Do you question the future of an American tradition, the sprawling lawn? While some advocate its demise, others agree turf matters as it serves as one of Mother Nature’s preeminent filtering systems when managed appropriately. A few years ago, there was a campaign slogan, 'just say no', related to turf/lawn nutrient management but reality is, if this strategy was implemented, only the form of pollution run-off changes. So, let's explore viable alternatives.
VA Tech’s Mike Goatley, Associate Professor and Turfgrass Specialist, joining the Virginia Green Industry Council (VGIC) has issued statewide a challenge to Virginians to GoGreen, become environmental stewards in turf management practices. During the 2009 Virginia GoGreen, garden festival and more, Goatley and his colleagues host an all-day lawn clinic. In support of their effort the Turf Store, www.theturfstoreusa.com, and the Smart Lawns Program sponsored by Henrico County Extension are on site and will assist with advising you how to safely manage lawns while protecting Virginia’s water resources.
Goatley provides a host of current and archived tips in best management practices for homeowners and their lawns through the “Turf and Garden Tips” website, http://www.weblogs.cals.vt.edu/lawn_garden/. One of the most important steps towards achieving a healthy lawn or landscape is to conduct a soil test, an activity recommended at least every 3-4 years for lawns in Virginia.
Improving soil almost certainly improves your lawn and landscape. For, many lawns struggle from the onset as turf and ornamentals at new construction sites are planted in what essentially is subsoil. The best sod in the world can only temporarily mask underlying soil problems!
In preparation for the turf clinic, contact your regional County Extension office and acquire for example a soil test similar to Virginia's land grant university VA Tech. Complete the test, forward the soil sample for analysis and then, follow the nutrient recommendations. During the Festival's clinic, on site experts can help you interpret the results as well as discuss how one can slowly but surely amend a poor soil into a desirable growing environment for plants through proper fertilization, cultivation, and compost applications
A second equally important step is to select a turf that works well for your environment. For a list of the best adapted cultivars for the states of VA and MD, review the current Virginia/Maryland Turfgrass Recommended Variety lists posted at http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/np/2805-1003.pdf . Consider existing lawn quality in relationship to current water, fertilizer, and pesticides uses and then, question if both the lawn and the environment would benefit by selecting a better adapted grass that requires fewer inputs.
Traditionally, Virginians prefer cool season grasses and early fall is a great time to establish and/or renovate these lawns. Detailed demonstrations on how to calibrate spreaders, how to calculate appropriate amounts of nutrients and lime, and how to deliver them accurately and efficiently will be available at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. during the Festival. Also, experts demonstrate how to properly establish seed and sod.
Mismanaged lawns can negate all the great attributes of a healthy turf: water filtration and groundwater recharge, erosion control, temperature and glare moderation, and the use of turf for recreation and relaxation. The Festival’s hands-on clinic provides you plenty of “best management practices” to deliver a great looking, environmentally friendly lawn.
As hostess for the Festival's special events, I invite you to attend an ‘admission free’ event, the Virginia GoGreen, garden festival and more; and discuss with Goatley safe methods for creating and maintaining a healthy lawn space. Educate yourself and then, go green - become an environmental steward in turf management practices!
Virginia GoGreen Garden Festival (and more …) held (rain or shine) September 12, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Garner Pavilion (located behind the Science Museum), 2500 West Broad Street, in Richmond Virginia. For directions, see web sitewww.smv.org and event details see www.virginiagardening.com. Festival admission and parking is free.
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