[Midee1]

I am sure a few here are curious to see the field. I just drove by there and snapped a few with my phone. The field is level and they are plugging it right now.

[kybaseball]

this just a question no malice meant but why didn't they do this last fall? it's going to be a tough job but not impossiple to get it good and thick by f ball season. when i say thick i mean a good tight root system as well. grass tends seems to be a lot more tender when trying to grow in this hot weather. but it should really be good after a good winter germination cycle or two.. i applaude Russell for effort they are putting forth.

[FBALL]

this just a question no malice meant but why didn't they do this last fall? it's going to be a tough job but not impossiple to get it good and thick by f ball season. when i say thick i mean a good tight root system as well. grass tends seems to be a lot more tender when trying to grow in this hot weather. but it should really be good after a good winter germination cycle or two.. i applaude Russell for effort they are putting forth.

They waited until school was out so there would be noone to use the field. Bermuda grows best in hot wet weather.

[Batpuff]

Yea they just started on Lawrence Co field as well. They had to wait until graduation was over with. They I think are putting down the same type grass.

[FBALL]

Also they are using sprigs. Soil temperature has to be above 65 degrees and it provides a faster thicker cover than seeding.

[FBALL]

"Bermudagrass sprigs or stolons for planting should be freshly harvested and protected from desiccation by wind and sun. Also, they should not be subject to excessive heating which occurs when moist planting material is tightly packed or covered for several days. Sprigs are usually distinguished from stolons in that sprigs consist of stolons with roots and rhizomes; whereas stolons consist of above ground parts only. Sprigs are produced by shredding harvested sod or by sprig harvesters. Stolons are generally harvested with a vertical mower or a flail mower set close to the ground. Sprigs will tolerate slightly more environmental stress during planting and establishment because of the energy reserves in the roots and rhizomes.

Sprigs or stolons should be planted at 5 to 15 bushels per 1,000 sq. ft. depending on the rate of cover required. Higher planting rates up to 25 or more bushels per 1,000 sq. ft. will provide a faster grass cover. A minimum planting rate should be 5 bushels per 1,000 sq. ft. or 200 bushels per acre. Sprigs or stolons should be broadcast on a clean seedbed and pressed into moist soil with a roller or covered lightly with soil or mulch. Moist conditions must be maintained for 2 to 3 weeks after planting to obtain a good cover.

Seed or sprigs should not be planted before soil temperature is above 65°F. Planting too early may retard development of a turf and extend the critical establishment period several weeks. Soil temperatures of 68°F to 75°F are ideal for germination and rapid development of bermudagrass."


from
Bermudagrass

"The Sports Turf of the South"


Richard L. Duble, Turfgrass Specialist

[Batpuff]

Also they are using sprigs. Soil temperature has to be above 65 degrees and it provides a faster thicker cover than seeding.

Well I am not sure...... they just got started with digging the lines for the new sprinkler system..... and I would think that they are going to take some of the crown off but they cant take it all off because of drainage issues

[Midee1]

Well I am not sure...... they just got started with digging the lines for the new sprinkler system..... and I would think that they are going to take some of the crown off but they cant take it all off because of drainage issues

If you are speaking of the Russell field the sprinkler system is already installed and up and running. They have taken a ton of the crown off I just forgot to take a picture of the excess dirt pile. The were installing the sprigs with the machine shown in the picture. I would assume that by now the sprig installation is done. I will try to drive over later today and get a few more pictures.

[Midee1]

Actually you can see the dirt pile in the first picture. Look to where the sprinklers are crossing and you can see the dirt pile behind them.
It is right around the flag pole.

[Jshort5]

If you are speaking of the Russell field the sprinkler system is already installed and up and running. They have taken a ton of the crown off I just forgot to take a picture of the excess dirt pile. The were installing the sprigs with the machine shown in the picture. I would assume that by now the sprig installation is done. I will try to drive over later today and get a few more pictures.

I think he may be talking about the Lawrence Co. Field.

[Midee1]

The dirt they removed to level the hump.

[Midee1]

Here is a view from the endzone level.

[Midee1]

Seeding is finished.

[FBALL]

Here is a view from the endzone level.

You cast quite a long shadow for such a short fellow.

[Midee1]

You cast quite a long shadow for such a short fellow.

I would have expected it to be MUCH wider......

[FBALL]

Looks like a rice paddy right now.

[DEVILOLOGIST]

Thats not MIDEE1. dude. you captured a picture of the ghosts that haunt the field, You know thet ones that cause havoc with wild calls and make the yellow flags comeout of referrees pockets for no reasons.. I knew they were out there but now we have proof. Hold on to this picture dude, it will be useful for those who dont believe.....
OH and in the third picture of the dirt pile about half way up onthe right is an outline of BIGFOOT, not Seth Harvey mind you but the other Bigfoot that lives around here.... I know you have heard stories about it.... Dont act like you aint either.

[Jeepman]

I would have expected it to be MUCH wider......

Great pics Midee. I can hardly wait to see the finished product. Wait till they get the water bill. They will be passing the hat in the stands to pay for that. Unless of course the City will donate the water.

[jevans34]

When the field is done, it should look fantastic!

[sore_looser]

I can't wait to see the field when completed!! It will have to be a improvement from last year.

[kybaseball]

Good Job.

[OffTheHook]

At least they stayed grass. What football was meant to be played on. Too many people going to the turf for me.

[FOX SPORTS]

Hey Midee
Post some pic updates...let's see the progress

[Midee1]

Hey Midee
Post some pic updates...let's see the progress

Give me a few minutes and I will run over there and get few.

[Midee1]

Here you go. About three weeks into the growing.

[Midee1]

The first home game isn't until Sept 4th so we have about 9 weeks for it to come in better.

[kybaseball]

Looks like it has a good start.

[Jshort5]

I bet that those thunder storms helped it alot...lol

[FOX SPORTS]

Looks good
The wet early summer has helped it, i'm sure

In 9 weeks it ought to be great

[OffTheHook]

Looking good.