Winter Athletic Field Maintenance Calendar for the ... - STMA

Winter Athletic Field Maintenance Calendar forthe Transition Zone: December – FebruaryNon-overseeded bermudagrass fieldsBermudagrass seeding or sprigging is not recommendedduring the winter because bermudagrass goes dormant.Bermudagrass requires warm temperatures for properestablishment. Sod can be installed essentially any timeof the year soil is not frozen. However, if the field isto be played upon the following spring, bermudagrasssod installations should occur by early to mid-fall at thelatest, and many times it is desirable to install a ryegrassoverseeded sod that will provide the desired stability forspring sports due to ryegrass rooting.Photo courtesy of Chad Price, CSFMSeedingRecommended months to apply seed, sprigs or sod:Non-overseededbermudagrassfieldsOverseededbermudagrassfieldsKentuckybluegrassPerennialryegrassDecember January FebruaryX X XX X XX X XAnnual ryegrass X X XTall Fescue X X XRecommended seeding rates:KentuckybluegrassPerennialryegrassAnnualryegrassTall Fescue2-3 lb. / 1000 sq ft4-10 lb. / 1000 sq ft4-10 lb. / 1000 sq ft5-8 lb. / 1000 sq ftOverseeded bermudagrass fieldsOverseeding with perennial, annual, and intermediateryegrass can continue throughout the winter on dormantbermudagrass fields. However, germination andestablishment during extreme cold will be minimal at best.Much of the seed will remain ‘dormant’ until suitabletemperatures and moisture are received (see description ofdormant seeding and possible benefits of growth coversbelow). In warmer parts of the transition zone, seedingwill help maintain turf density, provide winter color, andimprove wear recovery.Sod can be installed at anytime as long as the soil isnot frozen. However, if the field is to be played uponthe following spring, bermudagrass installations shouldoccur by early to mid-fall at the latest, and many timesit is desirable to install a ryegrass overseeded sod thatwill provide the desired stability for spring sports due toryegrass rooting.Cool season turfgrass fieldsSeed can be applied to dormant turf or following late seasoncultivation. Dormant seeding is when seed is applied todormant turf or frozen soil and lies dormant until soiltemperatures warm in April or May. Dormant seeding cantake place beginning in November and continue as late asMarch. Growth covers can be used to assist in seedlinggermination and enhance development during the winter.These breathable covers protect seedlings from frost andfreeze damage. Turf managers must monitor ground and airtemperature, and snow and rain amounts closely for dormantseeding success. Increased temperature and moisture beneaththe blankets can lead to growth and pest problems.Your Resource for Safer Fields • Brought to you by the Sports Turf Managers Associationand its charitable Foundation, The SAFE Foundation • ph. 1-800-323-3875 • www.stma.org