PUB 163: Turf and Landscape Management

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Transferable to CSU: No
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

This course prepares students to enhance the function and aesthetic value of public and private landscapes. Topics include planting, pruning, irrigation, soil fertility, turf, pest management, weed control, and landscape management business practices. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Calculate and excavate proper diameter and depth of soil for planting a variety of plants, shrubs, and trees based on size, water needs, soil condition, and plant species.
  • Identify weed and administer proper weed control based upon weed location and type.
  • Considering aesthetics, water conservation, climate, environment, and irrigation determine appropriate and ideal greenscape.
  • Select nursery stock based upon quality, cost, and reliability.
  • Calculate soil amendments required for new and established greenscapes.
  • To maximize health and vigor, determine proper trimming technique required for different species of shrubs and trees.
  • Maximizing water conservation and greenscape health, calculate irrigation coverage and system design for new and retrofit projects.
  • Measure soil balance and determine needed micronutrients or whether additional analysis is required by a soils lab or agronomist.
  • Select proper mow height based upon turf type in order to maximize aesthetics, water conservation, weed control, and usage.
  • Identify pests and diseases on shrubs, plants, and trees; then determine and administer proper abatements and controls to restore to proper health and vigor.

Major Course Content

  1. Introduction 
    1. Careers in horticulture and related fields
  2. Climate
    1. Climatic influences and microclimate
    2. Influences of light and temperature
  3. Soil and Fertilizer Management
    1. Soil calculations
    2. Soil balance
    3. Fertilizer requirements for the landscape
  4. Water Management
    1. Calculating irrigation coverage, methods, and designs
    2. Water conservation
  5. Plant Propagation
    1. Sexual reproduction: Seed propagation
    2. Asexual reproduction: Clonal propagation
    3. Proper planting diameter and depth
    4. Planting and transplanting
  6. Plant Pathology
    1. Plant classification and nomenclature
    2. Plant structure and function
  7. Entomology
    1. Insect identification
    2. Plant pests
  8. Weed Science
    1. Weed types
    2. Weed identification
  9. Safe Pest Control
    1. Proper pest control techniques
    2. The right chemical for the right pest
  10. Turf
    1. Turf identification
    2. Proper cultural practices of turf
  11. Woody Landscape Plants
    1. Shrub selection and maintenance
  12. Landscape and Gardening Design
    1. The right plant for the right place
    2. Selecting nursery stock
  13. Diagnosing Plant Problems
    1. Plant diseases
  14. Pruning
    1. Pruning trees vs. shrubs
    2. Pruning techniques

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Students will develop a comprehensive greenscape site plan for one of their ten site evaluations. Plan will include mow schedule, frequency of tree pruning, irrigation schedule, pest and weed abatement, fertilization schedule, and aeration to ensure cost savings and water conservation while maintaining and aesthetically pleasing landscape.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Students will evaluate 10 public and private greenscapes for aesthetics, water use, and durability; making recommendations for modification and/or enhancement.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture