10 turfgrass renovation

8/2/2019 10 Turfgrass Renovation

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Turfgrass Renovation


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Improving existinglawns by

overseeding Same timing as

establishing a newlawn

Identify the cause ofdamaged or thinnedturf


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Reasons for Turfgrass Failure

Improper cultural practices

Drought, heat, or cold stresses

Weeds, insects, or diseases Excessive thatch

Intermingled layer of living (tillers/stolons) & deadroots and stems that accumlate between the soil

surface & green vegetation. Unfavorable growth environment (shade,

poor soil conditions)

General neglect, abuse, or overuse


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Select a turfimprovement

program that willbest upgrade theturf

Take into

considerationsexisting conditions

Desired turf quality


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Turf Improvement Programs1. Initiate a program of sound cultural

practices

2. Renovate turf by planting into existing liveor dead vegetation

3. Totally reestablish the turf area


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Assessment Determine

Turfgrasses present

Soil conditions (fertility, pH, and drainage/aeration)

Thatch levels

Environmental conditions (light quantity, quality,and duration)

Existing perennial grassy weeds


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Program 1

Sound Cultural Practices Acceptable

characteristics, but

in undesirablecondition

Alter turfmanagement

practices to bring toacceptable quality


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Successful ProgramExisting turf must have:

acceptable turf species/cultivar

adequate density (potential for) acceptable soil conditions

thatch level of or less

small number of perennial grassy weeds


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ImplementationIntegrate the following practices to bring turf intodesired condition:

mowingirrigation

fertilization

cultivationpest control practices


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Program 2

Partial Renovation Often, poor turf requires

more than improved culturalpractices

Planting new seed intoexisting live or dead turfprovides:

Better turf appearance

Density

Disease/insect resistance Wear tolerance

Shade/drought tolerance


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Successful ProgramShould have proper:

soil drainage/aeration

pH fertility

thatch levels less than

small number of perennial grassy weeds if large number, apply nonselective herbicide


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Implementation1a. Overseeding into live

turf - mow short andremove debris to

reduce canopycompetition forgerminating seeds

1b.Overseeding into deadturf - use nonselectiveherbicide to killvegetation then mow toremove debris


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Implementation2. Open soil to enhance seed-soil contact via:

hand raking

vertical mowing Used to reduced thatch accumulation

core aerification

Method of soil cultivation that results in removal of soilcores (plugs)

slit seeding

Seeding into core aerification holes

3. If not slit seeding, broadcast seed


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Implementation4. Incorporate seed

with a drag mat orrake

5. Mulch


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Implementation6. Irrigate daily until

germination complete

7. Mow once turf reachesthe intended height ofcut


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Program 3

Complete Renovation Sometimes turf so poor

or the environment isunsuitable to support

turf growth


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Successful ProgramThis drastic method is

necessary when:

soil conditions unsuitable tosustain turf growth

thatch levels greater than and uncontrollable

existing vegetationunacceptable and cant beimproved


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Implementation1. Use a non-selective, short

residual herbicide likeglyphosate (Roundup) orglufosinate (Finale) to kill

existing turf and weeds Effectiveness of herbicides

enhanced by: Skipping a mowing prior

to treatment

AND

Apply to actively growingturf


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Implementation2. Correct soil pH, drainage, and/or fertility

problems by properly preparing the planting

bed3. Seeding or sodding can be initiated 3-5

days after treatment with non-selectiveherbicides


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Post-Renovation Care Once renovated turf has been seeded, turf

should be maintained as if it was a newly

established turf


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Complete renovation:

Kill/dethatch/reseed

Partial renovation:

Dethatch/overseed

If you have a good grade but want to put in a different grass, a completerenovation is sometimes the best way to go. If you just want to bolster the

existing turf, you can use a partial renovation.

17 d ft l ti


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17 days after planting

Sod

SeedDethatched

Seed

Killed/dethatched


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Overseeding

Warm-Season Turfgrass In subtropical climates some warm-season grasses

are overseeded during the fall with cool-seasongrasses

Improves appearance

Playability

Reduces injury from traffic

Most common on greens and tees

Also fairways and homelawns

Perennial ryegrass and rough bluegrass primarilyused


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Preseeding Preparation1. Reduce or eliminate nitrogen fertilization 4-6

weeks preceding overseeding.

2. Eliminate irrigation 3-4 weeks prior tooverseeding

3. Control weeds (apply products 50-90 days prior tooverseeding).


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Timing Numerous recommendations exist for timing

of overseeding of warm-season turfgrass

with cool-season turfgrass:1. Overseed 20-30 days before first killing frost.

2. When daytime highs are in the low 70s.

3. When soil temperatures at the 4 depth is

between 72-78oF.


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Seeding RatesPerennial Ryegrass:

Putting greens: 30-35 lbs per 1000 sq.ft.

Athletic fields: 20 lbs per 1000 sq.ft. Homelawns: 10 lbs per 1000 sq.ft.

Rough Bluegrass: 10 lbs per 1000 sq.ft.


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Postplanting Procedures1. Topdress lightly to smooth the surface.

2. Irrigate frequently until turf establishes.

3. Application of fungicide may be necessary forpythium control.


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Suggested Reading

Chapter 9; pgs 165-168

Chapter 19 - Improving Unsatisfactory

Turf

Practical Lawn Establishment andRenovation, Tom Cook

10 turfgrass renovation

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