Lawn

Establishment and maintenance of lawn is skilled and technical, for establishing good lawn handy hints are provided, such as selection of grasses, planting, maintenance, weeding, irrigation, lawn protection etc., are covered

1. 1 Dr. Vijayakumar B. Narayanapur Asst. Prof. (Horticulture) University of Horticultural Science, Bagalkot, Karnataka , India

2. Lawn 2

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4. LAWN Lawn is beautiful green ground cover with perennial grass. Also called as a natural green carpet. A lawn is the heart of a garden . It is the basic feature for home ground development In home garden improves the appearance of the house, enhances the beauty, Increase conveniences It adds monetary value to the real estate 4

5. Lawn also provide Perfect setting for flower beds A border A shrubbery A specimen of tree or a shrub Besides , the lawn has spiritual value too Lawn is source of charm and pride reduces tension of mind after a days’ hard work 5

6. IMPORTANCE. Lawn is one of the most important features of a garden “Without a lawn no garden is complete and beautiful as the beauty of the garden largely depends on the condition of the lawn.” Main point of attraction of the garden. Provides a place for takings rest after the day’s hard work. Ideal place for holding parties and different Social functions. 6

7. Characters' of lawn grasses It should develop quickly. The grass must have compact growth. It should withstand regular mowing. It should tolerate Cold and drought . The grass should be soft to touch and not patchy, Should not give fowl and bad odour Should look fresh and remain green throughout the year. 7

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9. SITE SELECTION The selected site for making lawn should get full sunlight and the best situation is the southern side of the house. The site selected should be in south-east or south west direction of house or any building. Lawn grass do not grow well under the shade . 9

10. More over, The dried leaves of trees fall on the lawn grass make the lawn dirty, hence it is desirable that no big trees should be existing in the site selected Trees selected should provide shade during summer for sitting and should not shed leaves without adversely affecting the lawn Soil moisture capacity and drainage are very important Poor drained soil- grass will perish Highly porous soil- Frequent irrigation 10

11. SOIL… For establishment of a good lawn fertile loamy soil is ideal. Soil should be rich in humus content. It should have good moisture holding capacity and at the same time it should have good drainage Depth of soil shold be at least 25-30 cm for luxuriant growth 11

12. A slightly acidic soil having pH between 5.5 to 6.0 is good growth of grass. Low pH-½kg/m 2 of chalk or grounded lime stone Alkaline soil- Gypsum- ½kg/m 2 12 SOIL…

13. Drainage… Selected site- proper drainage Grasses are shallow rooted herbs and no deep drainage is necessary, but No water should stagnate in the root zone Clayey soils- Drainage pipes or by putting a layer of bricks and rubbish 90cm bellow the surface Ordinary drainage – carried out with grading and levelling 13

14. Rough surface leveling by eye estimation- prior to digging Shifting and filling of soil done – if necessary After rough levelling - thorough preparation of land is necessary- by digging Very often digging- contribute to the failure of lawn Digging should be done by trenching method- other wise the gardener fail to dig to the desired depth To ensure proper depth- trench of 60cm deep and 45 cm width dug at one side of the site 14 …Drainage..

15. During digging- old masonry, grass roots, stones etc., should be removed Special care should be taken to remove the roots of Motha grass ( Cyperus rotundus ) Digging should be done during – April –May-sterilize the soil, kill weed seeds, insects and harmful micro organisms Soil should be turned up subsequently 2-3 times at weekly intervals, - each time clods of earth, if any are broken and roots of weeds are removed 15 …Drainage

16. Manuring and Grading After digging is over, Soil is manured and graded If the soil is already fertile- Don’t apply organic manure- weed seeds Poor soil-FYM, night soil manure, stable manure-500kg/100 m 2 The manure is worked up to a depth of 15-20cm Any freshly dug soil will take long time for settleing In heavy rainfall areas- soil get settled due to pouring rain In low rainfall areas- flooding is done to notice the depression and filled with soil and finally leveled using spirit level 16

17. Selection of grasses Most suitable in India- Hariyali - Doob grass Cynodon dactylon 17

18. 18 Bermuda grass (Seeded and hybrid species) —  Cynodon  spp.                                             

19. 19 Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass well adapted to warm regions. Does best in full sun and high temperatures. During extended low temperatures- will turn brown. Bermudagrass is well adaptable - very water-efficient Has few pest problems. Both seeded and hybrid varieties are durable and withstand heavy use during the spring, summer, and early autumn months when they are actively growing, Bermuda grass (Seeded and hybrid species) —  Cynodon  spp.                                             

