Scalping Alternatives Sought

The scalping of grassy areas in Palm Springs, Calif. results in beautiful golf courses and lawn areas in the winter but increases the amounts of dust and pollen in the area during early fall. As a result, local officials are requiring landscapers to attend a class on overseeding alternatives before cities will issue of renew business licenses.

In addition to spring, summer, fall and winter, the Palm Springs, Calif. area has a fifth season — scalping season.

Traditionally during the late summer and early fall, golf courses and grass areas in this region are scalped, as old Bermuda turf is mowed down to the ground level prior to reseeding with new winter rye grass.

Done in the traditional manner, scalping kicks up dust, pollen and grass that can pose health risks for people with allergies and breathing problems.

In light of the pollen problems, Palm Springs-area cities and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) are requiring landscapers and other landscape-related businesses to learn about alternative ways to reseed.

According to CVAG, the transport of dust from man-made activities has been an ongoing challenge with all of the cities in the Coachella Valley for the last several years in meeting federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates for airborne fugitive dust (PM10).

“The health impacts and public nuisance of uncontrolled dust are, and should be, a recognized concern of everyone who works or lives in the desert environment,” a CVAG statement reads.

Starting Sept. 1 landscapers and landscape-related companies must complete a free two-hour class in overseeding alternatives — such as “smart scalping” — before cities will issue or renew business licenses. Those who complete the class will receive a certificate of completion.

With smart scalping, landscapers gradually reduce the amount of water and cut the summer grass lower. After the summer grass goes dormant, they then dampen the remaining Bermuda grass and reseed with rye.

The smart scalping techniques “eliminates the need for turf scalping, improves the air, saves money and results in a beautiful lawn,” according to CVAG.

Sources: Coachella Valley Association of Governments, The (Palm Springs, Calif.) Desert Sun