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TURF Specializing in water & labor thrifty lawns that are
GOOD FOR YOU - GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
TURF GRASS COMPARISON CHART LIFESTYLE
W A R M S E A S O N G R A S S E S P A G E 4
C O O L S E A S O N G R A S S E S
P A G E 9
,00 0f t. s qu ar e
sH as Gr
Sundancer Buffalograss
May-Sept
6
8
L
12
9
10 L-M D
S
10
4
8 1/4 60
2-3
Bowie Buffalograss
May-Sept
6
8
L
12
9
10 L-M D
S
10
5
8 1/4 60
2-3
Cody Buffalograss
May-Sept
6
8
L
12
9
10 L-M D
S
10
5
8 1/4 60
2-3
Sharp’s Improved II
May-Sept
6
8
L
12
9
10
L
D
S
10
5
8 1/4 60
2-3
Texoka
May-Sept
6
8
L
12
9
10
L
M
S
10
5
8 1/4 60
2-3
Native Turf
May-Sept
8
12
L
12
9
10
L
M B/S
10
5
8 1/4 60
2-3
Riveria Bermudagrass
June-Sept 18
26
H
12
9
7
L
D
SRI
10
6
10 1/8 65
2-3
Wrangler Bermudagrass
June-Sept 18
26
H
12
9
7
L
M SRI
10
6
10 1/8 65
2-3
Riata Blend Bermudagrass
June-Sept 18
26
H
12
9
7
L
M SRI
10
6
10 1/8 65
2-3
Emerald Sport
March-Nov 26
30
H
6
5
4
D
D B/R
3
3
8 1/4 48 8-12
Emerald III Blend
March-Nov 26
30
H
8
6
4
D
D
B
3
3
8 3/8 48 8-12
KY-31 Tall Fescue
March-Nov 26
30
H
8
6
4
D
M
B
3
3
8 3/8 48 8-12
Clubhouse TTPR Blend
March-Nov 24
28
H
6
4
1
D
D
B
2
3
8 3/8 48
10
All Blue Kentucky Bluegrass March-Nov 20
24
H
6
5
5
D DM R
3 2.5
8 1/4 48
3-5
Supreme Lawn
March-Nov 20
24
H
6
4
2
D
D B/R
2
3
8 1/4 48
3-5
Creeping Red Fescue
March-Nov 10
18
M
10
7
8
D
D
R
3
1
8 1/4 48
4-5
Hard Fescue
March-Nov 10
18
M
10
7
7
D
M
B
3
1
8 1/4 48
4-5
Windbreak Blend
March-Nov 10
18
M
10
7
8
D
M B/R
3
1
8 1/4 48
4-5
Penncross Bentgrass
March-Nov NA
NA
H
4
1
1
L
D
2
5
10 1/8 48
1-2
1 SHARP BROTHERS SEED COMPANY
PLANTING
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TURF CHARACTERISTICS AT A GLANCE
TURF CHARACTERISTICS
S
LIFESTYLE Grass Height (Inches) Unmowed: The maximum height at which grass leaves typically bend over when not mowed. Short heights indicate acceptability as a no maintenance turf. Seed Head Height (Inches) Unmowed: Seed head or pollen flower maximum height, when not mowed in season, short heights produce a visually acceptable no maintenance turf. Fertilization Requirements: H = high fertility needs, M= moderate fertility needs, L =low fertility needs. An indication of a turf grass ability to thrive when fertility is deficient. Stay Green Watering Frequency: An estimate of the maximum number of days between irrigations during drought periods that will maintain green turf. A thorough soaking irrigation of turf growing on deep silt loam (high water holding capacity) soil is assumed. Light irrigations, shallow soils and soils with low water holding capacity will require more frequent irrigations to remain green during drought periods. Closely associated with Stay Green During Early Drought.
