PDX Adopts DLF's Microclover®
BY BRAD JEFFREYS
DLF International Seeds

When Greg Croteau of the Port of Portland was faced with finding a sustainable solution to establishing a high visibility area with turf that could be used for recreation without consuming additional mowing, labor, and fertilization, he turned to local DLF International Seeds distributor and old friend, Keith Hopkins of Pro-Time Lawn Seed for some sage advice.Keith knew the perfect solution would be Microclover®.

Greg wanted a product that would grow slow while providing the needed nutrients to establish a healthy, dense turf that Port employees could come out and play on during lunch breaks and after work.The five acre site also combines landscaped berms of perennial plantings that Oregon wildlife biologists trialed to help keep Canadian Geese landing zones to a minimum.This area, located next to the main entrance into the Airport core and east of the covered parking garage, was formally a haven for geese to fly into and graze for hours at a time. Knowing the danger geese pose to air traffic, the Port combined the careful planning of wildlife officials as well as the expertise of Pro Time Lawn Seed’s newest product, “Rough & Ready”™. 

This combination of fine fescues, a hardy western European Perennial Ryegrass, PR8820 and the addition of Microclover® proved to be the perfect solution for the turfand the berms. This design has minimized the long landingareas the geese needed to land safely and most importantly, shortened the area needed to escape from possible predators. The turf area is now approaching its first year in use and the Port of Portland officials are pleased with the performance of the turf as well as the expanded use of the area for employees. Microclover® is now a part of the landscape at PDX.

Photo: Keith Hopkins (r) discusses the varieties of grass used in the Pro-Time lawn seed with Greg Croteau of the Port of Portland. The Port manages the grounds at the Portland International Airport.