field covers

[brown2501]

Any info good or bad on field growth covers . Does any one use them ? Is it worth it?

thanks

[turf hokie]

Not sure what you are looking for, but we use them and they do a tremendous job. Well worth it.

We dormant seed early winter and cover them, the growth and establishment under the cover is significantly better than uncovered areas.

Last spring, wish I had pics, but the covered areas were still noticeably greener and thicker all the way into May.

[tcjim]

I have used turf blankets. You can gain about 2 weeks growing time in the spring. they raise temps about 10 degrees under the blankets. It is probably a good idea to apply a preventative snow mold application before installing the blanket if you put them on in the fall. It is probably still beneficial to install one now. I have a picture somewhere I will try to dig up

[tcjim]

Here is a picture of turf response in the early spring

[tcjim]

Another thing you can do to wake up the turf in the spring is fertilize early with ammonium sulfate nitrogen at 1/2 to 3/4 lb. N per th. sq. ft.

[brown2501]

Thank you for info it should help.
We are in the middle of building a small soccer complex (3 fields ) to start . Was old corn fields we got from the town. We are all volunteers doing this with little knowledge. So with help from you guys to make it easier I hope.

I am sure I will be asking more info in the future ?

thanks

[tcjim]

Volunteerism is a very frustrating endeavor. I am building a baseball infield along with grading and seeding 3 acres of multi purpose athletic turf area at a local church in what used to be a hay field. I approached laterally every green organization in New Jersey seeking help and or support and received "0" so, I am doing it all myself. My advice is "Don't expect anything and be happy with whatever comes your way. I really think that giving benefits the giver more than the receiver.