Seasonal Challenges: Solving Sports Field Issues Through the Year
Seasons change and new athletic teams take the field for competition, but one thing remains constant: turf maintenance professionals must always work on solving sports field issues.
The experts at River Region Sports Field uncover the basic steps we perform throughout the year to enhance athletic fields. Learn how these measures ultimately benefit the athletes, coaches, and officials taking part in different sports.
The Importance of Athletic Field Care
Synthetic turf eliminates the need for regular grass-cutting and landscaping on athletic fields, but this doesn’t mean you can ignore other issues affecting the ground. Turf maintenance provides ample benefits to any community or league hosting various sporting events, including:
- Even, supportive ground for athletes
- Improved visual appeal
- Long-lasting use
It’s vital to have professional contractors tend to the field throughout the year and address any concerns before a new athletic season gets underway.
Challenges Professionals Must Address for Safer Sports Fields
When it comes to solving sports field issues, experts know what to look out for. Check out the common problems that artificial turf presents and how specialists restore the field.
Poor Drainage
Weather impacts the overall lifespan and safety of an athletic field. Heavy rain and snowmelt can flood a field if it lacks a high-quality drainage system. Installers prevent this issue by adding drains along the perimeter of the field but maintenance crews must inspect the system during the off-season.
Debris and other large objects could prevent the flow of water runoff and saturate the field. It’s up to the maintenance team to make sure this doesn’t happen by keeping the drains open.
Uneven Infill
Brushing a field between games can help redistribute the turf’s infill. If this measure doesn’t bring the result you want, a professional might need to use advanced technology to correct the infill distribution. Tackling this issue remains key for injury prevention since uneven infill can lead to dips in the field and dangerous patches that could keep an athlete on the sidelines should they get hurt.
Weed Growth
You don’t have to worry about weeds sprouting from the middle of the field, but unwanted growth can occur along the turf’s perimeter. Experts need to come up with fertilization strategies each spring that keep this area healthy and weed-free.
Winterization
One of the biggest seasonal challenges for turf management companies is winterizing fields. They will need to perform frequent snow removal or place a tarp over the field to protect the turf. Chemical solutions can deice the surface though experts need to ensure these products are safe for synthetic turf.
Contact Our Sports Field Management Experts for Professional Turf Solutions
At River Region Sports Fields, we have the equipment and training to address any problem communities face with their turf-covered athletic fields. You can count on us if you need help solving sports field issues at any point in the year. Our experts promise to use every resource available to make the facility safe for athletes and aesthetically pleasing.
To speak with a specialist about turf maintenance, contact River Region Sports Fields at (205) 617-4884.