What method of turf establishment involves planting small divisions of turf grass to promote growth?

The method of turf establishment that involves planting small divisions of turfgrass to promote growth is referred to as sprigging. This process entails removing small bits of stolons or rhizomes from an existing grass area and then planting them in prepared soil. The advantage of sprigging is that it efficiently establishes turf, especially for warm-season grasses, and is cost-effective because it uses smaller pieces of grass compared to sodding.

When sprigs are planted, they can take root and spread to create a dense lawn over time. The technique is especially beneficial in larger areas since the small divisions can cover more ground and ultimately promote faster growth and establishment of the grass.

In contrast, plugging involves using larger pieces of turfgrass—typically sections cut out from a sod—to fill in bare patches or establish new turf. Sodding entails laying down pre-grown sections of grass, providing instant coverage but often at a higher cost. Stolonizing refers to the natural process where grass plants spread through horizontal stems, but it is not a planting method like sprigging.