
New LawnNew Lawn

15. #1. Site Preparation#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

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

18. # 3. Planting# 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

20. 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

22. Turfgrass Establishment ByTurfgrass Establishment By
Vegetative PropagationVegetative Propagation
Sodding, Plugging, Sprigging

23. SoddingSodding
Provides an instant lawn
Includes grass plants and a thin layer of soil
Sod is harvested in rolls

24. Things to RememberThings 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

26. Steps in Laying SodSteps 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

27. PluggingPlugging
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

28. SpriggingSprigging
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

29. Thank youThank you