20. 20 Identifying tips A medium to coarse-textured gray-green grass. Leaves are folded in the bud. Hybrids are more fine-textured and vary in color from deep blue-green to dark green. Bermudagrass loses its color and becomes dormant in most locations during the cooler months of late autumn and winter. It spreads both by rhizomes and stolons . Bermuda grass (Seeded and hybrid species) —  Cynodon  spp.                                             

21. 21 Maintenance Low to high maintenance. Seeded Bermuda grass requires only moderate nitrogen and infrequent watering. Hybrid varieties - higher maintenance because they require more nitrogen and a closer and more frequent mowing cut. Regular edging will keep hybrids contained. BG has a low tolerance for shade and cold temperatures, but it can tolerate drought conditions and high temperatures. Bermudagrass has a high tolerance for salinity . Bermuda grass (Seeded and hybrid species) —  Cynodon  spp.                                             

22. 22 Planting and management tips for bermudagrass Mowing Mow short to produce neat, restrained turf. Mow frequently during warm months. Mow seeded bermudagrass at 1 - 1.5 inches; both rotary and reel lawn mowers can be used. Mow hybrids at 0.5 - 0.75 inches; a reel mower should be used. Fertilizing Fertilize using 2 - 4 lbs. nitrogen/1000 sq. ft. per year during the period of active growth (April - September) for seeded bermudagrass . More attention is required for hybrid varieties; fertilize using 4 - 6 lbs. Nitrogen/1000 sq. ft. per year during the period of active growth (April - September). Bermuda grass (Seeded and hybrid species) —  Cynodon  spp.                                             

23. 23 Planting Establish seeded bermudagrass from seed in areas where adapted. Seed at 1 lb. seed/1000 sq. ft. Establish hybrids vegetatively from sod, stolons or sprigs (4 - 6 bushels/1000 sq. ft.), and plugs. Irrigation Water infrequently. Water deeply to develop a healthy root system. Avoid frequent, shallow watering. Special problems- Bermudagrass mite , Dichondra flea beetle , Fiery skipper , Spring dead spot Invasive Hybrid bermudagrass requires frequent mowing Dormant in winter Bermuda grass (Seeded and hybrid species) —  Cynodon  spp.                                             

24. St. Augustine grass Stenotaphrum   secundatum Other Names: Buffalo grass, centipede grass  24

25. Poa pratensis , commonly known as  Kentucky bluegrass ,  smooth meadow-grass , or  common meadow-grass , 25

26. Kentucky bluegrass- Poa pratensis , It is a perennial species of  grass  native to  Europe ,  Asia ,  North America , and northern  Africa .  Poa pratensis  forms a valuable pasture plant, characteristic of well-drained, fertile soil. Used for making lawns in parks and gardens and is common in cool moist climates 26

27. 27 Kentucky bluegrass —  Poa pratensis                                                                                           

28. Kentucky bluegrass —  Poa pratensis 28 Boat-shaped tip and parallel-sided leaf blades Overall plant structure of Kentucky bluegrass

29. 29 Qualities Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass Its growth slows during the warm summer months. prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade . It is susceptible to disease and weed invasion. For a more disease resistant turf and good color and year-round performance , Kentucky blue grass is mixed with perennial rye grass. Usually 2 or more cultivars of each species are used and it is recommended that at least 15% of the mixture is perennial ryegrass. Kentucky bluegrass —  Poa pratensis                                                                                           

30. 30 Identifying tips A dark-green, medium-textured turf. The new leaves are folded in the bud, Kentucky bluegrass produces a dense turf. Maintenance Moderate to high maintenance. Tolerate cold winters but has a relatively low tolerance for heat Moderately drought tolerant. During the summer months if stressed for water, Kentucky bluegrass can go dormant. It has moderate wear tolerance, recovering quickly from some abuse . Kentucky bluegrass —  Poa pratensis                                                                                           

31. 31 Qualities a cool-season grass well adapted to sunny conditions and moderate temperatures. Annual ryegrass —  Lolium multiflorum Also known as Italian ryegrass or winter grass, it is often sown at high rates to over seed warm-season turf grasses for fall, winter, and early spring color or to provide temporary cover for soil stabilization. It is not otherwise used for turf. Annual ryegrass dies in the late spring to early summer. It often turns yellow and dies before warm-season grasses come out of dormancy.

