Some of the Common Turfing Problems and How to Avoid Them

Lawn Turf problems are encountered even by professional landscapers. Diagnosing lawn problems is not that difficult. All you need to do is observe the turf and understand some basics about turf grass physiology and the impact of the environment. The cause of turf grass damage is often difficult to determine if considerable time has elapsed between damage and diagnosis. There are innumerable reasons that cause turfing problems like mowing, chemicals, moisture, undesirable plants, disease and fungus, insects, pests, the condition of soil and many other problems.

MOWING

Height of Cut

The turf grass should not be cut lower than 1½ to 2 inches as shorter mowing reduces leaf surface to such a degree that the plant may have to draw food from its root reserves to initiate new growth. Repeated defoliation reduces the root system, and the plant will become weak and cannot cope with adverse weather conditions.

Cutting Frequency

If you mow infrequently then it may remove excessive amounts of clippings at each mowing. This may deplete root reserves and a general weakening of the entire plant. Excessive clippings left on the turf deprive the turf of getting adequate oxygen and sunlight and may damage or kill turf by smothering it. Hot, humid conditions under these clippings are ideal for disease development.

Dull Mowers

Dull rotary mowers or reel –type may attribute to discoloration. Mainly, the discoloration occurs due to tearing, splitting, or shredding of the tips of the grass blades.

CHEMICALS

Fertilizer skip and burn

Fertilizer skips do not constitute actual damage but they do result in a very unsightly appearance. If fertilizer is applied in excessive quantities or when grass blades are wet it may cause fertilizer burn. Soluble forms of nitrogen and potash are most likely to cause a serious burn.

Chlorosis

Turf areas may become pale green-yellow, and plant growth may be somewhat stunted, this condition is known as a chlorosis which happens due to lack of nitrogen. If nitrogen fertilizer is not applied correctly then the plants suffer from iron deficiency and the grass becomes pale green-yellow in color.

MOISTURE

Irrigation

Turfgrasses can be damaged by frequent light watering that keeps upper soil layers near a constant saturation point. This condition encourages shallow rooting and promotes weak turf which is susceptible to disease and insect attack as well as damage from traffic.

Localized Dry Spot

Dead or injured spots often develop in turf areas because of insufficient moisture because buried debris such as stumps, stones, bricks, or gravel may result in a thin layer of soil overlying the area that has a low water-holding capacity and dries out very quickly.

Foot Printing of Turf

In hot weather heavy foot printing of Lawn Turf usually, indicates that the turf has reached the wilting point and must be watered to maintain green color so it is important to water the turf deeply when irrigating and refrain from watering until the turf again approaches the wilting point.

Some of the other common problems of turfing are:

• Undesirable Plants
• Disease and Fungus