Title: Identify factors that determine turfgrass species selection.
Course: Turfgrass Management (18054-III) > Section: Applying Science to Turfgrass Management

Identification should include suitable types of grass for warm-season, cool-season, and transition zones. Considerations include

- use (e.g., athletic field, commercial setting, residential landscaping, golf course)
- site (i.e., microclimate)
- maintenance needs
- disease resistance
- insect resistance
- thatch production
- rate of establishment
- germination
- performance characteristics of the region
- traffic tolerance
- shade tolerance
- environmental stress tolerance (e.g., drought, moisture, heat, cold).

Resources for selecting turfgrass varieties may include

- National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP)
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards for turfgrass quality
- Virginia Cooperative Extension's annual Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the effect of climate on turfgrass growth?
- What are the ultimate use(s) of our specific turfgrass selection?
- What are the maintenance levels needed for our specific turfgrass uses?
- How do we compare the texture of selected turfgrasses?
- Which turfgrass type should we choose for heat or cold tolerance?
- Which turfgrass type should we choose for drought and shade tolerance?
- Which turfgrasses should we choose for transition zone growth and use?
- How do we determine cultivar selection for specified applications in turfgrass areas?
- How do amount and type of traffic determine turfgrass selection?
- What can be learned from an NTEP evaluation?