Field Systems

Natural Grass System

Natural Grass

WHERE IT STARTED

For over 30 years Vescio’s SportsFields has designed and built professional, collegiate, high school, and recreational grass fields. It was our start in the athletic field industry and is still an important part of our identity and focus.

Design and Build

THE PROCESS

Every grass field we build is customized to meet your goals and needs. To help design your perfect field, we will walk you through the following 9-step process.

Step 1

ANSWER BASIC QUESTIONS

Step 2

EVALUATE THE CURRENT LAND/FIELD

Step 3

Determine the type of natural grass field.

Native Soil – Native soil is the soil found in your geographic area. This is the least costly option, but performance will vary greatly. Soil tests will determine how viable your soil is and what must be done to make it more suitable
Sand-Based Fields – Sand Cap – more expensive than native soil, a sand cap field has an internal draining system and a 6-inch top layer sand profile.

USGA – More expensive than the sand cap, A USGA Field has an internal draining system, a 4-inch gravel layer, and a 10-inch sand top layer profile.

Step 4

GRADING

The grading plan will be determined by the field type, the sport being played and the existing site conditions. We specialize in expert grading services for sportsfields, ensuring a smooth, even playing surface that maximizes performance, safety, and longevity for athletes of all levels. Using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, we create fields with the proper slopes and superior drainage tailored to the specific needs of your sport—whether football, soccer, baseball, or more. Our comprehensive services include site preparation, soil compaction, and fine-tuning to ensure optimal surface elevation, drainage, and water flow, eliminating puddles and muddy areas that can disrupt play and cause long-term damage. With years of experience in sportsfield construction and maintenance, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and commitment to sustainability.

Step 5

Drainage

The drainage plan determines how fast you get back on your field. It is recommended but not required for native soil fields to have drainage systems. Sand and USGA fields require drainage systems.

Proper drainage is critical to maintaining a high-performance sportsfield that stands up to the rigors of use, weather, and time. We specialize in designing and implementing comprehensive drainage plans that enhance the quality and longevity of your sportsfield. A well-designed drainage system ensures that water flows away from the playing surface, preventing water logging, erosion, and the damage caused by standing water—keeping your field in top condition for all seasons.

Step 6

Irrigation Systems

This is mandatory for grass fields. The design choices will influence upfront costs and daily operating costs. Maintaining a lush, healthy sports field requires more than just routine care—it requires an efficient irrigation system designed to deliver consistent, optimal water coverage. At Vescio’s SportsFields, for over 30 years, we have specialized in designing and installing advanced irrigation systems –from 15 gallons/minute to 1,000 gallons/minute-tailored to the specific needs of your sports field. Whether you’re managing a professional stadium, community park, or athletic complex, our irrigation solutions ensure that your field receives the right amount of water, at the right time, for maximum performance and longevity.

Cool Season Grasses

Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue, are ideal for sports fields, especially in regions with temperate climates. These grasses thrive in cooler temperatures, making them a perfect choice for fields that need to maintain a durable, high-performance surface throughout the year. Here are several reasons why cool-season grasses are the top choice for sports field construction and maintenance:

Optimal Growing Conditions
Durability and Wear Resistance
Faster Germination and Establishment
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
Improved Disease Resistance
Cool-Season Growth for Year-Round Use
Environmental Sustainability
Versatility Across Sports

Warm Season Grass

Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda grass is a popular choice for sportsfields, particularly in regions with hot summers and mild winters. These grasses are well-suited to warmer climates, where they thrive during the hottest months of the year. Here are several reasons why warm-season grasses are an excellent choice for sports field construction and maintenance:

Heat tolerance
Drought resistance
Low maintenance requirements
Durability and wear resistance
Excellent drainage
Extended growing season
Improved tolerance to soil compaction
Aesthetics and playability
Cost-effective long-term solution
Versatility across sport

Step 7

Determine grass variant

Step 8

Seed or sod

When it comes to establishing a natural grass sportsfield, choosing between sod and seed is a critical decision that impacts the field’s quality, longevity, and cost. Both options have distinct advantages depending on the specific needs of the field, climate, and timeline. Here are the key reasons to sod or seed your sports field:

Reasons to Use Sod for Your Natural Grass Field

Instant Results

One of the primary advantages of sod is that it provides an instant green, fully established turf. When you lay sod, the grass is already mature and rooted, meaning your field will be ready for use much sooner than a seeded field. This is especially beneficial if you need a field for an upcoming event or in situations where quick turnaround is essential.

Faster Field Use

Since sod is pre-grown and already has a strong root system, it can typically be used for play sooner than seeded grass. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, a sod field may be ready for light use in as little as a few weeks. This is ideal for sports leagues or schools that need their fields in operation as quickly as possible.

Improved Soil Erosion Control

Sod is effective at controlling erosion immediately after installation. The dense grass layer covers the soil and prevents wind or water from washing it away. This is especially beneficial on slopes or areas prone to erosion, as it helps maintain the integrity of the field’s surface.

Better Uniformity and Consistency

Since sod is already grown and rooted, it has a head start in developing a strong root system compared to seeded grass. This gives it better resistance to stress, such as foot traffic, drought, or disease, and helps it establish more quickly.

Fewer Weeds

Sod is typically weed-free by the time it’s installed, meaning you won’t have to deal with weed seeds germinating as you would with a seeded field. This leads to cleaner, healthier turf, reducing maintenance costs and labor for weed control.

Established Root System

Reasons to Seed Your Natural Grass Field

Lower Initial Cost

Seeding is significantly more cost-effective than sodding. Sod can be expensive due to labor, transportation, and material costs, whereas seeding is a much more affordable option, especially for larger fields or when working with a tight budget. Over the long term, the savings can be substantial.

Customization and Variety

Seeding allows you to select specific grass varieties tailored to your climate, sports type, and soil conditions. You have more control over the grass species, which can help improve performance, durability, and aesthetics. For example, you can choose drought-tolerant varieties or grasses that are more resistant to heavy foot traffic.

Long-Term Field Health

Seeding offers the opportunity for long-term field health. When properly managed, seeded grass can develop deeper and more resilient root systems than sod. This can result in a stronger, more sustainable turf that better withstands wear and tear over time.

Better Adaptation to Local Conditions

Since the seed is sown directly into the soil, it’s more likely to adapt to the local growing conditions, including the specific climate, soil type, and micro-environment of the field. This adaptability can improve the overall health and success of the field, leading to better growth and performance.

Minimal Maintenance After Establishment

Once seeded grass establishes itself, it often requires less ongoing care and attention than sod. Properly seeded fields can grow deep roots that help the grass withstand droughts, diseases, and pests over time. While it does require patience for the initial growth phase, the long-term benefits are worth the wait.

Environmental Benefits

Seeding can be a more sustainable option compared to sod. Sod is often grown on large farms and transported over long distances, contributing to carbon emissions. By seeding, you avoid the environmental costs of transporting mature turf and reduce the overall ecological impact of field construction.

Control Over Germination and Growth

Seeding allows you to control when the grass grows, meaning you can time it to avoid the extremes of temperature or precipitation. By choosing the optimal planting time, you can maximize the success rate of germination and establish a strong, healthy field.

Step 9

GAME ON

Natural Grass Field Maintenance

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

Mid April

Late May

June - Early July

June - August

September - October

Warm Season Grass

February - March

May

June

July

August

September

October

Synthetic Turf System