Maintenance should include
- determining the best time of year to fertilize turf
- differentiating between the cultural requirements of cool-season and warm-season grasses
- interpreting a soil sample analysis to determine the best fertilization practices
- determining how much fertilizer is needed to give the right amount of nitrogen to a specified area
- adjusting the pH of turf soils
- spreading fertilizer, using a drop spreader or a rotary spreader
- executing good mowing practices
- determining the best mowing height for a species of turf grass
- operating a rotary mower
- removing excessive clippings, when necessary
- removing thatch by hand or by thatching machine
- aerating turf-grass soil
- overseeding turf
- repairing worn areas in turf.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What are the typical cool-season turf grasses?
- What are the typical warm-season turf grasses?
- What is the transition zone?
- What criteria determines the best type of turf grass to plant in a given area?
- What does a soil test reveal and how is this information beneficial to a landscaper?