People have always valued short vegetative cover around their homes. Before the invention of mechanical lawn mowers, sheep or other grazing animals were used for this purpose. Most species of grass will produce tall vegetation, in excess of two feet, if the grass is not clipped. There are some turf species that will remain short and attractive without mowing. These species include buffalograss (shown here) and buffalograss/blue grama combinations. In addition, creeping red fescue and hard fescue will maintain a civilized appearance in many sites without being mowed. Home owners and turf professionals are adopting mowing optional management in settings where short, unmowed turf is acceptable. Sharp Brothers encourages you to consider less mowing as a means of being easier on our environment as well as easier on your lifestyle.
MOWING OPTIONAL see page 10
BUFFALOGRASS - GARDEN CITY, KS
DROUGHT TOLERANCE Stay Green During Early Drought (10=best 1=worst): Measurement of a turf’s ability to stay green as soil moisture becomes limited. Turf species differ greatly regarding their stay green ability during drought. Stay green of any turf species is best when higher mowing heights are used and no more than 1/3 of the turf height is removed per mowing. Ratings on this chart assume the application of good mowing management practices. Recovery After Severe Drought (10=best 1=worst): In severe drought, when plant available soil moisture is completely depleted, turf grass leaves will become dry and brown. When soil moisture is restored after severe drought, regrowth of turf varies from species to species. Those species with the highest ratings are equipped with root systems and crowns that remain healthy during drought induced dormancy and exhibit the fastest and most uniform regrowth when drought is broken. Low numbered ratings indicate species with little or no recovery potential and where reseeding after severe drought is generally necessary.
DURING
Dormant during severe drought
BUFFALOGRASS - FORD COUNTY, KS
AFTER
Recovery after drought, no replanting necessary.
BUFFALOGRASS - FORD COUNTY, KS
TURF CHARACTERISTICS Turf Color: D =dark green M= medium green L= light green
Turf Density: D=dense M= moderate T=thin
Growth Characteristic: B, S, R, SRI B: Bunch grass growth. Provides uniform sod/turf surface only when individual plants are uniformly spaced in a high plant population. Bunch grasses do not effectively spread and are not able to repair open spots in the turf without overseeding. S: Stoloniferous. Spreads by means of above ground stems ( stolons) that generate new plant colonies and can effectively restore turf in blank areas. It may not be necessary to over seed stoloniferous turfs with open spots of one square foot or less because of this spreading ability. Turf species rated S in this guide are generally not considered invasive since spreading activity is above ground, easily observed and controlled. R: Rhizomatous: Spreads by means of underground stems ( rhizomes) that generate new plant colonies and can effectively restore turf in blank areas. It may not be necessary to over seed rhizomatous turfs with open spots of one square foot or less because of this spreading ability. Turf species rated R in this guide are generally not considered invasive since the rhizomes tend to be short and relatively slow growing.
FESCUE
BUFFALOGRASS
Curbside Heat Tolerance: During summer, soil temperatures in the immediate vicinity of concrete curbs will generally be hotter than normal. Turf that thrives in the vicinity of hot curbsides receive a high rating, turf species with low ratings will die back, creating gaps that require frequent over seeding.
SRI: Rhizomatous and stoloniferous/frequently invasive. These grasses mend open spots in turf effectively but are frequently invasive, growing into adjoining flower beds and neighboring yards. Hours Sunlight Required, In Season: Total hours of direct sunlight (morning through afternoon combined) needed to maintain good turf cover. Mowing at taller heights improves turf shade tolerance as compared to low mowing heights.
Traffic Tolerance During Active Growth: Ability to withstand foot and vehicle traffic when the turf is growing.
TURF TIPS STARTING YOUR TURFGRASS Lime: Evaluate soil pH prior to planting. Apply lime before planting if soil is acidic so as to raise pH to 6.5. Starter fertilizer : Cool season turf seedlings have a critical need for abundant fertility in the upper 2 inches of soil as they develop to the 3 leaf stage, generally 10 to 20 days after emergence. A starter fertilizer is frequently the best means of meeting this need. In comparison, warm season turf species do not grow rapidly in the early seedling stage and are less in need of starter fertilizer. Starter fertilizer may benefit weed seedlings more than warm season turf seedlings and in most cases should not be applied to warm season turf plantings. Creeping Red and Hard Fescue starter fertilizer needs are intermediate between other cool season grasses and warm season grasses.
