Identification should include suitable types of grass for warm-season, cool-season, and transition zones. Considerations include
- use (e.g., athletic field, commercial setting, residential landscaping, golf course)
- site (i.e., microclimate)
- maintenance needs
- disease resistance
- insect resistance
- thatch production
- rate of establishment
- germination
- performance characteristics of the region
- traffic tolerance
- shade tolerance
- environmental stress tolerance (e.g., drought, moisture, heat, cold).
Resources for selecting turf varieties may include
- National Turf Evaluation Program (NTEP)
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards for turf quality
- Virginia Cooperative Extension's annual Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What is the effect of climate on turfgrass growth?
- What are the ultimate use(s) of our specific turfgrass selection?
- What are the maintenance levels needed for our specific turf uses?
- How do we compare texture of selected turf grasses?
- Which turfgrass type should we choose for heat or cold tolerance?
- Which turfgrass type should we choose for drought and shade tolerance?
- Which turfgrasses should we choose for transition zone growth and use?
- How do we determine cultivar selection for specified applications in turf grass areas?
- How do amount and type of traffic determine turfgrass selection?