Players may be ready to hit the field, but before they do the field must be ready for the players first. Since different sport’s seasons run all year long, and many fields have a multi-sport purpose, keeping your athletic field in the best condition for players and fans alike may be easier said than done.

Is your athletic field ready for the sport’s seasons to come? To answer that question, you must first understand the main components that make up a well-built field. The three main components of a well-built athletic field are: safety, playability and aesthetics. To accomplish these three components, there is only one factor to keep in mind.

The most important factor in creating a quality playing surface on an athletic field is the type of sod used.

Sport and athletic fields require dense, thick sod that can withstand heavy foot traffic and has the ability to recover quickly. This type of turf is essential to provide player safety by cushioning falls, and helps to ensure proper footing. It also helps to keep the field looking lush and green for spectators to enjoy all season long.

Sod for an Athletic Field

For many field owners, the easiest way to determine which type of sod is best for their field is by looking at what the majority of other fields are sodded with. Typically, there are 5 different types of sod species that are used for athletic fields. Among these 5 types are warm-season bermudagrass, cool-season Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, annual ryegrass and perennial ryegrass.

Many athletic fields utilize seeded mixtures to maximize the coverage and lifespan of the turf grass. However, the type of mixture or sod that you use will ultimately be determined by the location of the field and the average temperatures of that location.

With so many different sod species and factors to consider when creating a well-built athletic field, choosing the right sod will save you both time and money in the long run. To avoid making a costly mistake, contact the sod experts at West Coast Turf. We’ll help you choose the best type of sod, the best application techniques and will teach you how to properly maintain your field for many seasons to come.