FAQs
Q: What are the pros and cons of a grass field?
Pros
- Less Expensive -start-up costs are less as compared to synthetic turf.
- Environmental Benefits -reduces excess stormwater runoff and improves air quality.
- Cooler –stays cooler in hot weather as compared to synthetic turf.
- Professional and High-Level College players prefer playing on grass.
Cons
- Usage Limits -overuse and excessive traffic lead to compaction and bare spots.
- Weather –can be unplayable due to weatherresulting in game cancellations..
- Water -requires irrigation system to keep in good shape
- Maintenance -requires regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, and reseeding.
Q: What are the pros and cons of a synthetic field?
Pros
- Less maintenance –requires lessdaily, weekly, and monthly attention.
- Durability –able to handle heavy usage with a grass-like look
- Good drainage –base design under the synthetic turf allows excellent drainage.
- No rainouts.
- Permanent lines and school logos –no more painting lines and logos
- Weather -in most cases, if it’s not storming, weather isn’t a factor.
- Consistency –provides a uniform playing surface.
Cons
- Heat –in direct sunlight, hotter than grass.
- Maintenance –requires much less maintenance than grass. See recommended daily, weekly, and monthly maintenancerequirements.
- Initial Cost –higher installation costs as compared to grass.
- Synthetic Material –doesn’t filter air or water pollutants like grass.
Q: What maintenance is required for a synthetic field?
Failure to follow proper cleaning guidelines can lead to contamination and compaction of the synthetic turf. Contamination and compaction of the infill material can harm the playability of a field. Negative effects of a hardened (compacted) surface include: poor water permeability, inferior ball behavior, reduced player safety, poor grip for the player’s footwear,and possibly damage to the fibers or fiber loss.
Daily Maintenance:
Daily maintenance is focused on the safety and security of the users. Begin with a visual inspection of the field, looking for any damage or trip hazards that may have developed through normal use. Walk the field using a consistent pattern to ensure the entire field is viewed.
Weekly Maintenance:
Weekly maintenance focuses on two major aspects of the field: the condition/direction of the fibers and the infill distribution. There are three phases of weekly maintenance -inspection, surface cleaning, and infill re-level (High Traffic Areas).
Monthly Maintenance:
Monthly maintenance consists of three actions: inspection of seams and inlays, grooming/brushing, and removal of weeds/natural growth. Inspection of seams and inlays occurs exactly as it would for weekly maintenance. Walk the field paying attention to any damage or disturbed areas. Simultaneously monitor infill levels as well as the quality of the connection between inlays and the field. All inlays coming up will require immediate repair to prevent further damage and maintain a safe playing surface.
Annual Maintenance Plan:
In addition to regular weekly and monthly maintenance, an annual review and maintenance plan for synthetic turf is essential to keep the playing surface clean, and bacteria-free, allow water infiltration, and ensure optimal field performance.
Q: What is a general maintenance calendar for a grass field
A year-long maintenance plan is the key to having a great grass field. Here is a basic calendar you need to follow to keep your Cool Season and Warm Season Grass Field in excellent playing condition.
Cool Season Grass
February - March
- Test Soil
- Fill Low Spots
- Seed/Renovate if needed
- Apply Appropriate Fertilizer
- Begin Mowing
- Coring Aerification
Mid April
- If not Reseeding, Apply Pre-Emergent
Late May
- Apply Appropriate Slow-Release Fertilizer
June - Early July
- Apply Post-Emergent if Necessary
June - August
- Water
- Disease Control
- Coring Aerification
September - October
- Apply Appropriate Fertilizer
- Seed/Renovate if needed
- Coring Aerification
Warm Season Grass
February - March
- Apply herbicide if needed to eliminate weeds and undesirable grasses
- Begin Mowing if Cool Grasses are present
- Apply Pre-emergent
- If the field was overseeded, take out ryegrass
May
- Fill Low Spots
- Coring Aerification
- Remove Rye Grass if Needed
- Apply Appropriate Fertilizer
June
- Repair Bare areas as needed (Seed, Sprig, Sod)
- Apply Appropriate Fertilizer
- Apply weed control
July
- Apply Appropriate Fertilizer
- Coring Aerification
- Apply weed control if needed
August
- Apply Appropriate Fertilizer
September
- Overseed as Needed
October
- Apply Appropriate Fertilizer
