Goosegrass - A Troublesome Summer Annual

I have had a number of recent phone calls from sports turf managers asking about goosegrass.  The Purdue University Turfgrass Department recently posted a turf tip in regards to goosegrass.  Click HERE to see the post from Aaron Patton, Turfgrass Extension Specialist.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Western Boone High School - Fountain Central High School - The Tale of Two Football Field Grow-Ins

Both projects have been discussed on the blog in 2013.  Here is an update on both projects:

Western Boone - Below is a picture taken on July 23, 2013.  The sodded Kentucky bluegrass surface (maintained at 4 inches) is performing well in the rather cool summer.  With that said, the field is a bit dry.  Irrigation has been adjusted after discussion with the grounds staff:

To learn more about this project click HERE and HERE.

Fountain Central - Below is a picture taken on July 26, 2013.  The seeded Riviera bermudagrass surface has made great strides over the past 3 weeks.  The field was topdressed just prior to this photo and is maintained at 1 inch:

To learn more about this project click HERE.

Bottom line, both fields will perform well this fall.  Which surface would you prefer to manage?

The SmartTurf Blog will monitor each surface as football begins.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Should Grub Control Be Applied to My Field?

Now is the time to answer the question.  HERE is a recent Turf Tip from Purdue University.

Bottom line, if in doubt, make a preventative treatment.  The cost for the product is not excessive, but potential damage could be excessive.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Summer Turf Decline - Fall Use Fields

Summer decline is in effect at various stages across the Midwest.  HERE is a great link to a video from Joe Rimelspach from Ohio State Plant Pathology.  

Towards the conclusion of the bulletin Joe discusses preparing athletic fields for the upcoming fall season.  Bottom line, keep up the mowing practices and preventative maintenance strategies for athletic fields.  Fall sports seasons begin in full force in the next couple weeks.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.  

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Buffer Strip - Warm Season Turf

A quick post in regards to buffer strip for turf.  This is a great example of a buffer strip that is used to keep bermudagrass from migrating into another field.  The strip also serves as a "road" for equipment, utility vehicles, etc.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Warmer Weather - Warmer Soil Temps

Summer has officially arrived across the country.  Here is a reading at a 2 inch depth today in Westfield, IN

If you are growing warm season turf, you are in luck and you stand of turf is growing rapidly.  If you are maintaining cool season turf, take precautions to keep the turf cool and avoid extending the dew periods.

HERE is a great Turf Tip from Dr. Aaron Patton from Purdue University on summer stress to cool season turf.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Groundcover for Chain Link Fences?

See the photo below of euonymus ground cover at Covenant Christian High School.  Euonymus was chosen due to the plants aggressive growth habit, early "leaf out" in the early spring, and ease of maintenance.  In fact, shot of trimming, the only attention this ground cover receives is Nature Safe fertilizer when it is applied to the field on a monthly basis.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer