Step 1: Mow the field.
Mow it short because you won’t be mowing again for three weeks.
Step 2: Mark
the sprinklers so you don’t hit them.
Use sprinkler flags. Put them on the side of the sprinkler closest to
the dirt area. That way you know exactly where the sprinkler head is.
Step 3: Aerification
Once field is dry enough, core aerify in two directions diagonally, creating
an X pattern. Allow the plugs to dry, but do not remove. This is
the most important step for turf maintenance in this entire checklist.
Step 4: Edging
the grass
This is a good time to edge the field also. Measure and mark the cutouts
with spray paint or use a stringer and follow the edge. Remove the sod
scraps.
Step 5: Topdressing
Aerification is followed by topdressing. One purpose of topdressing is
to smooth the surface just as they do on golf greens. At a minimum, topdress
with sand. A sand and compost mixture works well also.
Step 6: Seeding
After the topdressing is applied, seeding should follow. Don't skimp on
grass seed, make sure it is certified. Try to keep about a half a bag
of infield and outfield seed for spot seeding later.
Step 7: Dragging
Now that the field has been aerated, the cores have sat for a while, a
topdressing application has been completed and seeding has been done,
these materials must be blended. This is best accomplished by dragging
the field.
Step 8: Fertilization
After the above process has been completed, it is necessary to fertilize.
In this case, a starter fertilizer is recommended to get the seed to start
growing faster.
Step 9: Irrigation
Irrigation must immediately follow. To water, wet the entire field, but
do not soak the field to where puddling may occur.
Step 10: Spot
Seeding
After 1 to 1-1/2 weeks, the seed should be germinating. It is essential
to spot seed any areas where there is thin growth caused by inconsistent
watering patterns or thunderstorms.
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