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.
- Use: March-November
- Rest and recovery: None
Mowing
Keep mower blades sharp to reduce turf injury and fuel usage.
- April-October: Establish mowing height appropriate for particular sport. Increase mowing frequency to increase turf density.
Watering
Base irrigation on ET, soil moisture, overseeding, and field use.
- April-May: Monitor rooting depth and moisture level in the root zone. Allow some moisture stress to encourage deep rooting.
- June-August: Continue to monitor soil moisture level and supplement rainfall to meet ET irrigation requirements.
- 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.
- 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 source or 100% organic 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 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-October: Solid tine cultivate in multiple directions to maintain infiltration of air and water. Focus on high-use areas.
Overseeding
Focus on high-traffic areas
- March-May: Seed perennial rye at 2 lbs/1,000 sq. ft. weekly in high- use areas.
- September-October: Seed perennial rye at 2 lbs/1,000 sq. ft. weekly in high- use areas.
- November: Dormant seed when soil temp at 1” is lower than 45 degrees F.
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.
- 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