Seeds initiate growth only after having absorbed sufficient moisture. Moisture transfers efficiently from soil to seed. Moisture transfer across air pockets is minimal. Water transfer from soil to seed is enhanced by minimizing air pockets and maximizing soil contact with the seed. A firm seedbed accomplishes that goal. An appropriate level of firmness is achieved when foot prints are no more than 1/4 inch deep after walking across a finished planting. If no till planting, using a grass drill or slicer/ seeder, adjust equipment to place seed below thatch into direct soil contact. Turf grass seed is planted shallow. As a result the seed bed tends to dry quickly. Seed subjected to wet/dry cycles loses seedling vigor. Adopt strategies to maintain seed bed moisture.
Existing vegetation, including weeds that are very small at planting time, will thrive under good germination conditions, and will have a distinct competitive advantage over seed as it germinates and develops. Control vegetation, by tillage or herbicide application, prior to planting.
If practical, apply light mulch after planting to shade the soil surface and slow evaporation. Turf seedlings are not able to emerge through dense mulch. 30 to 50% of the soil surface should be visible through spaces in the mulch so that seedlings have access to sunlight.
Use a fast establishing nurse crop where necessary for short term erosion control. Annual ryegrass is commonly used for this purpose at application rates of 0.5 pounds per 1,000 ft sq. Nurse crops compete with the permanent turf species and should be used only where quick ground cover is needed. Frequent mowing is an effective means of limiting cover crop’s competition for moisture and sunlight.
Accumulate subsoil moisture prior to planting. Stored moisture below the seedbed will move into the seedbed as the surface dries. This upward migration of soil moisture will prolong favorable seed bed moisture conditions.
Dormant seedings are planted during cold months, usually for the purpose of utilizing labor and equipment when they may be more readily available. Seed will lie dormant and not emerge until the seed bed warms adequately. Enhanced seed to soil contact as a result of freezing/thawing cycles, beating rains or heavy snow is a possible benefit to dormant seeding. The most common disadvantage encountered is heavy weed emergence before turf seed germinates.
When starting a turf stand with irrigation, make every effort to keep the seed bed consistently moist. When using temporary, hand moved sprinkler systems, avoid seeding/watering bigger areas that cannot be reasonably managed. Be aware of soil temperature required for germination. Seed must have adequate moisture and temperature in order to germinate. Fluctuating soil temperatures, common in the spring season, can be a cause of slow germination. Irrigated plantings, especially those of warm season turf species, should be planned for seasons when soil temperatures are consistently warm to assure rapid, efficient germination.
MAINTAINING YOUR TURFGRASS Good mowing management improves everything about a turf grass: drought tolerance, ability to suppress weeds, traffic tolerance and even shade tolerance. Healthy, competitive turf is best accomplished by using the highest mowing height that is acceptable for the setting. Never remove more than 1/3 of the turf height, or turf leaf area, when mowing. Grasses feed themselves through photosynthesis in the leaves. Excessive leaf removal weakens the grass plant. If turf is irrigated, a thorough, deep soak with minimal runoff and long intervals between irrigations is the best means of developing a strong, deep rooted turf. Water conservation is 3 SHARP BROTHERS SEED COMPANY
best served when irrigation is withheld until the turf is exhibiting mild signs of moisture stress rather than by using a fixed schedule that is not adapted to actual weather conditions. Fertilize your turf at the beginning or immediately prior to periods of active growth, with additional fertilizer applied through the growing season if needed. Application during periods of turf dormancy will frequently benefit weeds more than turf. Fertilizer applications to warm season turf should be scheduled between late spring and mid-summer to avoid this problem. Fertilizer may be applied effectively to cool season grasses early spring through mid-autumn because of a longer growing season.
WARM SEASON TURF is growing in popularity due to the need for WATER CONSERVATION as well as the desire for LOWER MAINTENANCE requirements. As a group, warm season turf grasses are less shade tolerant than cool season grasses. Warm season turf tends to grow well under widely spaced trees, but fails to maintain pervasive turf cover in locations where tree canopies are overlapping and little or no direct sunlight reaches the ground at any time during the day. The mowing season is approximately 12 weeks shorter than the cool season mowing season.
