Improving Turf Cover at SCM’s: Now Is the Time to Plan for Fall
Fall Window for Stormwater Turf Seeding Is Fast Approaching, Plan Now for Long Term Success
Tom Pullaro- Vice President of Sales
Lack of turf cover in and around Stormwater Control Measures (SCM‘s) is one of the most common reasons for inspection failures. Soils around ponds tend to be of poor quality, and are often heavily compacted during construction. This creates a poor environment for turf establishment. Fall is the optimal time to plant cool season grasses such as tall fescue. Warm days and cool nights make fall the ideal time for seeding and turf improvements, and will increase your chances of achieving permanent turf cover. Tilling and soil amendments are also key and will greatly improve germination and establishment. In this Stormwater Expert feature, we explain our recommendations for a successful turf remediation process.
Start With A Soil Test
Soil amendments such as compost, lime, and fertilizer are often required to create optimal growing conditions. A soil test will provide you with the proper prescription based on the composition of soils at your site. Soil amendments should be thoroughly mixed into the soil prior to planting. While frequent fertilization around SCM’s should be avoided, most municipalities will allow a one-time fertilizer application to help establish grass. Apply soil amendments as prescribed by your soil test to maximize your chances for success.
Dragonfly’s specialized equipment is utilized to scarify the bare areas on the backside slope of this dam to prepare the ground for turf remediation.
Till and Aerate Compacted Soils
Compacted soils should be tilled and aerated prior to seeding. This increases seed-to-soil contact, helps mixing of soil amendments, and improves conditions of germination. Soil prep at SCM’s can be a tricky process that often requires specialized equipment designed to work on slopes. Choose vendors that have experience and equipment for the job. This will reduce your chances of costly do-overs.
Ask Questions When Comparing Multiple Proposals
If your community has requested multiple bids for a turf improvement project, be sure to ask your vendors to provide a detailed scope of work. For example, a low bid that does not include a soil test or soil amendment will have a higher failure rate, and result in spending on turf work again the following year. Proposals should include a detailed scope of work so that your Boards can make an informed decision.
Top: SCM immediately following remediation- scarifying, fertilizing, and seeding. The matting is used to secure the amended soil and seed, and prevent washout.
Bottom: The same SCM once cover was established.
Plan ahead!
Schedules across many trades and industries are filling up fast. If your community has SCM’s that have failed inspection due to lack of turf, now is the time to start planning for fall turf improvements. This allows for the approval process as well as scheduling by vendors. Timing is everything. The fall seeding window is short, usually from mid-September through mid to late October, depending on the year. Planning ahead helps avoid compliance violations and potential fines from your municipality.
Implement A Maintenance and Mowing Program
Once your turf has established, it is important to implement a mowing and maintenance program for long-term success. Avoid scalping and over-mowing. Cool season grasses such as tall fescue should not be cut lower than three inches. Lastly, we strongly encourage you to partner with a specialized stormwater contractor with expertise in SCM maintenance and mowing. They will have the experience and equipment to safely maintain your SCM and help you avoid costly repairs. Learn more here about our expert recommendations for proper stormwater mowing practices. Contact us today to keep your stormwater system compliant and healthy.
Learn More
Is your stormwater system compliant, safe, and healthy? Our experts explain stormwater maintenance and review the basic components of a good SCM maintenance program.
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Dragonfly Pond Works provides specialized stormwater maintenance, stormwater turf remediation, stormwater compliance repairs, and more in Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, Wilmington, North Carolina, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Columbia, South Carolina, Tampa, Sarasota, Naples, St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, Florida, and Atlanta, Athens, and Savannah, Georgia.