Managing turf grass is much more than just keeping it green. I mean, yeah, you’d want your turf to look as luxurious as possible for aesthetics but if the color is the only thing to care about, might as well throw paint over it on a bi-weekly basis. But that’s not it.

As a golf course owner, or maybe just someone with a keen interest in cultivating lush green grasses, you should know that you’ll need knowledge, some patience, and a little grunting to properly manage your turf.

Don’t worry though. If you’ve got the right approach, you’ll be able to grow a turf that would make any golfer green with envy.

Know Your Grass

The very first thing you need to do is understand the kind of grass that grows on your turf. Each kind requires different practices for proper growth. 

For example, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescues are hardy northerners, so they thrive when the mercury drops. On the other hand, varieties like Bermuda and Zoysia grass are sun lovers, so they’re perfect for the warm season. 

Starting any practices before understanding your grass could worsen their condition. 

Understand Your Soil

You’ve probably heard this every stage of your life but foundation is important. Even in turf management. If your soil’s out of shape (or balance), your grass will be too.

You should get it tested to determine pH levels and nutrient content. Aim for your pH to be between 6.0 and 7.0 because that’s the sweet spot for most turf grasses. If it’s not quite there yet, apply a little line to raise it. To bring it down, apply sulfur instead. You can also incorporate some organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility.

Watering Properly 

It is very easy to overwater your grass. I mean it’s grass. They’re tough as nails. Not the ones on your turf though. 

Think of new grass as a newborn baby- you have to give it constant attention. One miss and it could go badly. Water lightly to keep the soil moist, just enough for the grasses. Once your turf is established, switch to deep, infrequent watering. 

One thing I’ve found that helps is watering in the early morning. That way, there’s less chances of evaporation and you’ll keep your grass blades happy the entire day. 

Consider using Primo Maxx®, a Syngenta product for irrigation to optimize your watering solutions.

Mow At The Right Height And Frequency

There’s an art to mowing. You don’t just put a mower to the ground, move it about for a while, and then call it a day. You have to consider the type of grass you’re growing. Keep cool-season grasses at about 2-3 inches, while warm-season grasses should be cut about 1-2 inches shorter. 

Remember to not shave off more than a third of the blade at once. That would be stressful for the grass and would affect its zen. We want a zen lawn, not an anxious one.

Fertilize According To Grass Type And Season 

Just because you have to fertilize your turf doesn’t mean you’ll throw anything their way. Again, the kind of grass you’ve got will tell you what kind of fertilizer to use. 

For example, cool season grasses would rather be fertilized in early spring and fall, while fertilizing in late spring and summer would fit warm-season types.

Also, using a balanced fertilizer with the given instructions is a game changer. 

Control Weeds and Pest Proactively

Weeds and pests are like the bane to your turf-growing existence; you can’t seem to avoid them forever. But you can surely try. 

Regularly mowing and proper fertilization should be your first step. If you’ve got stubborn weeds growing there, get pre-emergent herbicides in early spring. They work wonders. 

Also, keep an eye out for pests like grubs and chinch bugs.

Aerate and Dethatch Regularly

Many golf course owners overlook aeration and dethatching when that’s exactly what you should be doing. Aeration is like giving your turf a deep tissue massage; it lets air, water and nutrients penetrate deep into the soil. Doing it annually will work some wonders. 

Dethatching is like clearing out the underbrush. Too much thatch can suffocate your grass and reverse all your hard work so you should rake often.

Make It A Year-Round Thing

And finally, remember that turf management is a year-round job. Focus on tackling those early weeds and fertilizing in the spring. In summer, water properly and now. In Fall, you have to make another round of fertilizing and maybe some overseeing. Winter doesn’t require much work; just keeping the lawn clear of debris and minimizing foot traffic on dormant grass. 

Conclusion 

Managing turf grass requires a lot of attention for most of the year. And a good bit of patience. These tips, however, will help you in your way to creating and maintaining a lush healthy expanse of green that would make any golf course owner proud.