Okay, Troops. So, you've gone out and learned some more about your turf. You've learned how your turf is going to react under certain conditions? Not yet. The last posts were just the start of basic training. You haven't even got your head shaved yet.
Depending on where the conflict is and how you want to deploy your troops and what type of troops you are going to deploy depends on many factors. This portion of your training will give you some thoughts on turfgrass at the very beginnning....before you even THINK about planting anything.
Turfgrasses are divided into two groups based on temperature requirements. “Cool-season” turfgrasses show their most active growth at temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees F. “Warm-season” turfgrasses grow best at temperatures between 80 and 95 degrees F.
The United States can be divided into five turfgrass adaption zones based on temperature and precipitation. They are: Cool/Humid, Warm/Humid, Cool/Arid, Warm/Arid & Transition Zone. See the zones to the left:
(Source: United States National Arboretum,2008.)
In the transition zone, it tends to be too hot for cool-season grasses and too cool cold for warm-season grasses. Consequently, many warm and cool season turfgrasses can be found there. The best thing for Turfgrass Warriors to do is identify the zone in which you want to grow turgrass and determine the best selection of turfgrass to grow in that region. Species selection is an important aspect of stand establishment. If the species is not adapted to a particular region, or if the species is not adapted to the type of soil where the grass will be established, Turgrass Soldiers will experience less than satisfactory results ranging from thin stands and low yields to outright mission failure! For example, the most common and durable cool-season turfgrasses are: Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Rye and Tall and Fine Fescues. The most common and durable warm-season grasses are: Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, St. Augustine Grass, Kikuyu grass, and Zoysia grass.
When selecting the proper turfgrass, there are several factors to consider:
Use of the Area – Will it be a high traffic area or a low use area? Wind Sprints with cleats or Kite Flying?
Maintenance – Will the area require the use of specialized equipment, mowers, fertilizers, pesticides? Will it also need Soldiers with special skills and a huge government grant or endowment?
Environmental Conditions – We already talked about zones. Will the area be shady, sunny, dry, moist?
Soil Factors – What’s the soil like? Sandy, clay, salinity, pH level?
Level of Quality – What are your expectations? Like Augusta National or a little better than the side of an interstate?
No matter how hard you work, species like Red Top, Timothy, Bahiagrass or Blue Grama will never develop high quality turf.
But, I always say: If at first you do not succeed; take cover; return fire, empty your magazine and call in an air strike.
As a retired Army officer, I have always had a knack for leadership, even in the toughest of conditions. And, I have always had an outstanding lawn. I would like to apply my military experience and my lawn care experience - and combine them - here. I always take care of my troops. So, if you want an award winning stand of turfgrass, stand at ease. Now, take your seats....
Listen up “Wanna Be” Turgrass Warriors. So, you want to be a Turfgrass Warrior, heh? Well, I don’t think you have the intestinal fortitude or the wallet to be one of us. It also takes courage, candor and commitment. You have to want it. You have to want it bad. No Turfgrass Warrior ever had an outstanding lawn by giving in to the enemy - weeds, pests or drought. Will determines victory.
All this stuff you heard about Americans having lousy lawns is a lot of horse dung. All Americans love beautiful lawns; all real Americans want to have stunning lawns. When you were kids you always admired the greatest lawns. We do not tolerate losers – especially as it applies to your lawn. Turfgrass Warriors have an intense desire to be the best. Turfgrass Warriors do not enjoy “just playing the game.” Turfgrass Warriors know there is no second place in lawn care. Those who finish second either are dead, wounded, are a prisoner of war or fleeing a victorious enemy. Real Turfgrass Warriors do not submit to their lawns. Real Turfgrass Warriors master their lawns.
This briefing over the next year or so on this blog will guide you in your efforts to become one of us – the few, the proud, the Turfgrass Warriors. Dismissed.