type of grass for runway?
04-02-2004, 10:46 AM
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type of grass for runway?
We have decided to plant grass for our runway. Now we are wondering what the best grass might be? We are located up north on the U.S and Canadian boarder. We are looking for something that is very hardy and tuff with little maintenance. I heard that straight Red Fescue is good but was wondering what the other northern clubs were using. Thanks
04-02-2004, 11:08 AM
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RE: type of grass for runway?
You might want to go to a couple local golf courses and find out what they use for thier fairways. Probably your best bet. Or a local landscape place. You will want a grass that cal handle being cut very short.
I would think some type of Bent grass would be good, just not sure how tolerant it would be to some of your winters.
If you want real low maintenance, check out the Zoyzia grass. I just don't know how it handles being cut short, but I do know that it can tolerate drought real well.
I would think some type of Bent grass would be good, just not sure how tolerant it would be to some of your winters.
If you want real low maintenance, check out the Zoyzia grass. I just don't know how it handles being cut short, but I do know that it can tolerate drought real well.
04-02-2004, 11:10 AM
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RE: type of grass for runway?
Bluegrass, Rye and Fescue mix works well here in ohio.
Bentgrass is very nice when well maintained, however, it doesn't tolerate drought conditions AT ALL. Also, if the watering is too heavy, bent grass is very susseptible to disease. Also, it takes a good reel mower to cut short and it has to be planted in a soil made of mostly sand. A maintenace scale of 1 -10 it's about a 10.
A mix will give you grass all season. If it is especially dry, then the more durable takes over.
Bentgrass is very nice when well maintained, however, it doesn't tolerate drought conditions AT ALL. Also, if the watering is too heavy, bent grass is very susseptible to disease. Also, it takes a good reel mower to cut short and it has to be planted in a soil made of mostly sand. A maintenace scale of 1 -10 it's about a 10.
A mix will give you grass all season. If it is especially dry, then the more durable takes over.
04-02-2004, 12:15 PM
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RE: type of grass for runway?
When we installed our field many moons ago the seed we used was a mix recommended by the local supplier. I can’t tell you what the seed mixture was but now the field appears to be about 40% weeds, which mows nice and short and is very drought tolerant.
04-02-2004, 05:38 PM
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RE: type of grass for runway?
I grew up on a dairy farm and found out that the "pies" they leave are more like moguls and not condusive to good taxi and landings. Have not tried sheep though, we'll have to give it a try 
04-02-2004, 06:08 PM
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RE: type of grass for runway?
ORIGINAL: Great-North
Have not tried sheep though, we'll have to give it a try
Have not tried sheep though, we'll have to give it a try
04-02-2004, 06:26 PM
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RE: type of grass for runway?
grass!!!!! you are being spoilt,where i fly[chobham common in u.k.]we fly off of dirt and gravel with the odd rock thrown in for good measure!
04-03-2004, 06:22 AM
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RE: type of grass for runway?
Indoor/outdoor carpet works best. Can get it on sale at Lowes' every once in a while. and if you get the red one week, the green the next week and the black the next, keep that up, in a short time you will have a very nice gopher resistant maintenance free runway.
Nice don't ya think?
Nice don't ya think?
04-03-2004, 11:45 AM
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RE: type of grass for runway?
Check out the closest agricultural college/university or extension service of these and see what they offer. They have the insight as to what is best for your area. Zoysia grass (Zoysia japonica or Korean Lawngrass, very draught resistant) is considered a noxious weed here in the Northwest because it competes with our native grasses. It has a better ability to convert carbon dioxide and shoot runners than most grasses. It is also best suited for warm weather climates and doesn't green up until temperatures average in the 70's.
04-07-2004, 04:41 PM
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RE: type of grass for runway?
3dfanatic-i know it sounds dangerous but our site is a s.s.s.i.-a site of special scientific interest,this is because of the rare flora and fauna that abounds,it has been said that if you can take off and land in one piece at chobham you can fly anywhere such is the level of skill involved,doesn't stop me pilin' 'em in though!
