thoughts about sports turfs such as baseball and football fields

[DeepGreenLawn]

what are things to keep in mind when approaching jobs such as these?

I know there is probably more detailed equipment involved.

[KES]

Just a few things that I do know is the following:
Football fields need to be green and looking good during football season so plan the treatments accordingly. Most coaches do not care what they look like after football season so make sure you stress the importance of staying on a program. I have done several fields over the years and know that most coaches call you in May or June to get the field ready for the fall then cancel you after the season is over to save money. So just be prepared.
Another thing is make sure you are the only one treating it. I had a softball field one time that the school was paying to get it done, but a parent was also paying to get it done from another guy. It just so happened that I showed up one day after the other guy had treated it and I saw the pre-emergent stains on the practice bases.

Also be sure to find out if they overseed the fields. Baseball for sure. They usually overseed them in the fall with rye grass so be sure not to treat them with pre emergents to close to the rye seeding.

Last but not lest- make sure you do not stripe it with fertilizer. I have never done this - knock on wood-, but did see a baseball field one time striped like a zebra.

[DeepGreenLawn]

why not just paint the turf in the winter when it goes dormant?

[foreplease]

Sorry, I thought we were discussing this over here (http://www.lawnsite.com/showpost.php?p=2999946&postcount=5) and replied there. I guess the questions asked are a little different.

The Public Grounds & Athletic Field Management forum is probably the best place for this. We could use the activity :)

[foreplease]

In my experience, everyone's lives will be happier if the coach's wishes are considered and met whenever possible. If you are dealing with a coach on matters of money, methods, materials, you are probably dealing with the wrong person. At a minimum, you are relying on the coach to be your stand with the "right" person. A couple I deal with can handle that role well but most cannot or else the process becomes unbelievably complicated and lengthy. Good coaches have other thigns on their minds and will appreciate your handling things with those who really make these types of decisions.

Good point on verifying that you are the only one treating it. That comes more often that one might think.

[DeepGreenLawn]

yeah, I posted it on both forums to get different perspectives on the issue. I appreciate all the help. I am sure there will be more questions to come.

[Ric]

DeepGreenLawn

Regardless of what program you use, the first thing to look at is the Money. In light of our economy and the fact public funds are not as available as before and Most sports fields are public owned. May I suggest you not walk but run in the other direction as fast as you can.

[kbrashears]

I spray our football fields in town. The practice fields....well, I guess we spray the game field. With fabric softener. :)

Anyway, I do six applications to the fields for nothing more than it costs me in supplies. In exchange, we get advertising during all sporting events in all facilities. They get what they want, I get what I want, and I'm saving them a ton of money while doing what I consider a community service. Everyone wins.

[DeepGreenLawn]

Ric, the fields are run by kids fees to play as well as the concession stand. Apparently the people they took it away from were doing the bare minimum and pocketing the rest... I was there a couple months ago and then went back last week and I was floored at what all they had done. Rebuilt stands, painted everything... put in sod throughout... it was amazing. And apparently it was done with cash.

SO, maybe it won't be so bad after all... just something I am considering and looking into. I figured a little league field would be easier to start with.

I think this is privately owned as in it isn't the counties but not sure.

[Ric]

Deep Green

Once bitten and now twice scared I may a little cynical. My Big Bite was the local High school football field. Oh I fell real hard and even landscaped the End Zones with Plants the same as the school colors, Blue and Gold(yellow). All of this for advertisement that thanked me but didn't give a way of contacting me. Plus my competitors Sign on the 50 yard line with a big contact number. BTW My children weren't even students, they were in college at the time. When the program came out with a center fold thanking Ric for his fine care of our field but not giving the name of my company or phone number, (Oh yea Thanks Dad for your help) I told them exactly what I thought in no uncertain term. I am sure you already know how good I am at speaking my mind.

The county might own the fields but turned them over to private concerns to care for it. But if you ever worked with HOA or Condo association, take that experience and triple it for working with nonprofit groups. To paraphrase Mark Twain, the graft was made by a committee or else they would not be so screwed up. Best you find out who is responsible or else you might find yourself holding the bag.

BTW an other tropical rain storm just blew the electric for a minute or so. We had a long drought now followed by over a week of rain storms.

[DeepGreenLawn]

I appreciate the heads up. I will definitely keep this in mind. I may have a contact with the guy in charge so I can get a good feel of how he works. I was thinking if would be fun to do too... just a little project I feel I would really enjoy. Didn't know what all was involved.

This field would be something to play with, any thing above that would be determined on how these went.

Thanks again.

[Ric]

I appreciate the heads up. I will definitely keep this in mind. I may have a contact with the guy in charge so I can get a good feel of how he works. I was thinking if would be fun to do too... just a little project I feel I would really enjoy. Didn't know what all was involved.

This field would be something to play with, any thing above that would be determined on how these went.

Thanks again.

Deep Green

The guy in charge is the parent who couldn't say no after all the other parents ran the other way. He has the most honest intentions but more than likely not a lot of back up. Be warned and ready. Prepayment is more of a sure thing, ask for it.

[DeepGreenLawn]

Thats what I am gathering... he is doing a great job though and is doing it right for a change. I hear he is there all the time and coaches one of the teams.

I will be sure to watch my step.