OBJECTIVE: Determine and record site conditions, including areas of environmental sensitivity, as well as current and past problems and potential for future problems.
Conduct a detailed assessment of each site to be managed.
- Accurate site specifications are indispensible for planning with relation to management practices, materials applications, and renovation or reconstruction.
- Problem areas that impact turf health directly affect the potential loss of turf quality and function and increase the likelihood of pest infestations.
Points to consider in a thorough site assessment include:
- map or photo record of property
- square footage of turf area(s) being managed
- drainage patterns
- as-built drawings/maps of drainage and irrigation systems
- determination of functional condition and adequacy of drainage and irrigation systems
- the age, condition, and species composition of the turf (including cultivars if known)
- the physical condition, texture, and variation of soils on the site
- a current soil pH and nutrient analysis
- the fertility history and a summary of the current fertility program
- a pest history and current or potential problems
Identify and record permanent features of each site in relation to management of the turf.
- Permanent features on or in close proximity to the site should be assessed from two perspectives:
- How turf function and quality might be impacted by these features.
- How these features might be impacted by turf management practices.
The following are important items and structures that might be included:
- trees, shrubs, gardens and other landscape plantings.
- driveways and walkways
- parking lots and roadways
- fencing
- buildings
- temporary structures
- monuments or grave markers
- playgrounds and/or daycare facilities
- decorative ponds
- significant abutters that have potential for impact
- Changes to this record should be made as they occur.
Devote particular attention to the identification of areas of environmental sensitivity.
- Similar to above, areas of environmental sensitivity on or in close proximity to the site should be assessed from two perspectives:
- How turf function and quality might be impacted by these areas.
- How these areas might be impacted by turf management practices.
The following are key areas that should be included:
- wetland protection resource areas
- wells on property
- wells in proximity to property
- Zone I & II areas
- surface water features
- high water table areas
- catch basins
- exposed bedrock
- other environmentally sensitive areas
Determine and record agronomic problems in key locations and consider potential solutions.
- The recognition of agronomic problems is the first step in developing a solution.
Problems to note include but are not limited to the following:
- poorly adapted turfgrass species or cultivars
- insufficient fertility
- undesirable soil types
- excessive thatch
- excessive traffic stress
- compaction
- pet damage
- poor drainage
- shade
- localized dry spots
- poor air circulation
- southwest facing slopes
- tree root influence
- shallow soil or bedrock
- areas prone to damage from snow removal or salt application
