CH Turfgrass Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which soil pH range is generally considered optimal for most turfgrasses?
- 4.5–5.5
- 6.0–7.0 (Correct answer)
- 7.5–8.5
- 8.5–9.5
Correct answer: 6.0–7.0
Most turfgrasses perform best at a soil pH of 6.0–7.0, which optimizes nutrient availability and supports beneficial soil microbial activity.
Question 2: What is the primary advantage of sodding over seeding when establishing a new lawn?
- Sodding uses exclusively warm-season grasses while seeding uses cool-season types
- Sodding provides instant, erosion-resistant coverage while seeding takes weeks to months to establish (Correct answer)
- Seeding is always more expensive per square foot than sodding
- Sod cannot be used on slopes greater than 3:1
Correct answer: Sodding provides instant, erosion-resistant coverage while seeding takes weeks to months to establish
Sodding provides immediate ground cover and erosion control, while seeding requires significantly more time for germination and establishment.
Question 3: Which turfgrass spreads primarily by stolons (above-ground runners)?
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Tall fescue
- Bermudagrass (Correct answer)
- Perennial ryegrass
Correct answer: Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass spreads aggressively by both stolons (above-ground) and rhizomes (below-ground), contributing to its rapid lateral spreading habit.
Question 4: When is the best time to seed cool-season grasses in the northern United States?
- Early spring (March–April)
- Midsummer (June–July)
- Late summer to early fall (August–September) (Correct answer)
- Midwinter (December–January)
Correct answer: Late summer to early fall (August–September)
Late summer to early fall provides optimal soil temperatures for cool-season grass germination and allows establishment before the onset of winter.
Question 5: What is topdressing in turfgrass management?
- Applying a post-emergent herbicide to the surface of the turf
- Spreading a thin, uniform layer of material such as sand or compost over the turf surface (Correct answer)
- Mowing at a higher height to cover thin or bare spots
- Adding granular fertilizer on top of a straw mulch layer
Correct answer: Spreading a thin, uniform layer of material such as sand or compost over the turf surface
Topdressing involves spreading a thin, uniform layer of material (sand, compost, or soil mix) to improve surface smoothness, thatch decomposition, and soil physical properties.
Question 6: Zoysiagrass is best characterized as:
- A cool-season grass with excellent cold hardiness in northern climates
- A warm-season grass known for dense, slow-growing, wear-tolerant turf (Correct answer)
- A bunch-type grass with no lateral spreading ability
- A shade-preferring grass that thrives in northern climates
Correct answer: A warm-season grass known for dense, slow-growing, wear-tolerant turf
Zoysiagrass is a warm-season grass prized for its dense, wear-tolerant turf and relatively slow growth rate compared to bermudagrass.
Question 7: Pre-emergent herbicides for crabgrass control are most effective when applied:
- After crabgrass has fully germinated and plants are actively growing
- Before soil temperatures reach 55°F at a 4-inch depth in spring
- When soil temperatures consistently reach 55–60°F at a 4-inch depth in spring (Correct answer)
- In fall after the first killing frost to prevent spring germination
Correct answer: When soil temperatures consistently reach 55–60°F at a 4-inch depth in spring
Pre-emergent herbicides must be in place before crabgrass seeds germinate, which occurs when soil temperatures at a 4-inch depth reach 55–60°F in spring.
CH Turfgrass Management 2
Which soil pH range is generally considered optimal for most turfgrasses?