Turfgrass Establishment and Renovation Dr. John Stier University of Wisconsin-Extension and University of Wisconsin-Madison

Considerations Site Uses Management inputs Seed or Sod? Expectations Sunny or shaded? Moist or dry? Sandy or clay soil? Uses Management inputs Seed or Sod? Expectations

Seeding Advantages Disadvantages Inexpensive Choice of turfgrasses Labor intensive Time to establish Daily effort Weed encroachment Seasonal limits

Step 1: Soil Test Determine soil type Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium levels pH Determine lime requirement Submit 2-6 weeks prior to establishment

Step 2: Site Preparation Remove surface/subsurface obstacles Pre-plant vegetation control Glyphosate (Roundup) Allow 3-7 days translocation

Step 3: Rough Grade Remove topsoil & stockpile Till soil Avoid extensive tillage Contour the subgrade Add topsoil or root zone mix* *Delay this step if soil test indicates amendments are necessary

Step 4: Add Amendments Lime Basic Fertility (0-20-20) Other amendments Raises soil pH Increases nutrient availability (N, P, Ca, Mg, S, Mo) Mix into top 4-6” Basic Fertility (0-20-20) Sandy soils, low in P & K Other amendments Peat into clay for structure “Sand in clay is money thrown away, clay in sand is money in the hand”

Step 5: Fine Grade Smooth surface Remove rocks > peach pit Fill depressions Lower humps Rake or drag mat Remove rocks > peach pit Rain/irrigation to settle soil Lightly roll to find depressions

Step 6: Starter Fertilizer N, P, K at 1:2:1 ratio (e.g., 13-25-12) P for root growth

Step 7: Seeding Rates- seed size, growth habit Kentucky bluegrass: 1 -2 lb/1000 ft2 Fine fescues: 4 - 5 lb/1000 ft2 Perennial ryegrass: 7 - 9 lb/1000 ft2 Tall fescue: 7 - 9 lb/1000 ft2 Mixes:  2 species Blends:  2 species Use supplier’s suggested rates Optimal time: mid-August through mid-Sept Alternates: Dormant seeding (Nov.), early spring (Apr)

Step 7: Seeding (cont’d) Seed to Soil Contact is Essential! Raking Rolling Slit-seeding Core aerate 1/16-1/4” depth

Step 8: Mulch Purposes: Favorable moisture Prevent wind erosion, animal activity, traffic Types: Straw, marsh hay, hydromulch cover 50% area with straw 1-2 bales /1000 ft2 No need to remove; avoid excessive mulching

Step 9: Post-plant care Irrigation Germination periods Species Days Keep moist, not saturated 1-3+ daily until germination 1/4 inch/application Sun, wind, temperature, soil 1-7 times weekly for 1-2 months after germination No traffic during establishment Germination periods Species Days Kentucky bluegrass 7-21 Perennial ryegrass 5-7 Annual ryegrass 3-5 Fine fescues 5-12 Tall fescue 4-12 Creeping bentgrass 6-10

Step 9: Post-plant care (cont’d) Mowing Mow to 2” when turf/weeds  3” height 1/3 rule Reduces weed competition Fertilizer 0.5 lb N/1000 ft2 at 1-2” height Herbicides After 2nd or 3rd mowing: Read Label! Siduron (pre-emergent; crabgrass, etc.) may be used at time of seeding

Sodding Advantages Instant lawn No weeds Reduced post-plant care Little seasonal dependency Disadvantages Cost Labor intensive-hire out? (big roll) Potential soil layering Insect/disease pests? Limited species (KBG)

Sod Quality Weed-free Insect-free Soil type? Density, color, quality Quackgrass, bentgrass Insect-free White grub, chinch bug, billbug, cutworm Soil type? Density, color, quality Reputation is important-satisfied customers

Sod Preparation Soil test Site preparation--loosen soil if compacted Rough grade Soil amendments Fine grade Starter fertilizer Moisten soil

Sodding Lay sod within 24-48 hrs Stagger sod pieces (brick-like) Perpendicular to slopes Use stakes if > 10% slope Roll lightly Air pockets Water thoroughly wet the underlying soil

Post-sodding care Keep moist until rooted (10-14 days) Avoid overwatering Avoid traffic until rooted and ground is firm, dry Mow when traffic can be tolerated Fertilize at 21-28 days (0.5 lb N/1000 ft2) Core aerate compacted ground or different soil types