LANDSCAPE AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
Comparing the width / depth of the area to the root mass using a shovel is a good technique.
This sports turf landscape has been well designed in terms of consideration of eventual size and shape.
Defects such as co-dominant leaders should be corrected in the first year after planting. If left to develop without removing one of the stems, severe injury to the tree will develop as each will increase in width / girth. As they do, the conductive vessels of each will begin to become compressed, dramatically decreasing the movement of water and nutrients throughout the tree. In addition, the area where the“ double leader” initially formed becomes a structural weak point in the tree canopy, likely to split and cause the tree to fail.
Regular scouting is an important part of caring for a new ornamental in the first year after planting. Assigning a crew member to routinely inspect the new tree, shrub, groundcover or flower will help to ensure its success. As pests begin to infest or nutrient deficiencies become evident, early detection will greatly increase the effectiveness of any necessary intervention strategy.
These trees provide an effective living screen between the field and the adjacent area.
Separating turf and ornamentals allows for irrigation that is tailored to the needs of each plant group.
John C. Fech is a horticulturist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture. The author of two books and more than 400 popular and trade journal articles, he focuses his time on teaching effective landscape maintenance techniques, water conservation, diagnosing turf and ornamental problems, and encouraging effective bilingual communication in the green industry.
32 SportsField Management | April 2025 sportsfieldmanagementonline. com