Evaluation of Hybrid Turf for Water Conservation.

Synthetic turf is often promoted as an aesthetically pleasing alternative to natural turf, especially during drought and severe water use restrictions. This study evaluated water use and other characteristics of Coverlawn, a product from EZ Hybrid Turf (Hackensack, NJ), which consists of a polyester “honeycomb” woven with polyethylene synthetic turf. When laid over natural turf or bare soil following seeding, turfgrass can grow through the spaces in the backing, integrating with the synthetic turf.  Coverlawn was installed in strips September 2014 over bare soil seeded with either tall fescue or bermudagrass, or mature turf of both species following scalping. Beginning July 2015, tall fescue was irrigated at 60, 80, and 100% ET_o and bermudagrass at 40, 60, and 80% ET_o to evaluate performance and potential water savings. Coverlawn did not hinder turf establishment of either species despite super optimal air and soil temperatures at seeding, and this installation method produced better overall turf quality compared to Coverlawn placement over existing scalped turf. After two months of deficit irrigation, there was no strong evidence to indicate improved performance of drought stressed turf in combination with Coverlawn.