Overseeding

[jonthepain]

I am an assistant city league football coach, (high school age kids,) and our league president told me the other day that he would like to overseed one of the fields that we play on.

I own a couple of aerators and told him that I'd be glad to aerate it for him but expressed doubts as to whether it would be worth putting seed out now, considering the time of year, the fact that games will be starting in a few weeks, and especially considering that the field is not irrigated.

I'll post some photos of the field when I get the camera back from my wife :o

I haven't seen it since last season but it was typically compacted between the 40's and hash marks last fall.

Do you all have any suggestions?

Thanks!
jon

[fl-landscapes]

probably not a good time of year to seed. the weather and the fact that they will be playing on it soon. Aerating might help but it might also expose roots to the heat which wouldnt be good so I wouldnt do that unless you top dress as well. Hopefully someone closer to your area with sports field experience will chime in

[jonthepain]

Thanks fl. Those were my thoughts also, but it always helps to get some other opinions.

[Kiril]

What is the turf type and cost of your seed?

[jonthepain]

Haven't been out there in a year, so the best I can say is that it's fescue.

Have not priced seed, but the league would provide it. (This would be a community service type thing for me.)

Sorry for the sketchy details, K. I'd run up there and take some photos for you all but my wife has the camera and she's up in the mountains on a mother / daughter rafting trip.

[Kiril]

With fescue, I will recommend throwing out a generic seed mix multiple times in the fall and spring (beyond a planned overseed), just to get seed out there. Some of it will germinate and grow, some won't. Helps to keep the turf thick and if you can get seed in bulk, it won't be that expensive either.

[jonthepain]

Thanks, K. I'm not sure if it will make sense to overseed during football season. They literally play four games on that field every Saturday in September and October. (There are four age groups in the league.)

[Kiril]

Thanks, K. I'm not sure if it will make sense to overseed during football season. They literally play four games on that field every Saturday in September and October. (There are four age groups in the league.)

Throwing some seed out is not really like a one time planned overseed. If you are fighting general thinning, then I feel it is a good idea to get seed out there. It might be worth it to try an aggressive overseeding program for a season just to see what results you get. You might also pre-soak the seeds in order to get quicker germination and establishment which might lead to better results ... however that obviously increases your labor input.

[jonthepain]

would you recommend rye for it's quick germination? and wait till sept., or throw some out now?

[Kiril]

would you recommend rye for it's quick germination? and wait till sept., or throw some out now?

That is your choice. There is some research being done on rye overseed with bluegrass for sports turf (David Minner out of Iowa State I believe), which I imagine is what prompted the question.

I personally don't like rye, nor do I feel it is the best choice for a non-irrigated field.

[jonthepain]

I'm concerned that no matter what we throw out there, if we put it out this month it will burn up shortly after germination, or if we put it out in Sept., it will be trampled to death shortly after germination.

btw what's your favorite sports turf? we are in the transition zone here, between warm and cool season grass, so it's a tough call for us.

[Kiril]

I'm concerned that no matter what we throw out there, if we put it out this month it will burn up shortly after germination, or if we put it out in Sept., it will be trampled to death shortly after germination.

Gotta do what you gotta do.

btw what's your favorite sports turf? we are in the transition zone here, between warm and cool season grass, so it's a tough call for us.

Fescue is the most widely used for general sports turf/muni fields around here. Fescue is a great turf ... but may not be as suitable as others depending on what is being played on it.

[jonthepain]

Thanks for all the input, K. I'll hash it around a bit with the league and let you know what they say.

As always, I appreciate your help.

jon

[fl-landscapes]

I think what kiril is saying will HELP it's not the best answer for renovating but seeing as football season coincides with the best time of year to seed it's your only option right now. Spread some seed out there to help keep it from thinning. Seeding in the spring will get you nearly the same results of fall seeding if you time it correctly and if the football league isnt playing then it's likely your best and only choice.

[jonthepain]

agreed.

trying to find two new fields for next season, tho. if successful, they can have this one...