Winter (January): Over-seeded fields will be fertilized with nitrogen-based fertilizers to promote green color and health. Fields will be monitored and will receive any supplemental feedings necessary to achieve the desired results from the over-seeding program. Early Spring (February): 1. Blanket pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control to all turf areas to eliminate winter weeds and prevent spring weeds such as crabgrass and goose grass 2. Potassium-based fertilizer application for root development 3. Soil analysis (Soil testing may be done as often as necessary during the program) Late Spring (April): 1. Blanket pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control for late-season broadleaf weeds and crabgrass 2. Blanket Fire Ant and Mole Cricket controls application (Top Choice Insecticide) 3. Fertilization containing a balanced rate of nutrients to promote uniform color during green-up 4. Organic Bio-stimulant fertilization to promote bermudagrass recovery from injury and wear that occurs during seasonal play Early Summer (June): 1. Specially formulated N-P-K fertilization and organic bio-stimulant treatments designed to feed the turf when it is growing fastest and provide excellent color and vigor while continuing to promote rooting 2. Controllable weeds are “spot” treated where necessary 3. Surface insect control for fire ants where necessary Aeration/Top Dressing program – The turf should be aerated at least three times during summer months to promote health and vigor as well as to relieve soil compaction and improve air and water flow in the root zone. Fields should be top-dressed with sand or sand/peat mix in conjunction with aeration to further promote optimum turf density and vigor. (Material provided by school district) Summer (July): 1. Fertilization is designed to supply the turf with the necessary nutrients for mid-summer droughts common to this area. It contains the nutrients necessary to promote proper rooting, vigor, and color. 2. Controllable weeds are “spot” treated where necessary 3. Surface insect control for fire ants where necessary Late Summer (August): 1. Pre-winter feeding with a special formulation of fertilizers designed to provide moderate rates of nutrients to prepare the turf for upcoming dormancy and the heavy traffic that comes with seasonal play in the fall. Organic bio-stimulant treatments to help strengthen the turf on playing surfaces. 2. Post-emergent weed management for late-season control of any weeds that may be present 3. Follow up Mole Cricket and/or Fire Ant treatments where necessary Early Fall (Late September/Early October): Over-seeding with premium ryegrass seed should take place in two parts for optimum results and should be completed prior to the second week in November. Seeding should be done at a rate of 6-8 lbs. per thousand square feet of turf per seeding. Balanced starter fertilizer application should be performed at the time of the second seeding to promote optimum germination and growth. Where overseeding is not required, a blanket pre-emergent herbicide will be applied to prevent winter weeds.