32. 32 Collar of annual ryegrass Overall plant structure of annual ryegrass Annual ryegrass —  Lolium multiflorum

33. 33 Identifying tips A coarse, shiny lime-green grass. Leaves are rolled in the bud and long, narrow claw-like auricles are present. Annual ryegrass is a bunchgrass with an upright growth habit and shallow roots. Maintenance Moderate to high maintenance. Has low tolerance for drought, shade, and extreme high and low temperatures. It is only moderately wear resistant. Annual ryegrass —  Lolium multiflorum

34. 34 Zoysiagrass —  Zoysia  spp.                                              Qualities It is a warm-season grass adapted to warm climates. slow to become establish   Zoysia  spp. is very water efficient with few pest problems. It prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade. Zoysiagrass forms a thick turf, prickly to the touch. Collar of zoysiagrass

35. 35 Two common species Zoysia tenuifolia , a fine-leafed dwarf plant used as ground cover, Zoysia japonica , a Japanese lawn grass that is very drought tolerant. 'Emerald', 'El Toro', 'Victoria', and ' DeAnza ' are new varieties that tend to become established quickly. Zoysiagrass —  Zoysia  spp.                                             

36. 36 Identifying tips fine to medium-textured, dark-green grass. The leaf is rolled in the bud, there are no auricles, and the ligule is a fringe of hairs. The leaf blade is stiff, short, narrow, and pointed. Zoysia grass is a low-growing grass that spreads by stolons and rhizomes. It is uniform, dense grass turns brown when it goes dormant during winter. Maintenance Low maintenance. high tolerance for heat , drought, and heavy traffic . tolerate some shade . requires little nitrogen , however it retains better color during cool weather if fertilized during the fall. difficult to mow evenly. Zoysia grass —  Zoysia  spp.                                             

37. 37 Hard fescue —  Festuca longifolia                                                                                                                                        Collar of hard fescue Overall plant structure of hard fescue Qualities Hard fescue is a cool-season grass often used in cool-season grass seed mixtures when shade is an expected problem . It does well on low fertility soils and in shaded areas. This species is good as a non-mowed turf for slopes , median strips, and non used areas of parks. It does not recover well from severe injury. It is not tolerant of high summer temperatures.

38. 38 Identifying tips A very fine-bladed grayish to dark-green grass. The leaves are folded in the bud, there are no auricles, and a membranous ligule is present. Hard fescue is a bunch grass with a semi-erect growth habit and heavy roots. Maintenance Low maintenance. Hard fescue is often not mowed and can be left unmowed (it doesn't respond well to close mowing). It has a low fertility requirement and has a high tolerance for drought, shade, and cold temperatures.

39. 39 Seashore paspalum —  Paspalum vaginatum                                              Seashore paspalum is a very salt tolerant warm-season grass with desirable turf grass characteristics. This specialty grass is sometimes used in warm-season areas where either the soil or irrigation water has a high salt content. It does well near the ocean where it is subject to saltwater. Improved cultivars have been developed.

40. 40 Identifying tips A medium to coarse-bladed grass dense root system and an aggressive growth habit. This light to medium-colored grass spreads by rhizomes. Maintenance Moderate maintenance. Seashore paspalum requires moderate amounts of water and fertilizer and needs frequent mowing to maintain a low cut. This species is hard to mow and is somewhat slow to recover from mowing damage. It has a high tolerance for heat and salt and will tolerate some shade. Seashore paspalum can tolerate some traffic and can recover quickly from moderate wear during spring and summer. Seashore paspalum —  Paspalum vaginatum                                             

41. 41 Buffalo grass —  Buchloe dactyloides                                              Qualities Buffalo grass is a warm-season grass most drought-resistant grasses , relatively low turf quality, low shade tolerance, and relatively high seed and sod cost .

42. 42 Buffalo grass —  Buchloe dactyloides                                              Identifying tips fine-textured grayish-green grass. low-growing grass and spreads by stolons Maintenance Very low maintenance . survive with very little fertilizer , water, and mowing . drought resistant If not irrigated, will turn brown during the summer; it will recover well once irrigation has resumed. very shade intolerant . Many cultivars of this species can survive cold winter temperatures through dormancy. Mowing before emergence from winter dormancy will remove brown, dead foliage and hasten spring green-up.