Sundancer Buffalograss Bowie Buffalograss Cody Buffalograss Sharp’s Improved II Texoka Native Turf Riveria Bermudagrass Wrangler Bermudagrass Riata Blend Bermudagrass
SUNDANCER
Outstanding turf density and leaf color. Sundancer maintains superior turf quality in partially shaded areas as compared to other buffalograss varieties. Widely adapted.
BOWIE
Outstanding turf density and leaf color. Broadly adapted and a particularly good fit for the central and northern plains.
CODY
Outstanding turf density and leaf color. Broadly adapted and a particularly good fit for the central and southern plains.
SHARP’S IMPROVED II
One of the first turf type buffalograss varieties with great turf density and leaf color. Widely adapted. Produces a quality turf at an attractive price.
TEXOKA
An older variety of buffalograss with less turf density and lighter leaf color than newer varieties.
NATIVE TURF
Buffalograss/Blue Grama Mix
A blend of 2 parts primed buffalograss seed with 1 part of blue grama seed. These two species have similar leaf appearance and commonly grow intermingled in nature. Adapted to all soil textures, the Native Turf blend is particularly useful on sandy soils where it tends to produce a better turf than does buffalograss alone. Both species exhibit outstanding drought, heat and cold tolerance and are broadly adapted.
BUFFALOGRASS Soft Textured • Fine Leafed • Sod Forming • Low Maintenance • Tolerance to Extremes
BUFFALOGRASS is a soft textured, fine leafed sod forming warm season grass which has endured for thousands of years in the harsh climate of the American Great Plains. Buffalograss provides a beautiful turf with a unique combination of low maintenance requirements and tolerance to extremes of heat, cold and drought.
Characteristics & Management
Buffalograss has superior abilities to stay green during drought. In the later stages of a prolonged drought, when soil moisture is totally depleted, buffalograss will lose its green color and turn dormant as will any turf grass.When drought has ended and soil moisture is replenished, buffalograss initiates new green growth. Buffalograss recovers from drought more effectively than other turf grasses and maintains a healthy stand that eliminates the need for over seeding or reestablishment.
Spreading, not Invasive
Because of stolon or runner formation, buffalograss is able to spread, form a thorough sod cover and repair sod which has been damaged. Each stolon will put down roots and form a new independent buffalograss plant. As compared to bermudagrass, stolon growth of buffalograss is not invasive and can be kept from spreading into flowerbeds or garden areas with minimal maintenance.
Mowing Requirements: Mowing Optional
Buffalograss is by nature a low growing turf. If left unmowed it will rarely exceed 6” to 8” in height. Another feature unique to buffalograss is that it does not form seed heads above the turf. Small delicate pollen flowers, about the size of a matchhead, extend 1” to 1.5” above the turf line if not mowed. Pollen flowers are attractive and do not create a weedy unkempt appearance. In contrast, other truf grasses produce unattractive seed heads which require frequent mowing to maintain a neat appearance. As an example, bermudagrass seed heads extend above the turf, resemble crabgrass seed heads and can make a lawn appear weedy even when it is weed free. A naturally low growing turf and no visible seed—these features make buffalograss the “mowing optional” turf. Buffalograss will tolerate a wide range of mowing heights. In fact, in some instances it may not be mowed at all! However, you can follow these guidelines: Home Lawns: 2 - 3 inches Sport Fields: 1 ½ - 2 inches Natural Areas: Spring Cleanup only Golf Course Fairways: 1 inch Park & Play Grounds: 3 inches or higher No more than 1/3 of the turf height should be removed with a single mowing. Removal of more than 1/3 of the turf weakens the plant, reduces vigor and makes the buffalograss less competitive against weeds. Because of this, short mowing heights require more frequent mowing.
