Football field maintenance
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Football field maintenance

When I tell people that I'm the landscaper who looks after our team's football field they are really impressed, and a little jealous. I don't think they know how much work it is though - it's definitely trickier than keeping your backyard looking green. Not only does my football field need to look lush, it also needs to be perfectly even so that the ball doesn't bounce at crazy angles, and not so soft that the players boots sink in. I need to keep up with all of the latest tricks that landscapers have, and I write these up here so that everyone can give them a try on their own fields.

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Football field maintenance

How to Remove Sod From Your Yard

Brad Craig

If you are looking to lay down a fresh lawn, you will first need to remove the sod. Here are some tips for removing the sod using a variety of different techniques.

Prepare to Remove the Sod

Before you decide which method you will choose, there are some preparation steps to take first. First of all, make sure you know where all sprinklers and other aspects of the lawn irrigation system are located. The last thing you want to do is dig up the sod and damage the sprinkler system. Once you have located them, start by digging around the sprinkler heads or mark them with sticks. This allows you to be aware of them when you start removing the sod. It is also a good idea to wear goggles and gloves, as this can be a labour-intensive job that puts you at risk.

Dig Out the Sod

One of the more popular options for removing sod from a yard is to dig it out. The main benefit of this option is that you can have it removed quickly. Some of the other options take a little more time, which prolongs how soon you can lay down the new lawn. When digging out the sod, be aware that the labour required is going to be a little harder on your body and energy level than other methods. You will also be revealing quite a few insects that live in the soil, so be aware of those as well. If you dig up healthy sod, you might want to save it for mulch or other parts of your yard.

Kill the Grass With Sunlight

This method is called solarization, and requires a good amount of heat and direct sunlight to kill the sod prior to removing it. This is going to take quite a bit of time to complete, so it is an option when you want the sod removed, but are in no hurry to get it done. When you use the solarization method of removing sod, you need a couple months to prepare for it. You will start by watering the lawn, then covering it with large plastic sheeting. The hotter the weather is at the time you attempt this method, the more effective it will be. With the plastic covering the lawn, the sun will heat up the plastic, which should begin heating up and drying out the sod. It won't be watered during this time, so will eventually die. Once it dries out, it is easy to remove the lawn.

If you aren't sure which option is best, you can hire a professional landscaper to remove the sod for you.

www.adamdowlandscaping.com.au
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