A complete specification for turfgrass nursery sod will include
the quality standard as set out below PLUS a
selection of one of the classifications of turfgrass
nursery sod as set out in the following.
Quality Standard
Number One Grade Turfgrass Nursery Sod
Turfgrass nursery sod is grass that has been seeded and cultivated in
nursery sod fields as a turfgrass sod. At the time of sale, Number One
Grade Turfgrass Nursery Sod should be in a healthy condition. Sod of this
quality may contain I broadleaf weed per 40 square metres and up to 1%
native* grasses. Sod should be of sufficient shoot density that no surface
soil will be visible from a standing position when mowed to a height of
4 centimetres. The mowing height range should be 3 to 7 centimetres with
the exception of creeping bentgrass sod where mowing height is determined
by the end use. The thickness of the soil portion of the sod should not
exceed 1.5 centimetres.**
Number One Grade Turfgrass Nursery Sod is recommended for locations
where an attractive high quality turf is required, such as residential/commercial/office
lawns, golf courses, sports fields and institutional grounds.
Commercial Grade Turfgrass Nursery Sod
Commercial turfgrass nursery sod is grass that has been seeded and cultivated
in nursery sod fields as a turfgrass sod. At the time of sale, Commercial
Grade Turfgrass Nursery Sod should be in a healthy condition. Sod of this
quality may contain up to 5 broadleaf weeds per 40 square metres and up
to 20% native* grasses. Sod should be of sufficient
shoot density that no surface soil will be visible from a standing position
when mowed to a height of 4 centimetres . The mowing height range should
be 3 to 7 centimetres with the exception of creeping bentgrass sod where
mowing height is determined by the end use. The thickness of the soil portion
of the sod should not exceed 1.5 centimetres.**
Commercial Grade Turfgrass Nursery Sod is suitable for erosion control,
roadsides, boulevards and minimum maintenance areas.
*Any grass species other than those seeded shall
be deemed native.
**Thickness of the soil portion of the sod may
vary with field and environmental conditions at time of harvest. Note that
the soil portion is generally composed of at least 50% volume of grass
roots.
Classification, Description and Use
of Turfgrass Nursery Sod
Kentucky Bluegrass Sod
Nursery sod grown from one or more Kentucky bluegrass cultivars.
Highly recommended by N.S.G.A., this all-purpose sod is a first choice
for Ontario climates for use in sunny to slightly shady locations. Its
excellent colour and texture make it an attractive, high quality turf especially
for residential lawns. Also used for parks, cemeteries, institutional grounds,
boulevards, golf courses, sports fields, office and commercial lawns.
Kentucky Bluegrass/Fine Fescue Sod
Nursery sod grown from a seed mixture containing 90 - 95% by weight
of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars and 5 - 10% by weight of creeping red,
chewings or hard fescue cultivars.
An all purpose sod with moderate shade adaptation. Suitable for residential
lawns, parks, cemeteries, institutional grounds, boulevards, golf courses,
sports fields, office and commercial lawns.
Fine Fescue/Kentucky Bluegrass Sod
Nursery sod grown from a seed mixture containing 60% - 70% by weight
of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars and 30% - 40% by weight of creeping red,
chewings or hard fescue cultivars.
A less attractive lower maintenance sod having higher tolerance to shade
and drought stresses. Suitable for any turf area requiring shade tolerance
and/or minimal maintenance.
Specialty Turfgrass Sod
Nursery sod grown from seed of various species of turfgrass such as:
A. Creeping Bentgrass
A fine-textured, very dense, low growing species recommended for use
on putting greens, bowling greens, fairways and tees. Usually grown as
a mono-stand of a single cultivar.
B. Turf-Type Perennial Ryegrass
A medium-textured, shiny-leafed, moderately fast growing species exhibiting
good wear tolerance. Lacks cold hardiness in many parts of Ontario. Can
be used for lawns, sports fields and fairways. May be grown in a mixture
with Kentucky bluegrass.
C. Fine-Leafed Fescues*
A less attractive, very fine-textured, shade adapted and drought tolerant
species suitable for low maintenance situations. May be grown in a mixture
with Kentucky bluegrass. Has lower nitrogen and water requirements.
D. Turf-Type Tall Fescue
A coarse-textured, drought resistant and wear tolerant species. Non-recuperative
when damaged. Lacks cold hardiness in many parts of Ontario. Suitable for
sports fields and low maintenance areas mowed at higher heights.
E. Other Species
Include supina bluegrass (a shade and wear tolerant species), weeping
alkaligrass (a salt and alkaline pH tolerant species), and other specialized
turfgrasses as they may be identified.
*Includes creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, hard
fescue, and sheep fescue.
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