Renewable Rob

Home For Robert Merrill Fletcher, ChE

Turf Reduction

From the USGA: https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/green-section-record/62/issue-16/the-secrets-of-a-successful-turf-reduction-program.html

Key Takeaways

  • Many golf courses irrigate more acreage than necessary, even in regions where water conservation is a priority.
  • Replacing irrigated turf with plantings or landscape treatments that require little or no irrigation is a highly effective way to save water and potentially other resources.
  • Carefully selecting areas for turf removal is a key to success. This work is ideally done in coordination with a golf course architect.
  • Facilities must have a well-designed plan for how to kill and/or remove the existing turf.
  • Plant selection, establishment timing and weed management are all important considerations. Weeds will be a challenge in the first several years and will require varying degrees of ongoing management depending on expectations.
  • The goals and expectations of a turf reduction program should be transparent and clearly explained to golfers, course decision-makers and surrounding neighbors.