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TRACK / FIELD TURFGRASSES

Most track and field areas serve dual purposes as both a sports play area (football / soccer) and track activities.  Thus the grasses selected are usually based on the field activity and are generally compatiable  with Track & Field.

RECOMMENDED GRASSES

WARM SEASON

Bermudagrass is the DOMINATE choice for Track & Field due to Bermuda's excellent turf quality and the ability to be mowed low for faster Athletic usage speeds.

TRANSITIONAL

In the transitional zone Tall Fescues and Bermudas are both used.  There really is NOT a perfect choice for this area.  Tall Fescue requires a 2" height for adequate maintenance and also is a bunch type requiring high rates of re-seeding to avoid and repair any damaged areas. 

Bermudagrasses are impacted by their off color during winter dormancy and the higher risk of plant loss due to winter kill from low temperatures.  Bermudagrass fields must also be overseeded each fall with Ryegrasses (during a break in schedule) to avoid playing on dormant / brown fields in the fall.  Additional re-seeding of ryegrass as the season progresses is usually required. 

Kentucky Bluegrass is also used in the more NORTHERN parts of the transitional zone.  Maintenance is usually around 1-2 inches with 2 inches preferable.  It does have one big benefit and that is that the rhizomes repair damaged turf over time without re-seeding.

COOL SEASON

Here in this area Kentucky Bluegrass is the DOMINATE choice.  Its aggressive growth and recuperative abilities (rhizomes) make it the # 1 choice.  It is also considered a safer playing surface because of the cushioning effects of its thatch layer.  Bluegrass is though slow  to fully establish, taking generally 1 year to mature.  You can generally seed in spring with use beginning in the fall.   Perennial Ryegrass is often added to mixtures of Bluegrass for field use, especially for fast repair jobs.

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