Ultradwarf Cultivars

Emerald Dwarf

Mowing

Lowest sustained height

1/10”

1/8”

Stress-relief height

5/32”

3/16”

Mower type

walk

ride

Rollers

solid

grooved

Fertility

Frequency

frequent

less frequent

Source

foliar, spoon-feeding

granular

Nitrogen rate

lower to control growth

higher to promote vigor

Topdressing

Frequency

frequent

occasional

Rate

light

moderate

Sands

medium-fine

coarse-medium

Equipment

spinner-type

brush type

Verticutting

Frequency

frequent

occasional

Depth

very shallow

deep

Aerification

Annual core removal

10-35%

5-25%

Number of corings at 2”x2”

2-5 times

1-3 times

Close-spaced aerification?

recommended

optional

Depth

shallow

deeper

Deep tine?

not as beneficial

very beneficial

Drill/fill or sand inject

not as beneficial

beneficial

Watering

Frequency

frequent, short cycles

infrequent, deep watering

Wetting agents

necessary

optional

Overseeding

Establishment vs. transition

emphasis on establishment

emphasis on transition

Cool season grass

poa trivialis

poa trivials/ryegrass

Minimum rate per 1,000 ft²

10# (poa trivialis)

4# (poa trivialis)

Paint instead of overseed

yes

yes

Other

Soil chemistry

good balance critical

tolerant of wider ranges

PGRs

Primo in hot weather

Primo for best ball roll

Preventative fungicides?

yes in many climates

optional in most climates