6 Tips for Combatting Your Field’s Common Wear Areas
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Combatting common wear areas is a challenge that bonds us all.
We see brown spots and worn fields on the big screen and at the local park. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite weapons to take into battle when common wear areas are serving as public enemy number one.
Whether your field is home to the local lacrosse team or Friday night is your time to shine, goal mouths, sidelines and center field are bound to require some extra TLC as the season wears on. Maintain player safety and playability with these common cures:
- Grow covers promote growth on your field by generating heat which will help new seed germinate as well as nurture existing grass to aid in field recovery. On a budget? Custom covers can save resources when installed only in the areas experiencing the most wear.
- Apply seed before game time. Not only will overseeding promote new growth, your players will act as aerators saving you time when there’s little break time between games. Players cleats will poke small holes in the field during game play and the seed you applied before kickoff will have the chance to work its way down into the soil.
- When time is on your side, aerification is one of the best ways to cure your field from the compaction it experiences during the season. In high concentration areas of your field you’ll want to aerate using solid tines. (Solid tines will cause the least amount of surface destruction.) Aeration will allow new seed to grow and will soften the field for player safety. *Be sure your field has at least a couple days to recover after you aerate. We suggest aerating during an off week.
- Topdress common wear areas or areas that are collecting water. Topdressing will level parts of your field that have been worn enough to create a dip and will create more traction for players where the field’s surface may be slick due to wet weather conditions. There are several different topdressing options such as sand, soil, conditioners, etc.
- Fertilize in between your regular fertilizer applications. One way to combat the challenge of lackluster greens, is to purchase a few extra bags of fertilizer and just focus on the common wear areas that really need it, no need to redo the whole field several times a season if your budget or staffing needs don’t allow.
- Fill divots to keep your field leveled and keep players safe.
For more information on grow covers and painting late into the season read on: