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Installation of your turf should not be an afterthought and should be given the same attention to proper planning that is afforded to the rest of the landscape plan. While it seems like common sense, there are several simple prerequisites to turfgrass installation that are often not fully considered.
The following recommendations will help you get the most out of the investment in grass, whether it is for yourself or for your customer.
For more information on our installation services, please contact one of our experts via email or call us toll free at 877-708-3322 / locally at 941-708-3322.
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Ground Preparation
Careful ground preparation is a vitally important prerequisite to a clean looking installation. And the most important element of ground preparation is having a smooth surface with transitions and slopes that are not overly steep or radical. Ensure that your ground preparation looks good all by itself. In other words, if you look at what you believe to be your final preparation and it looks lumpy, uneven and unfinished, you can be certain your grass will take on some of those same unflattering characteristics. While Floratam may be somewhat forgiving of poor ground preparation, the newer, fine-blade and dwarf St. Augustine varieties, and certainly Zoysias, Bermuda grasses and Paspalums, will look just plain bad. Also, always be alert for buried construction debris this too common practice is very detrimental to turfgrasses. Remembering that a landscape is often defined by the look of the turfgrass is the right mindset in ground preparation.
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Irrigation Testing
Irrigation is obviously critical to turfgrass establishment, and unbelievably is often undermanaged at the installation phase. With landscapes at the end of the construction cycle, deadlines press and owners push right at this critical juncture to success. Competent installation is fundamentally important, but thoroughly testing the coverage of the irrigation system is also key. Coverage also cuts both ways. Dry spots invite turf weakness and mortality, and the inevitable introduction of insects and disease. Wet spots promote shallow root development, weakness and a propensity to fungal diseases. A little bit of time goes a long way at this critical stage of the project. |
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Location Marking
Installation requires the efficient movement of people and machines. Accordingly, marking the installation site for sprinkler heads and other obstacles is very important. This is a shared responsibility of the installer and the customer, and working together can help to avoid lots of unnecessary problems and cost. At SMR Farms, we will always visit the site to ensure we are aware of these matters, as well as traffic patterns for forklifts and other equipment, to ensure a clean finished job. |
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