Grass plays an integral part in the sports we love. Whether it’s soccer, baseball or football, etc., mowing the fields to make sure they’re in pristine condition is just as important, in our opinion, as the actual game itself. In this blog post, we’re going to show you how to win the best-looking sports field in the game.
Besides the fact that it makes you feel good to have the best-looking field in the state, mowing is important for all types of fields. In order to grow, grass absorbs water, sunlight and oxygen. By mowing the field at a consistent length on a regular basis, this allows the grass to absorb equal amounts of water, sunlight and oxygen, making for a healthier field.
Mowing consistently also helps to keep the turf short, thick and even. By keeping it short and thick, it helps to crowd out the weeds, is more likely to withstand extreme weather conditions and is more apt to deal with pests.
You may be wondering what the ideal grass height is for your sports field. The standard mowing height for sports fields varies. However, the typical range is between 1-3 inches. It’s imperative to keep your turf cut short. If the field is left too long, it can result in the turf becoming clumpy. Clumpy turf directly affects the athletic performance of the players, and can often have a negative impact on an athlete’s statistics. Whatever type of field you may be mowing, we suggest following the one-third rule. The one-third rule states that whatever your preferred grass height is, that you only remove the top third of the grass blade. Here’s a quick look at the one-third rule featured in the chart below.
Keeping your field looking worthy of a first-place trophy is just a part of the job. But how often should you mow it to keep it looking its best? During the growing season, sports fields should be mowed 2-3 times per week to keep the grass short. The best time to mow is when the grass is completely dry. Specifically, in the morning, or in the evening. If possible, avoid mowing between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m to keep your grass healthy.
Whether your #MowDay is in the fall or the spring, follow these tips to help your fields look as good as the winning teams that play on it.