43. 43 Rough bluegrass —  Poa trivialis                                              Qualities best adapted to wet, cool and shady areas. A cool-season grass, it is sometimes used for shaded turf in the fog belt areas and can be used to overseed dormant bermudagrass .

44. 44 Identifying tips A fine-bladed yellow-green grass. shallow root system and spreads by stolons Maintenance Moderate maintenance. Rough bluegrass requires rich soils and a lot of water. tolerates low temperatures , not tolerate wear, heat or drought . Rough bluegrass —  Poa trivialis                                             

45. 45 Dichondra —  Dichondra  spp.                                             

46. 46 Qualities Dichondra is a warm-season perennial ground cover, best adapted for cool coastal conditions. grow in partial shade, but does best in full sun. Because dichondra does not tolerate heavy traffic, it is best adapted for small areas rather than large lawns or where mowing is difficult. Broadleaf weed invasions are common and can be difficult to manage. Identifying tips A bright green ground cover with broad, circular leaves. Dichondra is not a grass, but a low-growing broadleaf ground cover. Maintenance High maintenance for water and fertilizer. requires well-drained soil and has a high nitrogen requirement. It has a low tolerance for salinity, drought, and very cold temperatures but tolerates some heat. Mowing is a matter of personal preference; it may either be mowed or remain unmown. Dichondra recovers only partially from moderate wear. Dichondra —  Dichondra  spp.                                             

47. 47 Red fescue —  Festuca rubra                                              Qualities Red fescue is a cool-season grass used in cool, shaded, mountain sites, such as camps, resorts, and cabins where low-input of mowing, fertilization, and irrigation is desired. It does not do well in hot climates, except in shady, dry situations. In areas where Kentucky bluegrass does well, red fescue forms an excellent companion grass to increase shade tolerance. Red fescue germinates and establishes slowly. It is moderately wear resistant.

48. 48 Identifying tips A very fine-bladed grass with a deep green color. Red fescue has two distinct growing habits: Creeping red fescue -spreads very slow by very short rhizomes and Chewings fescue- is a bunchgrass with an upright growth habit. Maintenance Very low maintenance. It does not require much fertilizer and does not need excesssof water. A high mowing cut is recommended. has a high tolerance for cold temperatures and shade, moderate tolerance for drought and wear, and low tolerance for heat. Red fescue —  Festuca rubra                                             

49. 49 Creeping bent grass —  Agrostis stolonifera                                             

50. 50 Creeping bent grass —  Agrostis stolonifera                                              Qualities Creeping bentgrass is a cool-season specialty grass primarily used for golf course putting greens, lawn bowling greens, and lawn tennis facilities. The skill and expense needed to maintain this species usually eliminates it as a possible home lawn turf. It is adapted to cool, humid regions and prefers sunny areas but will tolerate some shade. It tolerates low temperatures but will discolor early in the fall. Identifying tips A very fine-textured bright green grass. Creeping bentgrass is a low-growing grass with a shallow root system. It spreads by stolons to form a mat or thatch layer above the soil line. Maintenance High maintenance. Creeping bentgrass requires frequent watering, mowing, aerating, and dethatching, and high levels of fertilizer.

51. 51 Colonial bent grass —  Agrostis capillaris = A. tenuis                                             

52. 52 Qualities is a cool-season grass that thrives in cool coastal weather. It does best in cool, humid weather and can tolerate some shade. Identifying tips A very fine-bladed, light-green grass. Colonial bentgrass is a soft turf with upright leaves and a dense growth. It spreads by short rhizomes that may give rise to short stolons. Maintenance Moderate to high maintenance. It has a low tolerance for heat, salinity, water stress and traffic. It requires frequent irrigation, aerating and dethatching, and a relatively high level of fertilizer. Colonial bentgrass is slow to recover from moderate wear. 'Highland' is a cultivar of colonial bentgrass that tends to have a slightly higher tolerance for heat and drought. Colonial bent grass —  Agrostis capillaris = A. tenuis                                             

53. 53 Perennial ryegrass —  Lolium perenne                                             [

54. 54 Qualities Perennial ryegrass is a very competitive cool-season grass, best adapted to coastal regions that have moderate temperatures throughout the year. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Perennial ryegrass has the highest wear-tolerance of any cool-season grass and can tolerate high traffic. It is often used around homes, schools, and parks. Because it germinates quickly, it is often used for overseeding winter-dormant bermudagrass lawns. Its rapid emergence helps to suppress weeds. For a more traffic and disease-resistant turf, it is often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass. Perennial ryegrass —  Lolium perenne                                             [

