BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION Establish during times when natural rainfall is most prevalent . Irrigate frequently during establishment . Water established plants based on their needs and , when needed , deeply and infrequently . Irrigate in the early morning to conserve water . Avoid water runoff onto impervious surfaces or slopes . Evaluate landscape irrigation performance periodically .
MEADOWS / TALL GRASS AREAS
Select an area for a meadow that receives no less than half a day of direct sunlight to ensure success with sun-loving plants .
For multi-year health of the meadow , include both short-term species ( nurse grasses , annuals and biennials ) and long-term perennial species that take multiple years to establish .
Include turfgrass species as part of the plant population of a new meadow .
Prepare the site by removing competing vegetation , while avoiding unnecessary disturbance to the soil to maintain soil structure and integrity .
Where meadows are begun by seed in bare soil areas , utilize an annual “ nurse ” crop in the first year to aid in establishment .
Mow every four to six weeks to a height of 4 to 6 inches during the first growing season to control weeds , along with spot treating weeds as needed .
Mow established meadows annually either in late winter or early spring before the next year ’ s growth begins .
PLANT SELECTION FOR MEADOWS / TALL GRASS AREAS Consider the soil characteristics , climate , sun exposure , water conditions , and pest possibilities when selecting plants . Select plant material not regularly browsed by deer or other wildlife .
Utilize university Extension publications for lists of native plants in your area and their requirements .
Utilize a diverse range of species ( preferably native species ) in plant selection .
Incorporate well-adapted , drought-resistant plants , including low-growing ground covers , shrubs , and trees that require little , if any , supplemental irrigation once established .
MULCHING Use mulch in landscaped beds . If using grass clippings as mulch , use only herbicide-free grass clippings .
Protect bulbs and other perennials in winter with a layer of evergreen branches to protect plants during the winter months .
PEST MANAGEMENT
Utilize IPM methods to reduce reliance on chemical applications to control pests , to set pest damage thresholds , and to determine appropriate control methods .
When pesticides are required to manage pest populations , select products that have a less damaging impact on pollinators . See Cornell ’ s A Pesticide Decision-Making Guide to Protect Pollinators in Landscape , Ornamental and Turf Management for more information .
If practical , consider the use of a granular formulation to control a pest , instead of a liquid formulation to reduce drift and pollinator exposure , if native areas or landscape beds are near sports fields . Granular formulations of pesticides are generally less hazardous to most bees , although honeybees may gather the granular version and pack it into cells in hives . ( Gels , J . A . et al ., 2002 ; Larson et al ., 2014 ; Larson et al ., 2017 .)
Restrict pesticide applications to early morning or evening when foraging pollinators are not as active .
Whenever possible , avoid applying chemicals when flowering plants , including weeds , are in bloom , and always mow turfgrass areas intended for a pesticide application prior to the treatment , to remove blossoms of flowering weeds ( such as white clover ) and reduce the potential for pollinator foraging .
Follow irrigation recommendations on the pesticide label to ensure the effectiveness of the pesticide and to reduce the risk of direct exposure to pollinators . SFM sportsfieldmanagementonline . com July 2023 | SportsField Management
41