LANDSCAPE AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
The main function of the assessment is to make specific notes and document various observations about the condition of the plants , such as “ poor growth this year ,” “ decay in trunk ” and “ overgrowing the sidewalk .” It helps the process of keeping each field or group of plants surrounding a building separate so that they don ’ t get mixed up with other fields or groups . A clipboard and notebook paper or iPad / tablet work really well for assessments .
After assessing / documenting , it ’ s time to determine what caused the malady or concern and decide how serious it is . For example , a shrub might be struggling because when the soil near the crown is probed the blade of the screwdriver or metal stake is muddy when it is pulled out , leading to an effort to find the source of the possible overwatering . The note of “ pale leaves and stunted growth ” could lead to a suggestion of auditing the nearby sprinkler system , looking for leaks , incorrect runtimes and overspray . Digging a hole to look at the roots would also be a possible action step .
The process of assessment and analysis can seem to be negative or downright depressing , yet it ’ s really an opportunity to replace moderately or severely diseasesusceptible or poorly sited specimens . After all , if a plant dies from root rot , it creates a void in the landscape that must be filled with better-adapted plant material . Consulting with a landscape designer , landscape architect , ISA Certified Arborist or local land grant university extension professional will provide valuable information throughout this process .
Perennials and groundcovers – especially if planted in drifts or masses – can be good replacements for narrow strips of turf .
Hitting the sweet spot of proper spacing will result in good establishment without breaking the budget .
WHAT ’ S NEEDED ? Choosing wisely also begs the question of what is needed around sports fields or on the campus grounds . Nonturf plants can provide quite a variety of functional and aesthetic benefits , often identifying possible solutions through general groups of plant materials . General groups provide the sweet spot between the “ everything is on the table ” and “ ultra-specific ” when choosing plants . They also allow for a good match-up , considering soil type , sun exposure , disease pressure , size allotment and adjoining hardscape . Avoid choosing a particular plant until all of these have been fully considered .
If sun / heat relief is needed for players and spectators , a shade tree might be a good answer . Refreshment stands and bleachers are often well utilized when the space is welcoming instead of one that requires the squinting of eyes and the use of a fan to create a breeze .
If the need is to reduce mowing , groundcovers might be a good choice . They ’ re available in a variety of colors , heights and textures in addition to evergreen and deciduous . Some out-of-play areas can be converted to no-maintenance zones with wildflowers or no-mow fescues that replace fine turfgrasses such as bermuda and Kentucky bluegrass . If the area tends to be monochromatic , spring and summer flowering bulbs with a good bloom sequence in mind can provide near-season-long color . Other plants such as coneflowers and shrub roses can also provide desirable visual appeal . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com April 2024 | SportsField Management
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