TM 5-803-13/AFM 126-8
(5) Permanent storm drainage systems and base
be appropriate on large or unimproved areas. Some seed
course for all pavements should be installed at the earliest
drills may plant seeds too deeply. Broadcast seeders are
practical time.
the fastest method of seeding; however, a method for
(6) Final stabilization should be accomplished
covering and firming the soil must follow, such as the use
immediately after finish grading is completed. Mulch
of a cultipacker. A broadcast seeder will not provide
should be applied regardless of season, and seeding, sod-
uniform distribution of seed mixes which contain seeds of
ding or sprigging delayed if necessary, until the season is
different sizes and weights. Hydroseeding is appropriate
most favorable for establishment of grass or ground
for use in large areas. Seed is mixed with fertilizer, mulch
cover.
and water, made into a slurry and applied in a one-step
g. Chemical soil treatment. When large numbers of
process. The greatest disadvantage of hydroseeding is
noxious weeds or weed seeds are present, it may be
that the seed is placed on the soil surface where it is more
necessary to chemically treat the soil before planting turf.
susceptible to the effects of drought.
(2) Sprigging. Sprigging involves the planting of
Alternative treatments include pre-emergent herbicides,
contact herbicides and soil fumigants. TM 5-
turf stolons or rhizomes in shallow furrows 1 to 2 inches
629/NAVFAC MO 314/ AFM 91-19 contains guidance
deep. Rows are usually 18 inches apart with sprigs placed
for use of these chemicals.
6 to 12 inches apart in the rows. In areas where rapid
establishment is not crucial, rows may be up to 3 feet
4-6. Planting operations.
apart. Sprigs should be kept moist and planted
a. Seed quality. Grass seed, as sold commercially,
immediately after digging. Plant shipments should be
normally contains many impurities. Seed quality is
coordinated with the planting schedule to allow immedi-
dependent on the percentage of pure live seed contained
ate planting.
(3) Sodding. Sodding is the most expensive
in a particular species. Federal seed laws require that the
containers of seed offered in interstate trade exhibit the
method of planting turfgrass. The use of sod should be
percent germination and percent purity. The label will
limited to areas where quick turf establishment is
normally show each weed seed which is considered
required to repair previously planted areas. For irrigated
noxious by the state in which the test is made. Canada
sites, uniform sod with a thickness to 1 inch is
thistle, field bindweed, dodder, buckthorn, wild onion,
recommended. Sod should be free of objectionable
quack grass and Johnson grass are common examples.
grasses and noxious weeds. Sod installations on slopes
Appendix C contains further information relating to seed
require pegging to prevent significant slippage.
d. Mulching.
quality.
b. Seasons most favorable for planting. The most
(1) Applied mulches. Surface erosion and damage
favorable time for planting turfgrass is just before a 6 to
from drying winds can be effectively controlled under
8 week period of optimum soil temperature and moisture.
most conditions by applying vegetative or manufactured
Although germination requirements vary according to
mulches. On most planting sites, mulching offers sub-
species, seasonal preferences exist among grasses
stantial benefits by providing protection from wind and
adapted to the same region.
rain. Mulches influence conditions in the surface layers of
(1) Warm-season grasses. The optimum time for
the soil and thus aid in seed germination and estab-
establishment of warm-season grasses is late spring or
lishment. Seasonal fluctuations in soil temperature are
early summer. Late summer or fall plantings are seldom
kept at a moderate level and water absorption is
successful and should be avoided.
increased. Mulching is also helpful in weed control.
(2) Cool-season grasses. Cool-season grasses
Effective mulches include cereal straw, shredded bark and
should be planted in early fall or early spring. The
leaf mold. Hydraulic applications of wood cellulose fiber
chances of poor establishment increases with the
and/or recycled paper will provide considerable
approach of hot weather.
protection if applied at a sufficiently high rate. Woven net
(3) Transition-zone grasses. Follow guidance as
mulches, such as woven paper or jute, are not consistent
in (1) and (2) above.
in effectiveness. Sawdust and glass fiber are seldom
c. Planting methods.
acceptable. Mulch can be applied manually or
(1) Seeding. Mechanical seeding is the most
mechanically.
(2) Planted mulches. Under some conditions,
common and least expensive method of planting
turfgrass. Good results are dependent on uniform seed
applied mulches are not practical. Some areas are so
distribution, adequate soil cover over seeds and firm soil
isolated that the purchase and shipment of mulch material
around the seed. Grass seed drills are the least desirable
are not cost-effective. In other areas, the planting of
method for seeding turfgrass, because seeds are not
temporary cover crops may be the most economical
distributed uniformly but in rows 6 to 8 inches apart.
method if time and site conditions permit. In situations
Seed drills will, however, reduce the seeding rate and may
where rainfall is abundant and the soil surface does not
4-6
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