Tips From The Kentucky Pros How To Have A Successful Playing Season

The goal of all individuals involved in the maintenance of an athletic field is to make it playable for a successful playing season. Who would be more qualified to give advice on how to achieve this than the pros that work on sports fields every day?

The list below is comprised of advice from Kentucky pros, who know their stuff, and can help you achieve a great field for a successful playing season.

Don’t let the little projects become last minute nail biters (knock them out early if you can).

-Tyler Lenz, Sport Turf Manager, Bowling Green Hot Rods

My biggest tip is to check the obvious things. Things that injure kids. Chain link that needs poly cap. Bases properly secured. Home plate installed correctly. Sounds simple, but if you look at problems long enough, they eventually become invisible. Safety should always be above aesthetics.

-Chris Pearl, Eastern Kentucky University

Keep a clear line of communication with your crew. Schedule work crews a month or multiple months in advance if you can. A good, organized crew makes for a easier season.

-Tyler Lenz, Sport Turf Manager, Bowling Green Hot Rods

Put the majority of your nitrogen down in the fall to build carbs for the spring. Use low amounts of nitrogen in the spring. High amounts in the spring, burn unnecessary carbs that are needed for the summer stress periods.

-Andrew Bird, Sports Turf Manager, Elizabethtown Sports Park

Roll all playing surfaces to settle any frost heave.

-Andrew Bird, Sports Turf Manager, Elizabethtown Sports Park

If possible, aerify known stress areas more often, especially before they show signs of stress.

-Brad Nevitt, Advanced Turf Solutions

Use a DR rake to help mix infield conditioner into skin. It works faster than tilling.

-Roger Hammons, Striped and Green Lawn Care