Jeffrey Jowell Turf Management Coordinator BS in Agronomy from Texas A&M 15 years working in the Turf Grass industry Agronomic and Irrigation Consulting, Erosion Control, and Certified Golf Course Superintendent
Overview Why Do We Establish Vegetation? What Do we Do? How Do we Do It? Turf / Grasses? Maintenance/Succession
Why Do We Establish Vegetation More Environmentally Friendly Less Expensive Erosion Control Regulatory
Regulatory TCEQ Construction General Permit Requirements Texas Water Code Subchapter D Sec. 26.121.
What Do We Do? Site Stabilization Fast Establishing Vegetation Erosion Control Bonded Fiber Matrix Hydromulch Vegetation Turf Establishment Temporary (Winter Months) Permanent (Spring through Fall)
Turf Establishment Specifications Bonded Fiber Matrix Mulch Exceptional Erosion Control Flexible Growth Media Improved Germination
Turf Establishment Hydromulch Ready for turf 10/03/13 Seeding (hydro mulch) 10/11/13 Tributary in the Addicks Reservoir Watershed U118-00-00
Turf Establishment The Process. Soil Amendments Gypsum, Lime, Sulfur, and Misc. as determined Fertilizer 1:2:1 ratio of Nitrogen-Phosphorous-Potassium. 70% of the nitrogen is in a stabilized form Available when the plants need it Lowest environmental impact Seed Bed Preparation Cultivate the soil to a depth of 4-6 Disk, Harrow, Rake, Cultipack
The Final Process We Wait It s Mother Nature s turn Irrigation We successfully establish turf without supplemental water Mowing Used to promote turf grass establishment Reduces pressure from non-desirables (Johnson grass, Ragweed, Tallow, Rattlebox, etc.) Not always performed Over-seeding and Promotional Fertilization Tools that we sometimes use Site Completion
Grasses The grass family (Gramineae) has over 11,000 species Relatively inexpensive to establish Reduce light, air and soil pollution Of the 16 essential nutrients needed for plant growth, grasses readily assimilate others
Grasses-TURF Grasses Of these 11,000, there are ~7 suited for Permanent Turf in Southeast Texas Warm Season Turf Grasses Bermuda*, St Augustine, Bahia*, Zoysia*, Seashore Paspalum*, Centipede* Carpet Grass* * indicates can be established by Seed
Turf Grass Why do we use these grasses? They establish quickly. They are commercially available. They are cost effective. They are well adapted to our climate. They are naturalized. THEY PROVIDE REPEATABLE RESULTS.
Bermuda Grass Cynodon Dactylon is commonly called Bermuda Grass in many areas of the world, but it is also known by numerous other names including "Kweekgras" (S. Africa), couch grass (Australia and Africa), Devil's grass (India) and Gramillia (Argentina). The earliest introduction of Bermuda Grass to the U.S. is not recorded. Believed to be introduced during the Early Colonial Period. Originated from Africa, Asia or India. Earliest published report is 1807 (Mease s Geological Account of the United States).
The Facts about Bermuda Grass Drought tolerant, salt tolerant, heat tolerant Deep rooting Spreads through Rhizomes, Stolons, and Seeds Few disease and pest issues. (But they are present, preventing it from becoming invasive) Produces viable seed (about 2 million seeds per pound) Grows on a wide variety of soils (Sands-Clays) Tolerates wide range of Soil Ph Survives flooding (prolonged submersion 30+ days) Requires massive cultural practices to become a mono-stand
Bermuda Grass Limitations Will NOT Tolerate Shade Goes dormant during the winter months Requires high Nitrogen inputs for aggressive growth Has established pests in our environment Limited height when fully grown Misunderstood (has a bad reputation)
Native Grass? What are the limitations of Native Grasses Germination? Slow, unreliable, unpredictable Difficult to source Slow establishment, or gets out competed (not just Bermuda) Most are Bunch Type grasses Require intensive maintenance to be successful
Grasses fall into two classes: Warm Season Cool Season Grasses Year Round Growth Root depths vary with season
Native Grass Propagation
Grasses/Plants are Opportunistic
What Caused This?
Questions?