Natural grass benefits and repair tips
8 Apr, 2009 By: Bob O'Quinn Athletic Turf NewsIn middle school science class, we learned that the oxygen we need to sustain life comes from plants — which, in turn, need our exhaled carbon dioxide. In fact, a 2,500-sq.-ft. properly maintained natural grass lawn generates enough oxygen to sustain a family of four. That’s one of the reasons professional athletes, amateurs and people in general feel refreshed and even energized when walking onto a natural grass athletic field or lawn.
Another reason is the lower surface temperature of natural grass because of the cooling process of transpiration, in which high levels of radiant heat is dissipated. In a study by world-renowned scientist Dr. James B. Beard, it was discovered that "maximum daily canopy temperatures of a green, growing Cynodon turf (Bermudagrass) was found to be 21o C (69.8 o F) cooler than a brown dormant natural grass and significantly cooler than non-organic surfaces."
Although a natural grass sports field has a rejuvenating ability when damaged, there are limits; sections must be replaced after heavy abuse. One of the great benefits of repairing or replacing some or all of a natural grass field is the wide range of options available. If repair or replacement of a large section is needed during season, the damaged area can be replaced with 1.5-in. sod and the surface played on within a day or two. With sufficient lead time, 0.25-in. sod can be laid in the spring (with cost savings) and be ready for play by the fall season. Actual costs for thick-cut or thin sod vary among warm-and cool-season grasses in various parts of the country.
Different thicknesses for different uses, timeframes and costs
1—Standard cut big roll of 0.25-in. (soil below thatch layer) results in quicker rooting
2—Any athletic field with 0.25-in. sod installed in the spring is ready for play in the fall
3—For baseball, softball, soccer and field hockey, 1-in. sod is ready for play within three to four weeks after installation
4—Football field with 1.25-in. sod is ready for play within three to four weeks after installation
5—Baseball, softball, soccer and field hockey field installed with 1.2-in. sod is ready for play within one to two days after installation
6—Football field with 1.75-in. sod is ready for play within one to two days after installation
7—After thick-cut sod is installed, it should be top-dressed lightly and deep-core aerated to promote root growth when three to four weeks of recovery time is allowed. Top dressing with sand helps add firmness to the surface, which enables players to run faster. Up to 0.25-in. of top-dressing might be added, usually in several steps to allow the sand to be washed down instead of blocking the surface.
8—Cost justification for thick-cut sod:
A—For 1-in., thick-cut sod, the cost would be more than standard cut, thanks to increased trucking (charged by the weight), more rolls needed and to make up for soil loss
B—Thick-cut sod allows quicker playability; therefore, time vs. price value
For more information about natural grass, please visit www.turfgrasssod.org.
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