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Why is turf so important in American construction? The secrets of turf you don't know!
Turf, or the "upper layer of grass," is harvested specifically for transplanting. Turf consists of one or more layers of soil that support a grass community. If we look to the UK or Australia, turf is more commonly referred to as "grass", and the word "meadow" is mainly limited to agricultural terms.
Turf is generally used for lawns, golf courses and sports fields. What is the significance of its existence in these places?
In residential construction, sod is sold to landscapers, builders, or homeowners to quickly establish a lawn and avoid soil erosion. It can also be used to restore small areas of lawn, courts or sports fields as a rapid alternative to regenerating lawns from seed. At the same time, turf also plays an important role in increasing cooling effects, improving air and water quality, and helping to prevent flooding because the grass can effectively drain water.
Icelandic thatched houses are a reflection of Scandinavia's long tradition of using turf as roofing material. In the United States, pioneers on the Great Plains built entire homes out of straw bricks after the Homestead Act was passed in 1862. This worked because the turf on the Great Plains was so dense and difficult to cut that it earned the nickname "Nebraska Marble."
Blacksmith John Deere became the first blacksmith to successfully produce a plow that could reliably cut lawns.
Turf cultivation is mainly carried out on professional farms. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that as of 2009, there were 1,412 farms in the United States with 368,188 acres of turf in production. To reduce shipping costs and the risk of product damage, turf is often grown locally, within 100 miles of the target market. Farms at the origin can cultivate a variety of grass spikes based on customer needs and appearance preferences. Turf is generally harvested 10 to 18 months after planting, depending on the growing climate.
In terms of harvesting, the turf is fertilized, mowed frequently, watered, and the clippings are finally vacuumed away. Sod is usually cut into standardized sizes and harvested into small squares or rectangular boards, or large 4-foot-wide rolls. Mississippi State University has developed a hydroponic method for growing turf. For the very few turf farms that export, this soilless turf is lighter and easier to handle than traditional turf.
Turf is used in many applications, such as soil erosion control and sports fields, where timeliness is a critical factor.
Seeds may be blown away by the wind, pecked by birds, or fail due to lack of water. It takes a few weeks to grow a nice lawn, and even longer to make it durable. Turf virtually eliminates these problems, and if properly cared for, newly laid turf can usually be fully functional within 30 days. Its root system will be similar to that of a lawn grown from seed, and after two to three years the lawn will be almost the same.
Turf is also effective in stabilizing soil and reducing erosion. Some valuable species (such as Bella Blue Grass) can only be propagated asexually. For these species, turf cultivation becomes the only production method. To market these varieties, the farm uses a technique called "row seeding," where the freshly cut turf mat is cut into long, thin rows and replanted.
Different types of grass are used extensively during turf installation.
Next, let’s learn about several common types of grass. Tall fescue is a cold-climate grass that originated in Europe and has a moderate tolerance to drought and cold, making it particularly suitable for areas with drastic climate changes. It adapts well to clay in the soil, but its abrasion resistance is not as good as that of stone grass.
Stone grass is a common grass species in southern regions. It is adaptable to tropical and dry environments, and its tough characteristics make it an excellent grass choice. This grass is used on most golf courses and sports fields in the United States, especially in the South. This makes it capable of performing well in multiple climate conditions.
In addition to the popular grasses, there is a new trend - wildflower turf. This is a lawn alternative made up of a variety of wildflower seeds, providing a more low-maintenance and sustainable lawn option. Not only do these lawns require less irrigation and fertilization, they also provide shelter for beneficial insects and wildlife.
With increasing awareness of environmental impact, wildflower turf is becoming an important choice in urban landscape and green roof designs because it can effectively absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality. With the diverse uses of turf and its significant environmental benefits, we have to wonder: in what direction will cities develop in terms of greening in the future?