55. 55 Identifying tips A fine-textured, rich green grass with the leaf folded in the bud. Leaf margins are parallel, the back of the leaf is shiny, and the tips of the leaf blades are tapered. The collar usually has outgrowths (auricles) that clasp the stem. Ryegrass may form clumps where marginally adapted. There are no rhizomes or stolons. Perennial ryegrass has a bunchgrass-type growth habit. Maintenance Moderate to high maintenance. It has a moderately low tolerance for heat, shade, and drought and a high tolerance for cold temperatures. Perennial ryegrass —  Lolium perenne                                             [

56. 56 Tall fescue —  Festuca arundinacea                                             

57. 57 Tall fescue —  Festuca arundinacea                                              Qualities Tall fescue is a cool-season grass, well adapted to sunny or partially shady areas. When densely sown, a pure stand forms a moderate to coarse-textured lawn that is uniform in appearance with good weed and disease resistance. Tall fescue tolerates warm summer temperatures and stays green during cool, but not severe winter conditions. New varieties that are finer in texture and shorter in stature are known as turf-type tall fescues and dwarf turf-type tall fescues. Tall fescue is a good species to plant for general lawn use and is the most common lawn grass in California.

58. 58 Tall fescue —  Festuca arundinacea                                              Identifying tips A coarse-textured medium to dark-green grass. Leaves are rolled in the bud. It has short, rounded auricles, a short membranous ligule, and an extensive root system. Because tall fescue has a bunch-type growth habit rather than a creeping-type, open areas may develop and need to be reseeded. Maintenance Low maintenance. Tall fescue has excellent tolerance for heat stress and drought. It will tolerate moderate traffic and infrequent mowing. This species is not well adapted to high altitudes.

59. 59 Collar of kikuyugrass Overall plant structure of kikuyugrass Kikuyugrass   Pennisetum    clandestinum

60. 60 Qualities Kikuyugrass is a warm-season grass spreads quickly and thrives in areas with moderate temperatures. I tolerate heat and will do well under relatively shady conditions. It is seldom established as a desired turfgrass. It has a low disease incidence and is susceptible to cold but is able to recover quickly from moderate wear or severe injury. Although once considered to be primarily a weed, kikuyugrass is now sometimes managed as a turf species. Identifying tips A coarse-textured, light green grass, sometimes mistaken for St. Augustinegrass. The leaves are folded in the bud, the ligule is a fringe of hairs, and there are no auricles. It has slightly flattened, hairy leaf sheaths and tapering leaf blades with files of hairs. Kikuyugrass spreads by its thick rhizomes and vigorous stolons. Kikuyugrass   Pennisetum    clandestinum

61. 61 St. Augustinegrass —  Stenotaphrum secundatum                                             

62. 62 Qualities St. Augustinegrass, along with bermudagrass and zoysiagrass, is a warm-season turfgrass. In areas where it is well adapted, it is water efficient and has few pest problems. St. Augustinegrass is used in the most moderate California climate zones, along the Southern California coast or in coastal valleys. It prefers full sun, but has a high tolerance for shade. It grows quickly during the summer months, but slows down during the spring and fall and enters a dormancy period in the late autumn and during the winter months. Because St. Augustinegrass is not wear tolerant, it is used for lawns and general purpose turf, but not for high traffic sports turf. Identifying tips A broad-bladed, medium-green grass. Leaves are folded in the bud, there are no auricles, the ligule is a fringe of hairs, and the leaf blades are wide with a boat-shaped tip. The leaf sheath is flattened and the collar narrows to form a short stalk or petiole for the leaf blade. St. Augustinegrass has a creeping growth habit and is propagated by stolons that form shoots at every node. It forms a dense prostrate turf that is virtually weed free. Maintenance Moderate maintenance. St. Augustinegrass requires a high amount of nitrogen per year. It has a high tolerance for shade and heat but a poor tolerance for cold temperatures. It is drought and salt tolerant. Thatch is a severe problem. If not regularly dethatched, St. Augustinegrass can be difficult to mow.

