Turf Practical

Lateral Repair and Head Adjustment – Problem 5.23, 7.23, 8.23, 9.23 (35 min.)

You arrive at a job site and are told an underground irrigation pipe has been damaged. You must first locate the problem, safely repair the line and flush the system. On site, the homeowner asks that you adjust three sprinkler heads. Each sprinkler head is different. Adjust these to ensure proper coverage.

Power Blower – Problem 8.26 (15 min.)

The work site’s turf area is bordered by an office, driveway and walkway. Assume it is a warm, summer day. The office windows are open and vehicles are present in the driveway. Upon arriving at the site, you will check and prepare the equipment for operation. Identify and remove any existing hazards prior to operating the blower. Then proceed to clean the areas with the blower. Once finished, clean the blower and prepare it for storage.

21-inch Mower – Problem 8.81 (15 min.)

You are to mow a small lawn, but the mower blade is dull. An area is marked for you to change the blade. Be careful, those new blades are sharp. Do a complete check to make sure the mower is ready for operation. The customer is curious and wants to know how to change the mowing height. The lawn area is marked out with spray paint. Assume there is a walkway on all four sides of this area, so be careful where you direct those clippings. Stakes represent tree trunks. Remove debris and make sure the area is ready to mow. Begin mowing safely and efficiently. Be aware of the overlap.

Plant Layout – Problem 5.52 (35 min.)

The planting area provided is 20′ x 20′ (6 m x 6 m). An architect (metric) scale and a measuring tape are the only tools you need. The judge will provide a copy of the plan. Your task is to set the plants out according to the plan. You may make all your measurements first and write them on the plan provided by the judge. You may use flags to mark the plant locations first. Polyline or rope may be used to mark out the edge of the annual bed. Proper plant handling and lifting is also important.

Intermediate Walk-Behind Mower – Problem 8.82 (15 min.)

You are to mow a lawn. Do a complete check to make sure the mower is ready for operation. The customer is curious and wants to know how to lubricate the mower and how to change the mowing height. The lawn area is marked out with spray paint. Assume there is a walkway on all four sides of this area, so be careful where you direct those clippings. Stakes represent tree trunks. Remove debris and make sure the area is ready to mow. Begin mowing safely and efficiently. Be aware of the overlap.

Riding Mower Problem 8.83 (15 min.)

You arrive to mow an area of lawn as marked out. Assume there is a walkway on all four sides of this area, so be careful where you direct those clippings. Stakes represent trees in the turf area. A sheet of plywood may represent the fuel-up area. You need to check the mower to make sure it is ready for safe mowing. Remove debris and make sure the area is ready to mow. Begin mowing safely and efficiently. Be aware of the overlap. Park mower safely when finished.

Edger and Trimmer – Problem 8.84 (15 min.)

The site needs some edging and trimming along a walkway. A wooden header, sidewalk or curb may represent this walkway. Watch out for those pedestrians on the walkway. The grass around signposts at this site requires trimming. Sections of 6 x 6 timber (or similar) represent these posts. You will need to check and prepare the edger. The trimmer is ready to use.