5 SHARP BROTHERS SEED COMPANY
Fertilizer
Once established, modest nitrogen amendments improve the color and density of the turf. As little as 3/4 lb. nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually will frequently produce the desired improvements. Application rates above 1 lb. nitrogen per 1,000 square feet should be split applied. Annual application should not exceed 2 pounds nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
Heat/Cold Tolerance
Tolerances to extremes of heat and cold can be observed where buffalograss thrives in the harsh temperature microclimate of the median stripe. During the summer months the soil next to the curb collects the sun’s heat and becomes exceptionally hot and dry. Many cool season species such as fescue, bluegrass or perennial ryegrass will lose vigor or die back in such a setting, creating openings for weeds. During winter months the soil next to the curb becomes intensely cold. Warm season turf grasses such as bermudagrass or zoysia are at greater than normal risk of winterkill next to concrete curbs or sidewalks. Note the uniform growth exhibited by buffalograss across the median strip. The temperature extremes at curbside have no affect on buffalograss vigor.
COOL SEASON FESCUE BESIDE CURB
BUFFALOGRASS ON MEDIAN
Late Summer Plantings
Planting should be completed by 6 weeks before the average first frost date for your area. This allows adequate time for development of strong winter hardy seedlings prior to onset of cold weather.
First Season Weed Control
Buffalograss seedlings require sunlight for proper development. Weed growth that canopies over developing buffalograss should be mowed frequently to maximize sunlight penetration. Set the mower height so that maximum weed foliage is removed with minimum clipping of buffalograss leaves.
Irrigated Seedings
Where irrigation is available a wide window of seeding dates can be used, roughly June through August. After seeding, use irrigation to keep the seed placement zone moist. Buffalograss seed frequently exhibits uneven germination characteristics with seedlings emerging over a period of 2-3 weeks after the first sprouts have appeared. Presoaking (page 7) the seeds prior to an irrigated seeding will speed germination and cause much more uniform emergence with most sprouts appearing within 5-6 days after the first sprout has appeared. Following are guidelines and cautions for people using this method.
“I liked buffalograss so much, thought I’d try it in the desert. You don’t grow grass in the desert, but even after a few weeks of 100°-117° and only 7-8% humidity, it really looks great! As green and as heavy as can be.”
ARIZONA
5 to 6 weeks since last mow after mowing
CHARLIE HUFF
Fort Mohave, Arizona July 2015
“We seeded this Cody buffalograss fairway two months ago, and are at 90% coverage in 5/8” mowing height.” JARED HOYLE, PhD
MANHATTAN, KS
PRIMED
BUFFALOGRASS LANE COUNTY, KS
K-State Research & Extension Turfgrass Specialist Manhattan, Kansas July 2015
All buffalograss seed sold by Sharp Brothers Seed Company has been “primed” to improve the percentage of germination & speed of germination. This process is essential to break the seed dormancy that naturally occurs in buffalograss. Without “priming” large percentages of seed planted may delay germination until the second year or later even though germination conditions are favorable in the seeding year.
BUFFALOGRASS PRESOAK TECHNIQUE PRESOAKED BUFFALOGRASS SEED, WITH IRRIGATION ACHIEVES FASTER GERMINATION
#1
SOAK
Place seed in a porous bag
the seed for
& SUBMERGE
up to 3 days
in a container of water
but no longer than 3 days.
Woven polypropylene bags, like the one show here, work very well.
#2
Seed soaked for longer may germinate and make seed unusable.
At the same time you start seed soak;
#3
PREPARE SEEDBED details on page 3
keep an eye on the weather forecast If inclement weather is likely at the time you intend to plant, the soak should be cut short & the seed planted before the arrival of inclement weather.
change soak water EVERY 24 HOURS or more frequently
Chemical buildup in unchanged water can affect germination
#4
#5
place seed on driveway or sidewalk to
keep seedbed
(1-2 hours) before seeding, for ease of halding.