63. 63 Turf species not adapted to hot climates Turf species Tolerance Temperature adaptation Planting method Cold Drought Shade Salinity Wear/ Traffic Annual ryegrass Low Low Low Low Low Cool season(CS) Seed Colonial bentgrass High Low Moderate Low Low (CS) Seed, sod, plugs Creeping bentgrass High Low Moderate Moderate Low (CS) Seed, sod, plugs Hard fescue High High High Low Low (CS) Seed, sod Kentucky bluegrass * High Low Moderate Low Moderate (CS) Seed, sod Perennial ryegrass * High Low Low Moderate High (CS) Seed, sod Red fescue * High Mod. High Low Moderate (CS) Seed, sod Rough bluegrass High Low High Low Low (CS) Seed Turf adaptations and tolerances—not adapted to hot climates * When planted as a blended turf, this species can be grown successfully in warm-season areas if properly managed.

64. 64 Turf species somewhat adapted to summer heat Turf species Tolerance Temperature adaptation Planting method Cold Drought Shade Salinity Wear / Traffic Dichondra Low Low Moderate Low Low Warm-season Seed, plugs Turf species well adapted to summer heat Turf species Tolerance Temperature adaptation Planting method Cold Drought Shade Salinity Wear/Traffic Bermudagrass Low High Low High High Warm-season Seed, sod, stolons, sprigs, plugs Buffalograss Moderate High Low Low Low Warm-season Seed, sod, plugs Turf adaptations and tolerances— somewhat adapted to summer heat

65. 65 Kikuyugrass Low High Moderate Moderate High Warm-season Sod, stolons Seashore paspalum Low Moderate Moderate High Moderate Warm-season Sod, stolons St. Augustinegrass Low Moderate High High Moderate Warm-season Sod, stolons Tall fescue * Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate-high Cool-season Seed, sod Zoysiagrass Low - moderate High Moderate-high Moderate High Warm-season Sprigs, sod *Tall fescue has moderate to high tolerance for heat. Turf species well adapted to summer heat Turf species Tolerance Temperature adaptation Planting method Cold Drought Shade Salinity Wear/Traffic

66. 66 Turf species not adapted to hot climates Turf species Tolerance Temperature adaptation Planting method Cold Drought Shade Salinity Wear/Traffic Annual ryegrass Low Low Low Low Low Cool-season Seed Colonial bentgrass High Low Moderate Low Low Cool-season Seed, sod, plugs Creeping bentgrass High Low Moderate Moderate Low Cool-season Seed, sod, plugs Hard fescue High High High Low Low Cool-season Seed, sod Kentucky bluegrass * High Low Moderate Low Moderate Cool-season Seed, sod Perennial ryegrass * High Low Low Moderate High Cool-season Seed, sod Red fescue * High Moderate High Low Moderate Cool-season Seed, sod Rough bluegrass High Low High Low Low Cool-season Seed Turf adaptations and tolerances—not adapted to hot climates * When planted as a blended turf, this species can be grown successfully in warm-season areas if properly managed.

67. 67 Bermuda grass Centipede grass

68. 68 St. Augustine Zoysia

69. 69 Creeping red fescue Bahia

70. 70 Creeping bent Tall fescue

71. 71 Annual rye Kentucky blue

72. 72 Winter grass

73. Land Preparation The germinated weeds during this period can be easily removed before next watering spray non selective type of herbicides paraquat/ gramaxone (1-1.5 lit /ha)800-1000 After the soil has settled, level the soil by filling depressions & repeat rolling. A gradual slope from the centre to the edges is always preferred to facilitate drainage of excess water during heavy rains and irrigation drainage. In small lawns where the soil is not so sticky necessary arrangement of drainage may not be necessary. 73

74. PLANTING OF GRASS . Planting of grass can be done at anytime of the year. But in the tropical country like India it is better to start the work of planting the grass in the beginning of rainy season, because grass thus planted will get quicker growth and better establishment.. 74

75. [a ] KOREAN GRASS . This grass is native of Japan and Korea. It has recently been introduced in India Korean grass has velvety growth besides having more tolerance to cold . This grass is highly suitable for making lawn in small areas and home gardens . 75

76. [b] DOOB OR BERMUDA GRASS . It is used very commonly for making lawn due to its faster growth, hardiness, less water requirements. This grass makes excellent turf. it can be grown on any type of soil . 76

77. Method of planting Grasses Seed sowing Dibbling Turfing Bricking Turf plastering Planting on polythene sheet 77

78. 1. SEED SOWING. Before sowing of seeds divide the entire plot. It should be 200 -300sq meter. 500 gm Of seed will be required for 200 sq metre area. The entire amount of seeds should be mixed with double the quantity of fine soil. Then the soil should be raked over in two directions so as to mix the seeds uniformly with the soil. Then the ground should be rolled.. Then watering must be done. 78

79. The seeds will germinate within 3-5 weeks. After few weeks when the grass attains the height of about 4-5 cm the first cutting should be done and then the surface is rolled. The grass on the lawn should never be allowed to grow more than 5 cm. 79 1. SEED SOWING.

