A: I’ve received several questions this fall related to repairing worn or damaged areas of fields. The causes have included mole cricket damage, sprayed-out crabgrass patches, vandalism, excess traffic from non-sporting events, and wear from sporting events.
Before discussing repair, let me first address prevention. The key to preventing worn areas is to keep the grass growing. Good cultural practices are the foundation. Most importantly, do not let the field get too dry; maintain adequate base fertility; use proper mowing practices; perform preventative core aeration; and implement integrated pest management programs. Increasing nitrogen fertility in high-wear areas can be especially helpful for promoting recovery from regular use. Control insects, diseases and weeds preventatively when possible, or scout and treat early after an incident is noted.
Of all the problems I’ve encountered, vandalism is the hardest to prevent. Fencing around fields is usually the first line of defense, but vandals may still find ways to bypass even the best preventative measures. Most vandalism involves either driving in circles (“donuts”) with a vehicle or motorbike, spraying herbicide, or painting messages with aerosol paint. Treating these damages may require specialized tactics not presented in this article.
How to address field-use damage depends on the type and severity. Minor damage, such as discolored turfgrass, may recover over time. Additional irrigation, spiking and fertilizer can speed up recovery. If time is limited, applying a green turfgrass colorant may help mask the damage until recovery occurs. I suggest testing colorant dilutions on the sidelines before applying them to the playing surface to ensure they blend with the surrounding turfgrass.
When damage results in bare ground, repairs become more challenging — especially in late fall or winter. If pests (insects, diseases or weeds) are the cause, control them before proceeding with repairs. If the damage is widespread and occurs earlier in the fall, some field managers choose to overseed the entire field to provide a playable surface. In some cases, the bermudagrass base may recover over winter and spring. In others, this approach provides a good playing surface and allows for more aggressive renovation in the spring or summer when warmer weather supports better recovery.
If overseeding isn’t an option, thick-cut sod (up to 2 inches thick) can be used to replace damaged areas, allowing immediate play without a lengthy establishment period. This sod is typically grown on a plastic base for root strength and density and costs two to three times more than regular sod. Although regular sod can be used, it requires growing conditions that allow rooting before it becomes stable for use.
Due to the expense, plastic-grown sod may not be feasible. In such cases, ensuring the surface is level and firm may be the best achievable solution during the season. To do this, topdress below-grade areas with soil similar to the field’s profile and roll the surface until it is smooth and firm. These problem areas may need to be readdressed after each field use to maintain safety and playability. Once the season ends, more aggressive renovation and recovery should be undertaken when time and weather conditions allow for turfgrass establishment.