LC/DBM provides landscape contractors with Educational, Imaginative and Practical information about their business, their employees, their machines and their projects.
Without an herbicide, broadleaf weeds can easily overtake newly seeded turf (photo: Top left). Unlike many herbicides, new ones like SquareOne® from FMC can be applied up to six weeks earlier than current products, so turf gets off to a healthy start (photo: Top right).
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or follow correct management practices for seedling establishment. It's advisable that landscape contractors provide a "leave be- hind" flyer or brochure clearly explaining each step in detail.
Aerification and Site Preparation One of the best ways to prepare turf for seed is core aerification and removal of sur- face debris like leaves and sticks. This will ensure maximum seed-to-soil contact once the seed is dispersed. Aerifying the soil less- ens compaction and enables oxygen and wa- ter to get to plant roots. The core holes also retain moisture and provide a safe place for seedlings to grow.
When aerifying, use the largest tines avail- able, and make sure they penetrate 2-to-3 inches deep. Your goal is to achieve 20-to-40 holes per square foot, so two passes may be necessary depending on the machine. Also, ensure the tines can penetrate well by waiting for decent soil moisture from a good soaking rain or from irrigation.
Irrigation
Be sure to irrigate sufficiently once the seed is in the ground. Irrigate early in the morn- ing to reduce water loss due to evaporation. In the fall, during the first few weeks of watering, concentrate on keeping the lawn surface moist. This is best accomplished by frequent light waterings, especially on hot, sunny days. Areas of the lawn in full sun need irrigation more often than partially shaded areas. Lawn edges and curb areas are easy to miss. Also, slopes always dry out
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faster than level areas. In the spring, irrigate 2-to-3 times daily to ensure maximum ger- mination. Once maximum germination is achieved, irrigation can be decreased to en- courage deep-root development.
Fertilization
Prior to seeding, apply a balanced starter fertilizer. Fertilizer choice should be based on turf type nutrient requirements and re- sults from soil tests. Applying a fertilizer at seeding will immediately provide nutrients to newly germinated turf seedlings, which will aid in much more rapid turf growth and establishment.
Timing
Renovate in spring or early fall, but never in summer. Spring renovations typically oc- cur once air temperature is consistently in the 55 to 70 F range. In most areas this is March to early April.
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In early fall, it is generally recommended to allow for adequate time to achieve full turf establishment by October. The first few weeks in September are ideal, especially for cool season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and tall fescues. Fall seed- ing is the best timing, as soil and air tempera- tures are more favorable for turf growth and establishment.
Herbicides
Depending on weed pressure, an herbi- cide application may be warranted prior to seeding, especially if crabgrass is visible. Se- lective herbicide options for crabgrass con- trol include quinclorac-containing products (application timing prior to seeding varies
by product) while nonselective herbicides like glyphosate would provide a clean slate to re-seed.
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Another option is applying an herbicide just before or after seeding. Historically, this was not possible because many products restrict use on turf for up to six weeks after seeding, depending on turf type. However, one new herbicide, SquareOne® herbicide, has the least restrictions—and can be ap- plied either up to one day before seeding or as soon as seven days after emergence, on most cool or warm-season grasses. Whatever you choose, be sure to delay cultural prac- tices like scalping, core aerification and ver- tical mowing until three to five days after an herbicide application.
Mowing
The timing of mowing after renovation is dependent upon turf type and use. More aggressive, stoloniferous grasses may need mowing early to encourage new lateral growth. For bunch type grasses, mowing may need to be delayed four to six weeks af- ter seeding. The best game plan is to custom- ize the mow schedule according to turf type (see guides online) and local weather (which affects how fast turf grows). Just remember to never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at any one mowing in order to maintain proper height for maximum turf performance.
Practicing the seven steps outlined will greatly enhance the landscape contractors chances of producing the healthy lawn that clients look for, which in turn will mean good references, returning work and a grow- ing business.
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