Printer-friendly calendar view [.pdf file]
Management schedules are approximate “ideal” timing for specific practices. These timings will be adjusted based on weather conditions, soil type, and field use.
- Field in use: August-November
- Field rest and recover: March-July
Mowing
Keep mower blades sharp to reduce turf injury and fuel usage.
- March-July: Mow at the highest recommended cutting height for the grass species growing that minimizes mowing.
- August-October: Reduce mowing height gradually at no more than ½” per week until the desired height for the particular sport is attained. Mowing frequency can be increased to increase turf density.
Watering
Base irrigation on ET, soil moisture, overseeding, and field use.
- April-June: Monitor rooting depth and moisture level in the root zone. Allow some moisture stress to encourage deep rooting.
- July-August: Apply at least ¼” to ½” every 4 weeks to avoid dormancy. Limit traffic.
- September-October: Maintain adequate soil moisture but keep surface dry to maximize traffic tolerance.
Fertilizing
Amount of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. Use soil test results for P & K recommendations
- March: Follow NYS law and do not apply fertilizer before April 1. Check for more stringent regulations in your area.
- May: Apply 1 lb of a 50% water soluble nitrogen source in mid-late May.
- August: Apply 1 lb of a 50% water soluble nitrogen source in mid-August.
- September: Apply 1 lb of a 50% water soluble nitrogen source in mid-September.
- November: Fertilizer applications may be restricted, check local fertilizer laws.
Cultivating
Avoid cultivating when turf is under stress or soil is too dry or too wet.
- August-October: Solid tine cultivate in multiple directions when fields are in use to maintain infiltration of air and water. Focus on high-use areas.
- November: Hollow tine cultivate, break up cores and overseed.
Overseeding
Focus on high-traffic areas
- April: Seed perennial rye at 2 lbs/1,000 sq. ft. weekly in high-use areas.
- August-October: Seed perennial rye at 2 lbs/1,000 sq. ft. weekly in high-use areas.
Topdressing
For leveling low spots, reducing thatch, improving seedbed.
- August: Lightly roll high spots to level surface, improve footing and prevent mower scalping. Check field for low spots and fill in.
- November: Hollow tine cultivate, break up cores to use as topdressing.
Pre-season tasks:
- Attend educational programs
- Review management notes from previous year to identify issues
- Prepare equipment, sharpen mower blades, check irrigation system function
- Conduct site assessment for each field as soon as possible to direct resources (products, equipment, labor) to areas with greatest need