Lawn Care
Different than athletic fields in that a lawn usually has higher visibility and less foot traffic, school lawns still need proper care. Below are some good IPM techniques for a healthy lawn. |
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Lawns can be categorized as either Level A or Level B.
Level A Lawns - High priority, high visibility
Level B Lawns - All other lawn areas
Level A Lawns
Proper design and construction is essential and includes providing drainage (surface and
sub surface), 4 -6 inches of loam, adapted turfgrass species, and proper
establishment techniques at the right time.
Best Management Practices:
- Irrigate, in late summer, if turf is dormant.
- Mow at 2.5 - 3.0 inches, frequently enough so as to never remove more than 1/3
of the leaf blade. This will also eliminate clipping build up.
- Mow with sharp mowers, when turf is dry and soil is not excessively moist.
- Soil Test, adjust pH as needed.
- Fertilize with 50% - 100% WIN material. Use rate of 1.0 lb. N / M around May
15, and Sept. 15.
- Phosphorus and potassium fertilization amounts should be based ona soil test.
- Aerify once per year either in the spring or fall.
- Scout for weed, insect or disease problems.
Level B Lawns
Proper design and construction is essential and includes providing drainage (surface and subsurface),
good root mix, adapted turfgrass species, and proper establishment techniques
at the right time.
Best Management Practices
- Mow at 2.5 - 3.0 inches, frequently enough so as to never remove more than 1/3
of the leaf blade. This will also eliminate clipping build up.
- Mow with sharp mowers, when turf is dry and soil is not excessively moist.
- Soil Test, adjust pH as needed.
- Fertilize with 50% - 100% WIN material. Use rate of 1.0 lb. N / M around Sept.
15
- Phosphorus and potassium fertilization amounts should be based on a soil test.
- Scout for weed, insect or disease problems.
Printable Version [PDF]
Additional Resources:
Establishing Turf from Seed
Photo credits:
http://njturfmanagement.com/
