SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/45791
THINK AHEAD TO SPRING CRABGRASS TREATMENT It is common to implement some kind of crabgrass treatment program in the spring sea- son. What is often overlooked is the impact that this can have on seeding. If your plan is to apply herbicides in the spring, it is even more important that you schedule postseason fall seeding accordingly. TURN ON THE HEAT Turf blankets can extend your window of warm soil temperatures by several weeks, lengthening the amount of growing time be- fore winter, and promoting earlier green-up at the end of winter. The blankets keep soil tem- peratures warm enough to promote seed ger- mination, and allow existing turf to grow instead of going dormant. This results in thicker and stronger turf when blankets come off later in the winter. Blankets are best put down in November or December in cool cli- mates—too early and the soil will overheat— and should be removed two to three weeks before traffic returns to the field. After remov- ing the blankets, mow the turf several times to harden it prior to field usage. In all winter conditions and especially if you are laying turf blankets consider a fungi- cide application to help avoid snow molds since air movement will be restricted to the turf. This will help prevent unwanted and damaging disease from forming over the win- ter. ADJUST MOWING HEIGHTS Mowing should be infrequent, if at all, fol- lowing the end of play for the season. Be sure to avoid mowing when there is any frost on the turf, as this can cause damage. Adjust the mowing height to 2 to 3 inches following the end of season, and be sure that blades have not become dull over the course of the season. WINTERIZE IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND EQUIPMENT Water will have remained in the lines, even when the system is turned off. Take an air compressor to blow the water out of the lines to prevent freezing and expansion, which will rupture pipes. Also, after going through the rigors of the fall season, there may be equipment issues that have come to light. Winter months can pro- vide the necessary time for proper repairs or re- builds in place of short-term fixes that got you through the season. Take the time to clean out maintenance equipment, sharpen blades, wipe down machines, tighten fuel caps and cover anything that might be left exposed to the win- ter weather. All small engines should be drained of fuel and winterize them also run- ning the gas tank empty. ADJUST FERTILIZATION TO TIMING OF THE SEASON, CLIMATE In cool climates, a late-season fertilizer ap- plication will promote rooting and carbohy- drate storage. In warm climates, reduce or restrict the amount of nitrogen so that turf can be put to bed. In all cases, wait until the spring flush before starting next year's fertility pro- gram. Remember, just because play concludes for the season doesn't mean your job is complete. Take advantage of every available hour when it comes to turf management. ■ Ken Mrock is Head Groundskeeper of the Chicago Bears. www.stma.org SportsTurf 37