Can you identify this turfgrass problem?
Problem: Uneven new sod
Turfgrass Area: Municipal football and soccer field
Location: Calaway, Florida
Turfgrass Variety: TifTuf bermudagrass
ANSWER:
What can you say about this? This sports compex was completely rebuilt – new drainage, new irrigation system, new lighting, new turfgrass, as well as renovations of existing buildings and the installation of a couple new buildings. The specifications were written properly, and the bid process went as usual. However, some subcontractors were inexperienced with this type of work. The sports field manager had to point out issues every step of the way on this project – from drainage work to irrigation installation to the bermudagrass sod installation. After the final laser grading of the fully renovated sports field surfaces was completed, but before the final surface prep work was finished, the subcontractor slipped in unannounced over a weekend and improperly installed the big roll TifTuf bermudagrass. As shown in the photo, the sod was installed over piles of rocks and debris, as well as on top of this drainage culvert. This was mostly corrected, and due to the experience of the certified sports field manager, they have managed to grow in some genuinely nice athletic fields.
Photo submitted by Tim Legare, CSFM, CPRP, CPSI, director of leisure services for the City of Callaway, Florida.
John Mascaro is president of Turf-Tec International
If you would like to submit a photograph for John Mascaro’s Photo Quiz, please send a high-resolution digital photo to John Mascaro via email at john@turf-tec.com. If your photograph is selected, you will receive full credit. All photos submitted will become property of SportsField Management magazine and the Sports Field Management Association.