Localscapes Un iversit y: The Central Open Shape
Th e Ce n t r a l Op e n Sh a p e H ot, Dr y SLu am w m enr s C, Wn et Lo al d w W in t e r s -l e s s
1. Lawn should be designed Ru le s Front of Ya rd La w n
2. Lawn should be unobstructed Rules of La w n
3. Not less than 8 feet wide Rules of La w n
4. Lawn is not a designated path Rules of La w n
5. No law n on slop es or h illsid es Rules s of La w n
Law n Design, Size & Locat ion Ask yourself these questions: 1. What will I be using it for? 2. What amount will fit aesthetically in my neighborhood? 3. Where does it fit best in my yard?
How we imagine we use lawn Spontaneous family soccer games Kids running happily for no apparent reason
What we actually do Mowing. EVERYSaturday morning Weeding &Edging
We need less lawn than we think
Con vert in g exist in g lan d scap es Rules Before of La w n
Shrink and define the lawn Move Sprinkler Heads Remove lawn from park strips and edges, create lawn shape
Exist in g yard, recon figured Bef After ore (Y e a r 1) After learning how to landscape for Utah through Localscapes, we were able to complete our front yard makeover. We re so proud of the results! --Nanette, 2016 LocalscapesUniversity Graduate
Where does it fit best? Rectangular Corner Odd-Shaped
Sp rin kler layout con sid eration s The goal is to be as efficient as possible with the shape and layout.
Sp rin kler layout con sid eration s A square-shaped lawn is the most efficient.
Lawn shapes to avoid Less than 8 feet wide Corners less than 90 degrees
High ly efficien t sh ap es Squares & rectangles are most efficient Ovals & gently curved are okay too
Lawn varieties Blue Grama Buffalo Grass Dog Tuff Grass Kentucky Bluegrass Bolero Dwarf Tall Fescue BioBlueBluegrass Bio Native Wheat Grass Bio Meadow Fine Fescue Warm Season Cool Season
Lawn alternatives Creepin g Thym e Sun Turk ish V eron ica Part-Shade
Hardscape as Central Open Shape Gr a v el Pavers
M ark ing Pain t S t e p 1: Mark area to be removed Ga r den H ose
Plastic Sh eetin g St ep 2: Kill t h e exist in g law n The lawn must be dead down to the roots If the roots are still alive the lawn will grow back This process can take several weeks Ch em ic a l
La w n r e m o va l Step 3: Remove Dead Lawn Sod Cutter T ille r Shovel
Lawn installation options Seed Sod Hydroseed P lu g s
Lawn maintenance Set your mower at 3 or highest setting Lawn is stressed every time it is mowed Taller lawn means deeper roots Deep roots help lawn deal with drought Don t bag clippings every time Best Practice
Lawn maintenance: mowing 3 M ow 1.5 M ow Both lawns receive similar amounts of water but they are mowed at different heights. --South Dakota State University
Lawn maintenance: mowing Short lawn allows more sunlight to hit the soil, helping weeds germinate &grow
Scalping or beveling of edges leads to unhealthy lawn and weeds. Lawn maintenance: edging
Lawn maintenance: edging A clean cut edge reduces problems
Watering best practice
Weekly w at erin g guid e www.slowtheflow.org
Lawn maintenance: fertilizing Nitrogen Themost important element in developing a dense, healthy lawn. Phosphorus 1s t 3rd Potassium Helpswith drought tolerance Healthy root development 2nd
Lawn maintenance: fertilizing Fall: Early Spring: Late Spring: September-October (Most important application of the year.) March-April May-June Best Practice
Lawn maintenance: aeration Aeration: Core aeration removes 4- inch plugs from the lawn Improves the penetration of water It helps to reduce compaction Once per year, especially in clay soil Best Practice
Lawn maintenance: weed control Best Practice: Apply chemicals sparingly but before weeds go to seed
The best weed control is a healthy lawn that is mowed and watered properly. Best Practice
Weed control: groundcovers Best Practice: Groundcover usually outcompetes weeds. Hand pull weeds if needed.
Groundcover: watering Best Practice Groundcovers can be watered with spray or drip irrigation. Spray will be the easiest to maintain in a central open shape of groundcover. Water once per week.
Central open shape: gravel Best Practice: Flank open shape with low-growing green plants to add lushness.
Central open shape: hardscape Best Practice: Should be large enough to make a bold statement and hold the design together.
Next steps?
Questions?