with irrigation after planting until seedlings have emerged
DRY TEMPORARILY Soaked buffalograss seed, if allowed a short period of drying, will efficiently flow through most grass drills or broadcasters
DAMP
Warm Season Turf: Planting & Establishment Buffalograss / Native Turf / Bermudagrass
Pounds per acre
Pounds per 1,000 square feet
86-129 lbs
2 - 3 lbs
32-43 lbs
.75 - 1 lbs
5-15 lbs
.10 - .33 lbs
7 SHARP BROTHERS SEED COMPANY
SEEDING RATES LAWNS / SPORT FIELDS
requiring complete turf establishment within one season
OUTLYING AREAS
turf establishment within two seasons can be tolerated
PASTURE / RANGELAND
establishment within three to five years can be tolerated
BERMUDAGRASS Sharp Brothers provides winter hardy bermudagrass varieties that are adapted as far north as Interstate 70. Bermudagrass is widely adapted to soil textures from sand to clay. Very traffic tolerant and able to mend open spaces in the turf. It can be invasive, moving into flowerbeds or neighboring yards. Excellent heat and salinity tolerance. Bermudagrass maintains green foliage very well as soils dry in the early stages of drought. It recovers and “regreens� when moisture is replenished after severe drought, but less rapidly than buffalograss under similar conditions.
Planting
Plantings in the northern portion of the bermudagrass belt, approximately from Interstate 70 to 300 miles south, are best performed between late May and mid-July. During this time period, soil temperatures tend to be consistently warm, facilitating germination. When planted later, seedlings may fail to develop sufficiently to survive the first winter. Bermudagrass seed is slow to imbibe moisture, requiring patience and consistent seed bed moisture management. Although established bermudagrass is strongly competitive, seedling bermudagrass is not competitive. Weed growth should be suppressed with frequent mowing, allowing sunlight to reach bermudagrass seedlings so development continues.
Fertilizer
After establishment, bermudagrass nitrogen fertilizer rates of 0.75 to 1.5 lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft per application are generally recommended. Total nitrogen application per season would rarely need to exceed 4 lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft in order to maintain an attractive green color. Excessive nitrogen application tends to increase the growth and need to mow.
RIVIERA BERMUDAGRASS
is the premier turf type, seed propagated, winter hardy variety. Fine leafed with excellent turf density it is the best choice for an attractive bermudagrass lawn.
WRANGLER BERMUDAGRASS is a forage variety for pasture and hay applications. It is also used as a utilitarian turf variety in settings where the attractive growth characteristics of Riviera are not needed. As compared to Riviera, Wrangler has wider leaves, produces a less dense turf and is more coarse in appearance. Excellent winterhardiness.
RIVIERA
photos provided by Johnstons
Emerald Sport Emerald III Blend KY-31 Tall Fescue Clubhouse TTPR Blend All Blue Kentucky Bluegrass Supreme Lawn Creeping Red Fescue Hard Fescue Windbreak Blend Penncross Bentgrass
COOL SEASON TURF is valued for the extended season of dark green turf, early spring through late fall, typical of these turf species. Shade tolerance is generally superior to that of warm season turf. Water and fertilizer requirements are generally higher than required by warm season turf and with weaker recovery following severe drought.
EMERALD SPORT
is a mix of fine leaved tall fescue and bluegrass varieties. The mix originated with the goal of combining the strengths of tall fescue with the ability of bluegrass to mend divots resulting from athletic shoe cleat damage. This combination helps to build a level turf, ideal for athletic fields. Emerald Sport is increasing in popularity among home lawn owners who value these same characteristics.
EMERALD III
is a mix of 3 varieties of premium fine leaved tall fescue varieties. Tall fescue, the most heat tolerant of the cool season turf species, is the most widely used cool season turf grass south of 40 degrees latitude (Kan-Neb border). Disease resistant and deep rooted. Emerald III provides a denser turf, finer leaf width and more attractive turf than do older varieties of tall fescue.
PENNCROSS BENTGRASS
is used almost exclusively for golf course putting greens because of its ability to tolerate very low mowing. It is not well suited for other turf applications because of its high maintenance requirements.
