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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: March-May
- Field rest and recover: June-November
Mowing
Keep mower blades sharp to reduce turf injury and fuel usage.
- March-May: Establish mowing height appropriate for particular sport. Increase mowing frequency to increase turf density.
- June-November: Mow at the highest recommended cutting height for the grass species growing that minimizes mowing.
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.
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.
- April: After April 1, before the season starts and when turf greens up, apply ½ lb of a 50% water soluble nitrogen source.
- May: Apply 1 lb of a 50% water soluble nitrogen nitrogen source or 100% organic nitrogen source in mid-late May.
- September: Apply 1 lb of a 50% water soluble nitrogen source in early September.
- October: Apply ½ lb of a 100% water soluble nitrogen source in mid-October
- 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.
- March-May: Use solid tine cultivation in multiple directions when fields are in use.
- June-November: Use hollow tine cultivation in multiple directions to relieve compaction and aid in overseeding.
Overseeding
Focus on high-traffic areas
- March-May: Seed perennial rye at 2 lbs/1,000 sq. ft. weekly in high- use areas.
- June: Overseed if turf is thin at the end of the season.
Topdressing
For leveling low spots, reducing thatch, improving seedbed.
- March: Lightly roll high spots to level surface, improve footing and prevent mower scalping. Check field for low spots and fill in.
- June: Check fields for low spots and fill in.
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