- Description
- Students demonstrate the techniques used to provide turf maintenance services, focusing on plant identification, equipment maintenance, effective practices, cost analysis and pricing.
- Prerequisite
- AGR1070: Landscaping 1
- Parameters
- Access to a residential, recreational and/or institutional landscape and appropriate equipment and supplies. Facilities and equipment should permit students to perform practical tasks in basic turf management; e.g., watering, mowing/trimming/edging of turfgrass, weed control.
- Supporting courses
- AGR3000: Agriculture Safety HCS2020: First Aid/CPR with AED HCS3000: Workplace Safety Systems
Outcomes The student will:
1 identify ground cover and turfgrass species used for landscaping
1.1 describe methods of identifying turfgrass, including:
1.1.1 using common names
1.1.2 using botanical nomenclature
1.2 describe the general characteristics and functional uses of turfgrasses
1.3 identify and select appropriate turfgrasses for given applications in Alberta landscapes, considering:
1.3.1 rhizome producing, stolon producing and bunch type
1.3.2 fine, medium and course leaf texture
1.4 describe the cultural requirements of turfgrass; e.g., soil, moisture, light, temperature, trimming
2 implement appropriate strategies for the treatment and prevention of pests, diseases and ailments that affect the health of turfgrass
2.1 identify common weeds and insect pests at different stages of growth
2.2 discuss the beneficial and harmful effects of insects
2.3 describe and correct turfgrass problems; e.g., fairy rings, scalping, ridging, compacting, animal and disease problems
2.4 compare biological, cultural and chemical control measures for weeds and plant pests
2.5 list the pros and cons associated with the use of common pesticides
2.6 explain safe practices for mixing and applying fertilizers and chemicals
2.7 develop a weed-control program
3 demonstrate proper techniques for maintenance of turfgrass
3.1 demonstrate proper procedures in maintenance; e.g., clean-up, dethatching, aerating, top-dressing, irrigation, fertilizing, patching, mowing, trimming, edging
3.2 describe proper techniques for winterizing turfgrasses
3.3 identify and describe organic and inorganic materials commonly used in providing basic turf-care services; e.g., fertilizers, pesticides
3.4 demonstrate proper watering techniques
4 demonstrate practical skills in using tools to perform basic turf-care services
4.1 identify and describe hand and/or power equipment commonly used in providing turf-care services; e.g., aerators, mowers, chemical and fertilizer applicators
4.2 demonstrate safe and efficient use of hand/power tools (e.g., rakes, power rakes, edgers, trimmers, blowers), considering:
4.2.1 safe practices and potential hazards
4.2.2 protective clothing
4.2.3 safety labels and instructions
4.2.4 government legislation and regulation
4.2.5 emergency first aid
4.3 perform safety checks on equipment
4.4 record/report general maintenance and/or malfunctions; e.g., hours of operation, periodic servicing
4.5 prepare basic hand tools/power equipment for off-season storage; e.g., cleaning
4.6 compare two-stroke and four-stroke engines and their required maintenance
5 prepare cost analyses and pricing for basic turf-grass services
5.1 identify factors that determine the cost of a turfgrass service; e.g., material costs, labour costs, equipment usage costs, overhead costs
5.2 explain technologies used to cost and price turfgrass services; e.g., software
5.3 prepare simple cost analyses and pricing for basic turfgrass services
6 demonstrate basic competencies
6.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
6.1.1 communicate
6.1.2 manage information
6.1.3 use numbers
6.1.4 think and solve problems
6.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
6.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
6.2.2 be responsible
6.2.3 be adaptable
6.2.4 learn continuously
6.2.5 work safely
6.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
6.3.1 work with others
6.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
7 create a transitional strategy to accommodate personal changes and build personal values
7.1 identify short-term and long-term goals
7.2 identify steps to achieve goals
Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.