Great care is taken to make sure the turf at Arlington National Cemetery is maintained to the highest standards. Roughly 562 acres of Arlington National Cemetery is highly maintained turf.
During the growing season, turf is mowed at least once per week, to a height of 3.5-5 inches. Fertilizer is applied, based on ANC's nutrient management plan. For pest management, ANC relies primarily on cultural and physical control; however, chemical control is used for controlling multiple pests (insects, fungus and weeds.)
The biggest challenges for turf management are soil compaction and rutting from high traffic, turf displacement and turf desiccation from summer heat and drought. The turf program uses several methods for managing these challenges. The cemetery undergoes two core aerations a year to relieve compaction and reduce turf thatch. The cemetery also sods 18 acres annually. Periodically, whole sections of the cemetery will undergo turf restoration.
The turf program is constantly evolving to guarantee that the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery are upheld to national shrine status.