BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES such as to install , maintain and monitor nesting and roosting sites . For example , meadows provide appropriate habitat for many bird species , such as bluebirds and purple martins . Other ideas that have been implemented at some facilities with community support include the installation of beehives , bat boxes , etc .
that may be found in the region and management steps that may be taken to control their spread .
Unwanted invasive species should be promptly managed to prevent their spread or , where practical , eradicated . Areas of large populations of any unwanted species that is invasive should be delineated and monitored to contain further expansion of these areas , including at new construction sites . Whenever possible , native plants should be used to revegetate disturbed areas . Intentionally planting or propagating certain invasive plants may be in violation of state , regional or local regulations or ordinances .
MEADOWS / TALL GRASS AREAS A meadow is an area of natural grasses and / or native wildflowers that , over time , becomes self-sustaining . Native meadow plants are resilient , are accustomed to the regional climate , and can survive adverse conditions . Meadow plants have adapted to the existing soil conditions , water availability , and microclimate challenges . For example , these plants have a deep-penetrating fibrous root system making them highly drought resistant . Meadows that are successfully incorporated into landscape management programs can reduce some facility maintenance expenses , such as labor for mowing and equipment wear and tear .
In an increasingly developed world , meadows provide valuable habitats for a variety of birds , pollinators and other wildlife . In addition , community groups are often interested in partnering with facilities in different ways ,
ESTABLISHMENT Proper site selection , plant selection , site preparation , and maintenance are critical to designing , establishing and sustaining a flourishing , beautiful meadow . Lists of recommended meadow plants for your region can be obtained from university Extension programs .
Most meadow plants prefer full sun . A substantial portion ( about 40 %) of a meadow should be comprised of grasses ( Zimmerman , 2010 ), to reduce weed seed germination and establishment surrounding the desired perennial forbs . Time spent on site preparation that eliminates competing vegetation leads to fewer weeds in subsequent years . Soil surface disturbance during site preparation should be minimized whenever possible , to prevent unnecessary weed germination at the soil surface . Less disturbance to the site also maintains soil structure and integrity .
As part of the overall meadow establishment protocol , an effective maintenance plan should be developed before planting and should be implemented for the successful longevity of the meadow . The initial three years of meadow establishment require both patience and focused effort . During establishment , a nurse crop such as a quickestablishing , clump-forming grass can be used to reduce weed invasion , hold the seed or young plants in place , and protect the soil from erosion .
In the first growing season , perennial meadow plants grow slowly , with an average height of 2 to 6 inches , depending on species . Annual weeds proliferate and grow quickly if given the opportunity . Therefore , regular mowing and spot treating can prevent weeds from growing too tall and outcompeting the desired perennials .
MAINTENANCE After the first year , maintenance of native areas typically requires annual mowing in late winter or early spring . Annual mowing encourages seed / soil contact of desired wildflowers and grasses , reduces growth of unwanted woody species , and helps to manage weed populations . This maintenance should be timed before the growing season begins . SFM
32 SportsField Management | June 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com