LANDSCAPE AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
Slopes present several challenges . Groundcovers , shrubs and perennials often reduce the maintenance required for these spaces .
If narrow strips of turf are present , the choice might be to replace them with perennials in these locations . Perennials usually tolerate the heat island effect that tends to be present with narrow strips , and they don ’ t need to be aerated , mowed or overseeded ; they usually require less fertilizer and water as well .
Slopes always present a challenge for spaces with turfgrass . Replacing it with plants that don ’ t require mowing adds a big safety improvement . A choice such as a groundcover , shrub or perennial doesn ’ t mean that the slope is a no-maintenance space , just that it has been reduced . These plants still need monitoring to be sure that soil moisture , weeding and other needs are being taken care of .
RIGHT PLANT , RIGHT PLACE One of the most used phrases in the green industry over the past 10 to 20 years is “ right plant , right place ” ( RPRP ), and for good reason . It ’ s rock-solid , straight-asan-arrow , right-on-track guidance . Perhaps the best part of RPRP is that it encourages field managers and landscapers to use a full array of considerations when choosing plants . These RPRP components are just as important as sun / shade preference and eventual height :
Width — The other side of eventual height is width . It ’ s commonly overlooked , especially with hedges , small trees and plants installed near hardscapes .
Disease resistance — Disease resistance equals low maintenance and low cost , which is especially desirable for ornamentals at a sports facility .
Level of maintenance — High maintenance can be tolerated in high-visibility areas , but other areas can be planted for low maintenance .
Soil moisture and pH — Choosing plants adapted to various soil components is critical .
Blooming sequence — It ’ s great to have something blooming at all times and just takes a little planning .
Leaf color and texture — Green leaves in spring , summer and fall offer two-for-the-price-of-one benefits . Growth habit — Columnar , spreading , pyramidal , etc . Native choices — Chances are good that if it ’ s native , it ’ s going to survive . Hardiness zones — Cold and heat zones sometimes change ; choosing wisely takes this into account . Slope — Mowing can be tough on a slope ; perhaps groundcovers or low-growing shrubs are a better choice . Flower / fruit / fragrance — Butterflies are always welcome , but bees can be a real problem , especially for fans and players that are allergic .
Color — Always a “ wow ” factor , a 2-3 color scheme is welcome in the sports turf and campus landscape .
Safety — Landscape debris droppage can be a hindrance and photosynthesis limitation in other situations .
CHOOSE LOCAL OR NATIONAL ? Is it best to choose ornamental plants on a national or local basis ? The answer is neither ; it ’ s both . The bottom line is the performance of the plant at your facility . National information and marketing sources can help identify species that have appeal and have been selected based on favorable ratings in the RPRP categories , but they must be locally validated with testing and recommendations for plant materials
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