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58 Principle 4 Practical Turfgrass Areas Kelly Kopp and JayDee Gunnell Of the guiding principles of water-efficient landscaping, the most controversial involves the use of turfgrass in the landscape. At times it seems as though water-efficient landscaping may not allow the use of turfgrasses at all. In fact, water-efficient landscaping recognizes turfgrass as an integral and beneficial component of the landscape. The reason that turfgrass is mentioned specifically in water-efficient landscaping guidelines is that there is great potential for overirrigation of turfgrasses . Unlike other plants that readily exhibit the stresses of overwatering, turfgrass is able to withstand a great deal of overirrigation without exhibiting signs of stress. In addition, as an herbaceous plant, turfgrass is often one of the first plants in the landscape to exhibit signs of drought stress. These facts, coupled with a “more is always better” attitude toward landscape irrigation, predispose turfgrass areas to overirrigation. When meeting the needs of a client for recreation space in the landscape, turfgrass is often the best and only appropriate ground cover choice. Turfgrasses are a very practical landscape surface for many urban and suburban landscapes , but sometimes clients request grasses for locations where the purpose is not recreation. In these cases, lower-water-use plant materials may be suggested and considered. Refer to “Principle 3: Appropriate Plant Selection” for possible options. As a design component, turfgrass invites participation in the landscape while providing unity and simplicity. When using turfgrass in a water-efficient landscape , a few basic guidelines are helpful: Practical Turfgrass Areas   59 • Use turfgrass only in areas where it is functional. These areas may include play areas, areas receiving traffic, and areas needing temperature, noise, or dust mitigation. If the only time a turf area receives traffic is when it is mowed, perhaps a lower-maintenance plant would work in that location. • Consider choosing turfgrass species with lower water requirements. Depending on where you are in the region, certain varieties of the different turfgrass species will perform better. Refer to your local university extension service for recommended varieties. • Consider using nonirrigated turfgrass areas. If the turfgrass is not performing a functional role, does it really need to be irrigated? Many turfgrasses can withstand considerable drought stress by entering dormancy (turning yellow/brown). When conditions improve, they will green up again. • Do not plant turfgrass in narrow, small, or oddly shaped areas that are difficult to irrigate or mow efficiently. In these types of locations, there are many other plants that are more practical choices. Refer to “Principle 3: Appropriate Plant Selection” for other plant options. • Hydrozoning in a water-efficient landscape certainly applies to turfgrasses as well as other plants. Plan and design irrigation systems so that turfgrass areas are irrigated separately from other landscape plants. Also, become familiar with the actual water requirements of the turfgrass, and set irrigation controllers so that those requirements are not exceeded (Table 4-1). • Use cultural practices that will improve turfgrass water-use efficiency. For example, mowing higher will encourage deeper rooting and will improve heat- and drought-tolerance. Proper fertilization will also support healthy turfgrass and allow it to better withstand the stresses of heat and drought. Returning grass clippings when mowing helps to reduce evaporation of water from the soil surface. When these guidelines are followed, turfgrass becomes an appropriate, practical , and beautiful component of the water-efficient landscape. If the only time a turf area receives traffic is when it is mowed, perhaps a lowmaintenance plant would work in that location. 60 Water-Efficient Landscaping in the Intermountain West Turfgrass Irrigation In the Intermountain West, proper turfgrass irrigation is essential for the health of the grass and will also help to conserve limited water supplies. The following practices should be followed to optimize irrigation efficiency in turfgrass areas: • Set schedules to irrigate in the early morning when temperatures are cool, which will allow the grass to dry quickly and lessen its disease susceptibility. • Avoid irrigating between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to minimize evaporation losses. • Encourage clients to check irrigation systems monthly for leaks and damaged or clogged sprinkler heads. • Encourage clients to accept a less-than-perfect lawn. During drought, grass will take on a golden yellow color as it goes dormant, but will recover as temperatures cool and water becomes more available. Avoid excessive traffic on dormant turfgrass. • When puddles form or water runs off during irrigation, set irrigation schedules to water in short, repeated cycles. Schedules should...

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