Sprigging is a method of vegetative propagation used to establish turfgrass by planting living plant fragments, known as sprigs, directly into prepared soil. This technique is an alternative to using seed or laying sod, and it relies on the grass’s natural ability to spread and root from specialized stems. It is a common practice for establishing large areas of turf, such as athletic fields or golf courses, where a high-quality, genetically uniform stand of grass is desired.
Defining Sprigging and Sprig Sources
A sprig is a small section of a grass plant that contains specialized vegetative structures capable of generating new growth. These fragments include pieces of rhizomes (underground stems) or stolons (above-ground runners), and must contain at least one node or crown from which new roots and shoots will develop. Sprigs are typically sourced from established, mature donor turf, often hybrid varieties, and are sold by volume, measured in bushels.
This method is commonly used for warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass. Many high-performance cultivars of these species are sterile hybrids, meaning they do not produce viable seed. Sprigging provides a way to maintain the specific genetic traits of the cultivar. The aggressive lateral growth habit of these grasses allows the individual sprigs to spread and knit together into a dense turf canopy.
Preparing the Site for Sprigging
Successful sprigging requires thorough site preparation to ensure the young plant material can root and spread. The first step involves soil testing to determine nutrient levels and pH, allowing for the application of necessary amendments like lime or fertilizer before planting. All existing vegetation and weeds must be eliminated, often by applying a non-selective herbicide or through mechanical removal.
Once the existing turf is dead, the soil should be tilled to a depth of four to six inches. Tilling loosens the soil structure, promoting aeration and facilitating rapid root penetration by the new sprigs. Following tilling, the area must be finely graded and leveled to ensure proper surface drainage and a smooth final contour. A firm, but not compacted, seedbed is necessary, and all large clods, rocks, and debris should be removed.
The Step-by-Step Sprigging Process
The planting process involves distributing the sprigs evenly across the prepared soil surface, a method called broadcasting or stolonizing. For large areas, specialized mechanical sprig planters can be used to achieve uniform coverage and planting depth. A high planting density, often between two to ten bushels per 1,000 square feet, is recommended to accelerate the time required for the lawn to achieve full coverage.
Alternatively, sprigs can be planted in shallow, parallel furrows that are one to two inches deep and spaced six to twelve inches apart. After distribution, they must be lightly covered with a thin layer of soil, typically one-eighth to one-quarter inch deep. It is important to leave a portion of the vegetative material, particularly the leaf tissue or crown, exposed to the air. The final step is rolling the entire area with a light lawn roller to ensure firm contact between the sprigs and the moist soil, which is necessary for rapid rooting and survival.
Establishing the New Lawn
Immediate watering following planting is necessary for the survival of the exposed sprigs. Since the sprigs lack significant root systems, they are highly susceptible to desiccation. For the first seven to fourteen days, the newly sprigged area must be kept continuously moist, requiring frequent, light applications of water several times a day.
As the sprigs begin to root, the irrigation frequency can be reduced, while the duration of each watering session is increased to encourage deeper root growth. The first application of a starter fertilizer, rich in phosphorus, is often scheduled four to six weeks after planting to support the lateral spread of the grass plants. Initial mowing should begin as soon as the grass reaches one-third higher than the desired maintenance height. Full establishment, where the lawn is completely covered, typically takes between 45 and 90 days, depending on the grass species, planting density, and environmental conditions.