Turfing/ Sodding

Question 1

Where possible the same selection criteria should be met when selecting turf. (See selection section)

Answer 1

• Tailoring custom Turf grown elsewhere is expensive.
• Many different blends and mixes are available

Question 2

What are the advantages of Turf/sod?

Answer 2

• Instant cover
• Generally less need for intense and frequent watering
• Reduced weed invasion
• Damage from rain and footfall is less likely
• Mulching is not required

Question 3

List the disadvantages of turf.

Answer 3

• Cost
• Labour intense
• Available in fewer cultivars
• Improper laying is harder to fix then poor seeding
• Turf will shrink if dry
• Rootzone of imported turf may be incompatible and undesirable for the new location. (This can be mitigated by design but again is expensive)

Question 4

Where non-contamination of a root zone is essential what can be done?

Answer 4

• Turf can be grown in mimicking rootzone.
• Can be washed (soil washed out leaving only OM)
• Can be grown on plastic as an intermediate layer between the plant and soil

Question 5

Often an instant carpet of grass is needed to perform at high levels of the sport. What can be done to increase the success of turfing?

Answer 5

1. Large rolls (Width and length)
2. Thick cut (Turf that contains more rootzone and roots increasing the shear strength and adding weight to each roll.)

Question 6

List the practices that should be carried out post turfing?

Answer 6

1. Rolling @ 45^o to the direction at which it was laid.
2. Water to 15cm
3. Water daily for the first 7-10 days
4. Mow when the grass begins to grow.
5. Fertilise when roots have been established