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81. 2. DIBBLING. It is cheapest and slowest method of lawn making but it is the most common method. A small bunch of grass along with roots and little stem is taken. Planting is done at a spacing of 7-9 cm apart both row to row and plant to plant, preferably when the soil is slightly moist. The roots spread and grow underground in the course of 3-4 months making a fairly compact lawn. 81

82. 3. TURFING It is also called sod method quickest method of forming a lawn. Small pieces of well prepared lawn or turf are cut into square or rectangular shape preferably. Turf is a piece of earth with compact grass on it. Selected small piece of grass should be cut uniformly thick selected from a place free from weeds and grasses along with soil are placed on prepared ground side by side closely Slightly beat down flat into position. Any cavity or interspaces found should be filled with fine soil. It is the most costly way of making a lawn. 82

83. TURF 83

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86. 4. BRICKING It is done to replace few unhealthy patches in a well maintained lawn. In this methods pieces of lawn along with soil in the shape of bricks are planted and watered immediately . 86

87. Grass roots with little stem of 4-5 cm long pieces are mixed with garden soil, fresh cow dung water and roots i e., rhizomes or stolons of doob grass. Spread this paste evenly over prepared field during raining season. It is then covered by 2 cm soil and watered regularly. 87 5. Turf Plastering method :

88. 6.PLANTING ON POLYTHENE SHEET . In this method lawn is grown on thick polyethylene (800 gauge thickness) First cut the polyethylene into suitable pieces of desired dimension. Spread a mixture of soil (3-4 cm thick) over the polyethylene sheets & grow grass on it. It can be rolled and taken when temporary effect is to be created. 88

89. Maintenance of lawn Once the lawn has established it needs maintenance. To retain of the texture of the turf and its uniform colour , the lawn is raked, aerated and top dressed with fertilizers & kept weed free – since it is the focal point of any landscape design an improperly cared or badly maintained lawn can spoil the beauty of the complete garden. 89

90. Lawn rolling Mowing Manuring Scraping Raking Watering and Weeding 90 Maintenance of lawn

91. The purpose of rolling is to bring the grass in contact with the soil and also to keep the ground levelled After the first shower of rain, roll, thoroughly with medium roller both ways to make the level correct. Avoid rolling when the soil is too wet. The lawn should be rolled after every weeding or at weekly intervals. 91 Rolling

92. Mowing Mowing is the process of cutting turfgrasses using lawn mowers to improve aesthetics, appearance of area, to provide a good playing surface for a game and to control the weed growth 92

93. Moving Moving is important operation to get good quality and healthy lawn Regular mowing of lawn is also as essential as watering. Moving frequency varies with season and type of grass Never allow the grass to grow more than 6 cm high. During winter the lawns require mowing once or twice a week. Mower: Machine used for cutting grass or other plants grow in the lawn 93

94. Mowing frequency: The number of times a turf grass community is mowed per week, month or growing season Mowing height: The distance at which the ground surface at which the turfgrass is cut during mowing Mowing interval: The reciprocal of mowing frequency is mowing interval i.e., the number of days, week etc., between successive mowing Mowing pattern: It is the pattern of back and forth travel while mowing turf. Pattern may be changed regularly to distribute wear and compaction to avoid creating “grain” and to create visually aesthetic effects, especially for spectaror sports 94

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96. ROLLER 96

97. LAWN MOWER 97

98. MOWER CYCLE 98

99. Top dressing and manuring For continuous and healthy growth of lawn continuous supply of nutrients is important. FYM -100kg/ 100m2 Bone meal-1kg/10m2 The application of 50 gms mixture/sq.mt during rainy season (August & September) & Feb-March helps to maintain a good growth of grass. The mixture will contain 2 parts CAN, 1 part SSP and 1 part of potassium sulphate . Spraying of urea @2g/ litre of water is also useful to produce good growth of grass. A top dressing of garden soil course sand and screened leaf mould with addition to bone meal in 1:2:1 proportion should be applied followed by raking and scraping. A quantity of 100kg to cover an area of 100 sq.mt to a depth of 2 cm is sufficient, It can be repeated for every 2-3 weeks . 99

