Turfgrass Maintenance

1
Turfgrass Maintenance

• Renovation and Cultivation Practices
• De-thatching, Core Aerification, Overseeding

2
Thatch

• Thatch is a layer of partially decomposed plant
  material that builds up on the soil surface.
  
• Usually more than half an inch of thatch on
  general turf areas decreases turf vigor by
  restricting the movement of air, water,
  fertilizer and pesticides into the soil.
• Excessive thatch also restricts root development
  and provides a suitable environment for insect
  and disease pests

3
Thatch Accumulation

• Most development occurs in highly stoloniferous
  and/or rhizomatous grass species.
  
• Generally warm season turfgrasses such as
  Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass, Pasalum species and
  more.

4
(No Transcript)
5
(No Transcript)
6
(No Transcript)
7
Thatch Removal

• Thatch can be removed by a vertical mower or
  other means of de-thatching, such as a power
  rake.
  
• This equipment is often available from rental
  companies.

8
(No Transcript)
9
(No Transcript)
10
Steps in renovation

• Scalp lawn as low as mower can possibly cut
• May require multiple passes
• Collect clippings
• Vertical mow
• Large amounts of vegetative material (thatch)
  will be brought to surface
  
• Rake and harvest thatch and dispose (or vacuum if
  possible)

11
(No Transcript)
12
(No Transcript)
13
(No Transcript)
14
Steps in renovation

• Core aerification
• An optional but sometimes very important step in
  the renovation process. Severe compaction of the
  soil surface or presence of soil layers differing
  in texture in the surface two inches are
  conditions that require core cultivation or
  aerification.
• This improves aeration and water penetration and
  reduces surface layering problems.
  
• Repeat cultivations are generally necessary for
  best results. If aerifying is done, vertical
  mowing or dragging of the area with a steel
  dragmat may be necessary to break up the cores
  and scatter the soil over the surface.
• Aerification does not remove excessive thatch and
  should complement, not substitute, for vertical
  mowing.

15
(No Transcript)
16
(No Transcript)
17
(No Transcript)
18
(No Transcript)
19
(No Transcript)
20
Steps in renovation

• Topdressing
• is the application of a thin layer of soil to the
  entire turf surface to level renovated areas or
  to fill small depressions.
  
• Topdressing is also a good method of controlling
  thatch, as it provides an ideal habitat for soil
  microorganisms that decompose thatch naturally.
  
• It is very important to topdress with soil
  similar to the native soil on which the turf is
  growing and use as little as possible to minimize
  layering. Never bury turf with topsoil when
  leveling or filling depressions

21
Steps in renovation

• Over seeding
• Warm season grasses - fall
• Cool season grasses spring and fall
• Seeding rates
• Light fertilizer application (0.25 -0.5 N)
• Continue with normal irrigation schedules
• Warm season grasses recover within 30 days

22
(No Transcript)
23
(No Transcript)
24
(No Transcript)
25
(No Transcript)
26
Cool Season Turfgrasses

• Core aeration
• Topdressing
• Fertilization
• Standard mowing practices
• Early spring and/or fall