MANAGEMENT

First step: Work with what’s there

• Conduct a soil test to determine soil texture, porosity, drainage, and chemistry.

• If needed, amend soil with organic products to create soil conditions that may help existing turf flourish.

• Continue overseeding. The current seed mix used on site includes Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrasses.

• If turf vigor continues to suffer despite otherwise compatible soil characteristics, lack of irrigation and full sun exposure may be creating conditions that are inhospitable for the existing grass species.

Second step: Replace

• Consult with organic lawn experts who can recommend specific blends of cultivars of grasses and fescues that are best suited for site conditions and that are compatible with low maintenance regimes.

• Selecting seed blends that incorporate a variety of cultivars of fescues, ryes, and other grasses that thrive in slightly different conditions creates an adaptable matrix that will grow in through a wider range of conditions. Fescues are native grass types that often require less intervention to thrive as they have adapted to the conditions present in Massachusetts.¹

• Replacement requires overseeding with new seed blend in the early fall after cutting the existing turf as short as possible to further weaken the cold-weather grass after it has likely experienced a period of dormancy in the heat of summer.¹

• Adding a 3-6” layer of topsoil may further encourage the new seed to establish deep roots for improved competitiveness and durability.¹

• Watering may help ensure quicker, more thorough success of establishment.

• Minimizing impact on the area will require youth athletics to use an alternative location for at least one year, to allow the grass to establish enough to sustain higher intensity use.¹

Third step: Maintain

• Conduct regular aeration to increase nutrient and water retention, and to relieve drainage issues in any highly compacted areas.²

• Do not allow high-impact activities on lawns after heavy rains; allow lawns to dry out before use as much as possible to prevent compaction.²

• Add green infrastructure–like vegetated swales and bioretention areas–at field edges to slow and filter stormwater runoff carrying excess nutrients.²

• Perform annual soil tests to determine necessary amendments

• Refrain from mowing when the ground is wet as much as possible to prevent disease, compaction, and ruts. Mow grass to be no less than 3”, never cutting more than 1/3 of its height to help grass outcompete weeds and retain moisture. Native grasses often require less frequent mowing and money to maintain.¹

What about synthetic turf?

While interest in synthetic fields was expressed in community feedback processes, this approach is incompatible with the project goals.

Goal of low maintenance

Synthetic fields are more expensive to install than a natural grass field, and require just as much maintenance to upkeep. Additionally, the condition of a synthetic field will deteriorate and require routine replacement no matter how diligently maintained.⁴ When adapted to site conditions, maintenance of natural grass can result in a field that is sustainable over time.⁴

Goal of ecological health

The environmental costs are also significant. Synthetic turf must be manufactured, and requires constant replacement of plastic and rubber infill that often spread into the surrounding landscape and into water resources. Synthetic turf cannot contribute the ecological functions organic, native natural grass has the potential to provide, like cooling the environment, filtering air and water, providing habitat for insects, and promoting healthy soil.⁵

Goal of all-day and all-age comfort

Artificial turf can become dangerously hot in summer providing a less comfortable and less safe environment for sports. Natural grass remains near air-temperature or is cooling.⁶