100. Scraping and raking Scraping and raking are always beneficial to maintain the tenderness of the lawn. Due to constant rolling and mowing a hard crust forms on the surface and lower part of the grass become woody. Before rainy season that is May or June the entire lawn should be scraped completely with a Khurpi followed by raking in both ways. If the condition of lawn is good only raking is sufficient to loosen soils. Then mow the grass thoroughly until the old stumps/runners is well trimmed and expose to sun. 100

101. Watering Lawn need regular water supply for its continuous growth. Watering must be thorough and as frequent depending upon the weather conditions. Frequent watering is beneficial rather than heavy watering at long interval. Heavy watering may encourage the deep rooting weeds to come up 101

102. Sprinkler irrigation is the best method for watering lawn for even distribution of water. Pure water should be used as saline or brackish water burns the grass specially during summer. Winter dew is very beneficial for lawn. 102 Irrigation

103. Weeding Weeds compete and make grass and less vigorous. Hence, weeds should be controlled either by manual weeding or by using chemicals. Weeds should be removed at regular intervals as and when seen. More frequent weeding is required in rainy season than in the winter months. Weedicide 2,4-D is the most effective chemical used for lawn weeding. 103

104. Pests Termites : Termites attack in summer months Termites attack stem & roots. Management Heavy watering Application phorate/neem cake or pongamia cake 104

105. Whitefly : Symptoms : Green colour turn to pale dull to grey CM – Spray systemic insecticides . Mealy bugs : Mostly attacks Bermuda hybrid grass in summer months. 105 Pests

106. Brown patches Management Drenching of systemic pesticides / phorate. Maintain high moisture levels in summer months. 106 Pests

107. 107 Brown patches

108. Root grubs : It is minor lawn pest . CM – Drenching of systemic pesticide. Slugs : They are seen in water logged conditions – Can be controlled by liming, or keeping gunny bags wetted with salt water 108 Pests

109. Diseases Damping off : It appears mainly due to water stagnation and poor drainage of the lawn. Fairy ring : causal organisms – Marasmius ordeades, Psalliota compestris, Leipiota morgani Symptoms : These fungi cause circular rings on the grass. Rings may not be complete with an appearance and are of horse shoe shape. Grass turns brown, rings, widen in circles from few centi metres to meters. Control measures : Drenching of soil with Bordeaux mixture or spraying of copper fungicides like coc @ 0.3%, Blitox @ 5g/litre of water. 109

110. Other problems Yellowing of lawn More prevalent in wet weather It is caused by water logging in heavy rainfall areas and lack of water. Deficiency of Nitrogen . Hard ening of a soil, which creates oxygen deficiency in roots. Management : loosening of soil with help of Khurpi or raking reduces yellowing. Controlled by drenching with COC or Dithane M-45@ 3g/lit or Bavistin 1g/ litre 110

111. Other problems Frost Injury: In cold region grass is injured due to frost In N India grass is injury is due to frost Management: Spraying of water in the every evening and early in the morning after the frost 111

112. Other problems Thatching Formation of straw like layers of dead stems, leaves and roots of grasses is called thatching It can be controlled by manual removal Earthworms Affect lawn by depositing their extreta Cause a circular ring of thin coloued or dead grass Control- Bavistin drenching 1g/l or Dithane M-45@3g/l, Neem or Pongamia cake @500g/ sqm applied before rainy season Termites: Controlled by application of Phorat / Thimet 112

113. SPRINKLER IRRIGATION 113

114. RAKER 114

115. DISEASES This is caused by the soil borne fungi. The fungi produce a circular ring like appearance on the leaves. Rings may not be complete and give the appearance like horse shoe. This disease can be controlled by drenching the soil with blitox @ 5 g/ litre of water. 115 1 -FAIRY RING.

116. 116 www.lawngrasses.com http://www.lawn.co.uk http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/ Bose TK, Maiti RG, Dhua RS and Das P. 1999. Floriculture and Landscaping. Naya Prokash. • Nambisan KMP.1992. Design Elements of Landscape Gardening. Oxford & IBH.

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