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Investing in regular football field maintenance will increase player safety on game day. While cutting the grass, landscapers will look for holes, divots, and other problem areas. They can put down sod and provide additional solutions to level the ground and prevent tripping hazards. The advice here is geared to keep the football field in good condition during the off-season. 

Do:

Consider a new sod.

Turf grasses provide cushioning during falls. The plants release evaporating water and oxygen during warm weather, which keeps the playing surface cool. However, the quality of the covering depends on the growing conditions. If your blades are rigid and crumble easily, it might be time to put down a different sod.

Kentucky bluegrass sod, for example, thrives in cool and humid regions. The round tips of the dense, thin blades provide a thick, soft playing surface. Fescue sod is also a suitable grass for football fields. Fescue and other plants with deep root systems pull water and nutrients from the ground to minimize stress during droughts. 

Invest in crowning.

How well water drains from the football field depends on its slope and the type of soil underneath. If rainwater can’t drain to the perforated pipes in the subsurface, the soil will compact, making the turf harder during the playing season and increasing the risk of injuries. Oxygen can’t flow through the soil when it’s compacted, either, which means the roots won’t grow.

When the water won't drain, the field will become slippery and dangerous when it rains, too, making it essential to invest in crowning during the off-season. Landscapers apply fresh soil, regrade, and aerify the field to improve drainage and avoid the aforementioned issues.  

Don’t:

Use the entire field.

sodMarching band members stomping on the field during summer practice and athletes sprinting across the grounds can leave both the turf thin and soil displaced. So the turf is level and dense during the playing season, monitor how the field is used during the off-season.

Section off areas with new sod, so it has time to take root. Use construction tape to section off thinning areas with bald patches that have been reseeded, too, so the grass has time to grow. 

Leave seeding for the playing season.

Players might practice on the field during the off-season, or it might be used for other school activities or community events. In this case, hire a landscaper to perform weekly grass seeding in high-traffic areas. Overseeding thinning areas during the off-season will improve turf density during the playing season.

 

For sodding, seeding, and additional solutions to maintain the functionality, safety, and look of your football field, contact the professionals at Keeven Bros Sod Company in St. Peters, MO. In business since 1953, the company is known throughout St. Charles County for its selection of sod—including fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and zoysia—and impeccable installation services. See a product overview online and call (636) 240-4900 to discuss your needs with a representative.

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