KEITH LEHMAN, Pine Grove Area SD (PA)
I always felt the key was to have the turf stand as healthy as pos-
sible going into the season and that process starts the day after
the last event the previous fall. It is an ongoing cycle. I feel core
aeration after the fall season and in early spring, if possible,
combined with proper mowing practices to promote a thick
stand, irrigation when necessary to promote deep rooting, a
solid fertilizer maintenance program including weed and insect
control are all important.
As Dr. Andrew McNitt says, "seed – seed – seed" to keep a
high percent of living turf between those hashmarks.
I do not screen drag the cores in the fall aeration process
but will include seeding, fertilizing and screening in the spring
process. We maintain our athletic field turf height 2-3 times per
week during the main growing season and do not want exces-
sive clippings on the stand after mowing. If necessary a second
opposite direction cut will be completed. When irrigation is
necessary it's a deep watering. Soil test results every 3-4 years is
critical in putting together my fertilizer program.
Observation while mowing assists me when determining to
include weed and insect control in the program. Seeding takes
place during the spring aeration process if completed or I will
28 SportsTurf | September 2015 www.sportsturfonline.com
KEEPING GRASS BETWEEN THE
HASHMARKS INTO NOVEMBER
FIELD SCIENCE
Editor's note: We asked turf managers from different regions in the country how they keep turf cover deep
into their football seasons. Here are some good responses:
Before last regular season football game at Pine Grove (PA) HS.