9 SHARP BROTHERS SEED COMPANY
ALL BLUE KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS
is a mix of improved bluegrass varieties that provide a strong disease resistance package in a dense,soft, fine leaved lawn. Bluegrass spreads by rhizomes, giving it the ability to mend open spots with new growth.
KY-31 TALL FESCUE
was released as a variety in 1943 which was propagated from a field selection made in 1931. Primarily used as a pasture grass, it was valued for its hardiness and has also been widely used as a utilitarian turf grass. Newer tall fescue varieties display similar levels of hardiness while producing a more dense turf, finer leaf structure and more attractive turf.
SUPREME LAWN
is a mix of perennial ryegrass with Kentucky bluegrass, combining the quick establishment and dense turf characteristics of ryegrass with the spreading, turf mending qualities of bluegrass. KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS COLBY, KS
CREEPING RED FESCUE
is a dark green, fine leaved turf with rhizomatous spread and outstanding shade tolerance. Slower, shorter growth characteristics than tall fescue.
HARD FESCUE
is very similar to creeping red fescue in most characteristics but without the ability to spread through rhizomes.
WINDBREAK BLEND
EMERALD III COLBY, KS
CLUBHOUSE TTPR BLEND
Perennial Ryegrass produces a very dense, soft, fine leaved turf grass with somewhat faster establishment than other turf species. Outstanding turf quality and a prolonged stay green period make perennial ryegrass a top choice for premium lawns. One of the least hardy of the cool season turfs, perennial ryegrass is also the least forgiving when subjected to drought, low fertility and severe summer and winter temperatures. Perennial ryegrass is overseeded more frequently that other turf grasses as a means of repairing thinning stands.
is a combination of creeping red fescue and hard fescue. This mix is well suited for low maintenance, non irrigated, shaded sites such as tree windbreaks around rural farmsteads in low rainfall areas. Development of Windbreak Blend was based on an observation/test plot planted and maintained by Kansas State University at the Hays Research Extension facility. Sharp Brothers thanks KSU for their excellent work on this project. Of the plot entries, creeping red and hard fescue exhibited the best recovery following prolonged drought in combination with shade tolerance and a low growth habit that is especially well suited to low maintenance. When planting this mix in a tree windbreak, be aware that the tress may have depleted much of the available soil moisture, making germination and establishment of grass seedlings more challenging. Temporary irrigation may be needed to overcome this moisture depletion. After establishment, in season mowing is discouraged so that the grasses are best able to tolerate the stress of drought and pervasive shade. Windbreak Blend may produce some seed heads, probably in late spring/ early summer. If seed heads are clipped, Sharp Brothers suggests that the mower height be set above the leaves.
MOWING OPTIONAL: IT’S NOT JUST FOR SLACKERS Well maintained properties; home lawns, municipal parks or industrial sites are a statement about the people that live and work on those properties. Attractive landscaping and manicured lawns signal a commitment to the community. Does un-mowed turf have a place in a well kept community? In some instances, and when using the correct species of turf grass, the answer to that question is yes. Buffalograss, Blue Grama, hard fescue and creeping red fescue maintain a civilized, well maintained appearance without mowing or with a greatly reduced mowing requirement. This characteristic allows homeowners, landscape specialists, farmers and grounds keepers to save labor and
BUFFALOGRASS, UNMOWED
reduce costs. Mowing optional is a perfect solution for low maintenance areas such as farm steads, alley ways, drainage areas, roadside ditches, remote parklands and landscape areas that need a natural accent. The reduced water needs of these species allow for even greater savings in labor and expense. 21st century America is conservation oriented. Public grounds managers are required to do more with less. Homeowners want a less demanding lifestyle. Sharp Brothers Seed Company provides the turf grass seed and the know how to achieve all of these goals. We have been leaders in the conservation of water, labor and maintenance costs since 1958.
CREEPING RED FESCUE, UNMOWED
HARD FESCUE, UNMOWED
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Healy, Kansas 1005 South Sycamore Healy, Kansas 67850 800-462-8483 sales@sharpseed.com Greeley, Colorado 101 East 4th Street Road Greeley, Colorado 80631 800-421-4234 info@buffalobrandseed.com