A simple calendar for general weed control activities on sports fields.

Increased emphasis on safer sports turf has evolved greatly over the past years. About 20 years ago, two-thirds of reported sports injuries occurred on practice fields. Those fields were less maintained than game fields.

The turfgrass cover on playing fields definitely affects the play of the game. Field speed, ball roll and safety are all very much related to the turf condition. An attractive field is inspirational to the team and a pleasure to watch play on.

Numbers and lines on turfgrass are best applied with specially formulated turf paints. These materials are not toxic to leaf blades and allow them to breathe.

There are several things that will give all athletic fields success in keeping adequate turf cover on the field. Simply put, you must grow grass, avoid wearing it out and don’t have a mud pit.

Soil compaction and lack of aeration are death on turf.

Whether renovating your field or planting a new one, a good, strong start is the key to success.

Many people think that grass just grows and grows and you can’t wear it out. The truth is that most fields are over used and under maintained. Assessing wear also helps with field maintenance schedules and budgets.