Turfgrass Installation Selfcheck List the site preparation steps: Subgrade Prep (does it drain? Does it need to be graded or ripped?) Rough Grade and installation of services - irrigation, power, water features, possibly leave areas around hardscaping in piles to prevent compaction. Bed Prep and Install - decompaction, edging, soil amendments, installation, mulch (when necessary). Turf Prep and Install - decompaction (prevention is best), maybe fertilizer installation, Final grade What depth of topsoil is the standard typically specified in industry, what does Turf need, and what sorts of amendments are used? 15 - 30 cm. Turf needs 10-15 cm (because most of the roots are found at this depth). Amendments include - slow release fertilizer, compost, peat moss, and sand (must be more than 50% composition though - go big or go home). What types of weeds need to be picked out or watched for? Perennial weed roots (rhizomes and tap root pieces) - quackgrass, canada thistle, dandelion especially, clover as well. Pull/spray any existing weeds, pick out any roots you can see. What stage of preparation would a landscape rake or drag chain be used for? Final Grade. What problem may be created by repeated tillage, what’s another method for decompaction? Destruction of Soil structure (pulverize soil), creation of a hardpan. In perennial beds, manually turn over the bed with a spade and allow the chunks to go through freeze-thaw in the winter. Rake it out in the spring. If you decided to use fertilizer, what ratio of NPK should be used? (and why) High Phosphorus (P) to encourage initiation of roots. Which surface finish (final grade) needs to be the MOST perfect? Seed Beds. What you see is what you get. What time of the year is the best time to seed grass, and why? What should you do if you’re seeding outside of that window? Late spring/Early summer (when there is the best chance of consistent, light moisture rather than heavy soaking and erosion. Consider other interventions - extra watering, mulch, or quote for extra applications of seed. In what soil temperatures are the roots most active? 10-18 degrees celsius What is dormant seeding and why would your quote be higher if you choose to do it? It's the purposeful application of seed late in the season, knowing that it will NOT germinate until the following spring. You do it to try and get a jump start on a site that will be muddy and hard to access the next year. You quote higher because you know that a percentage of it will likely germinate too soon and get frozen either in the Fall or late Spring, so you know you’ll have to come back and do another round. What does it mean to seed cross directionally? Put down half the seed one direction, and then the other half perpendicular. (ie North to South and then East to West) - you do it to ensure even application of the seed (or fertilizer) and avoid a striped pattern. Why is hydroseeding the preferred method of seed installation on large sites? Large sites are often lower maintenance and will not have irrigation. In this case, the slurry has water and mulch and tackifier in it that will help maintain seed to soil contact and give it the best chance for germination. What other types of areas should be seeded with hydroseed? Areas with difficult access (slopes) and areas where you want a faster seed establishment but don’t have the budget for sod. What components are included in hydroseed mix? Seed, Water. Also Mulch, Tackifier, and maybe Fertilizer What is the Seed Calculation formula? How does it change for a polystand? (Area/100) x rate Multiply by percentage for a polystand. What are the rules for SEEDING regarding: Water - Top 5 cm moist for 4-6 weeks Mowing - After the largest percentage of the blend has reached its competitive mowing height. Control of weeds - do not spray until after the second mowing (4-6 weeks after emergence). The first mowing should subdue most annual weeds as you mow off flower heads (not allowing them to go to seed). Re-entry - after the second mowing. Before this, enter only to move sprinklers or rogue weeds. Why do we put mulch over seeds? What sort of mulch should be used? Mulch helps to maintain moisture in the seed bed. Mulch must be fine textured and biodegradable (such as wood fibres, coir mats or ground up straw) What is the MOST critical aspect of post seedling care? WATER Why would you choose sod over seed? What limitations are there with sod? Sod establishes more quickly, is instantly green, should not need herbicide application, provides immediate erosion control, and can be installed just about anytime. Why do we tarp to transport sod? To prevent desiccation (especially of the edges of the rolls). When installing sod, what pattern should you use? Staggered joints (running bond). Long straight lines. Perpendicular to the flow of water. Make sure to measure the area one pallet can cover. Plan your layout timing based on irrigation zones so you can water immediately. How does starting on a hill potentially change your practices? You usually start at the bottom to prevent sliding and stake the pieces of sod to prevent sliding. How long can you store sod? MAXIMUM 2 days, closer to 12 hours in summer conditions. Best to lay what you order and order a second round for the next day (proper previous planning so that your quote covers extra deliveries). What are the rules for SOD regarding: Water Water through to the soil profile until the roots begin to penetrate the soil beneath (it resists pulling up). Mowing As soon as the highest percentage of grass species is long enough and the soil is firm enough Spraying Can be done whenever it is needed - ideally, wait until its established (resists pulling up). Re-entry As soon as the soil is firm enough to not leave footprints - usually when it resists pulling up and you’re no longer watering so much.