In the heat of summer, keeping a green, healthy soccer field from turning into a scorched, hard surface is always a concern for coaches and field managers.

Maintaining a field throughout the summer stretch — especially in late July and August when the sun can really do damage — while preparing it for the soccer season ahead is achievable if a sound maintenance plan is followed. With the correct combination of watering, aerification, fertilization and field conditioning, any soccer field can weather the grip of summer and offer a safe, playable surface for the upcoming season.

Water early and often during summer heat

Water is essential to healthy turf in summer. Unlike the spring months, when heavy and infrequent waterings are best, a July and August watering schedule should be more frequent, almost daily. This will help combat the effects of high heat on the turf and get a field past drought periods when rainfall may be minimal. Also, early morning irrigation is best during the summer heat. These waterings near dawn reduce the chance of evaporation and also cut down the risk of disease, too.

Ready the field for the coming season

Prior to the start of any season, turf should be strengthened through an aerification and fertilization plan.

Aerification should take place first, before any late-summer fertilizer can be applied. However, core aerification is not always the best method during high heat that is typical in much of the United States during early August, so aerification services like DryJect may be a better option.

DryJect is a revolutionary service which, when added to a soccer field maintenance program, can reduce the need for core aerification. DryJect’s high-pressure, water-based injection system blasts aeration holes through the root zone to fracture the soil, while simultaneously filling the holes with sand or a soil amendment. Many soil amendments are available; Field & Fairway from Turface is one product specifically designed for native soil fields. The ceramic particles protect the turf and provide extra water-holding capacity to maximize irrigation during dry, hot spells when turf needs water the most. The conditioner also reduces soil compaction, which is extremely common on high-traffic areas of sports fields.

Regardless of the type of aerification method, summer is still the time to topdress with a field conditioner. If the entire field cannot be topdressed due to budget constraints, at least topdress the high traffic areas, including the goal mouths and midfield areas. It will provide an added layer of turf protection and secure footing.

After aerification is complete and topdressing is applied, a summer fertilizer should be spread. Consult an area distributor for the optimum fertilization recommendation, but it is common in late summer to fertilize with a mix high in potassium to make the turf hardier. Typically, a late summer mix also reduces the amount of phosphorus. Phosphorus is extremely important in the spring because it encourages root growth in the turf plant, but that should be well established by this point into the summer season.

Finally, mat drag the field to force any surface materials (fertilizer or amendments) into the aerification holes, and water immediately after dragging to prevent the turf from drying out.

Follow these steps and any soccer field should be well prepared to combat the summer heat while setting the field up for a successful soccer season ahead.

For more resources about soccer field maintenance, visit Turface.com.

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