Caring for sports turf can be difficult, not only due to the wear-and-tear from constant use by athletes, but because those responsible for the turf may not have the knowledge necessary to keep the turf healthy and looking attractive. Often, sports turf is managed by small municipalities, school districts or park services that have not had the benefit of extensive training in the maintenance of the turf used for sports. Therefore, it is important to understand the differences between the many methods for preparing and maintaining turf.

1. Overseeding? Verticutter? Slit-Seeding? Slice
Seeder? What to do!?
cwsportsturf.com/blog/overseeding-verticutter-slit-seeding-slice-seeder-what-to-do/
Keith Kitchen
Overseeding? Verticutter? Slit-Seeding? Slice Seeder? What to Do!?
Caring f or sports turf can be dif f icult, not only due to the wear-and-tear f rom constant use by
athletes, but because those responsible f or the turf may not have the knowledge necessary to
keep the turf healthy and looking attractive. Of ten, sports turf is managed by small municipalities,
school districts or park services that have not had the benef it of extensive training in the
maintenance of the turf used f or sports. Theref ore, it is important to understand the dif f erences
between the many methods f or preparing and maintaining turf .
Overseeding
Overseeding is the process of adding seed to or over existing turf , and can be accomplished in a
variety of ways. This can occur bef ore the season begins or to address problems that develop
af ter the seasons begins. During sports seasons, high traf f ic areas can get worn away, allowing
brown patches to develop on the f ield. These areas include:
• Soccer and lacrosse goals
• The center of f ootball and rugby f ields
• Sidelines
• Outf ield areas of baseball diamonds
• Entry and exit points
In those cases, overseeding the entire f ield Is
not necessary, but by overseeding the area as
soon as thin turf develops can help avoid the
f ormation of bare spots. However, it is
important to choose grasses that germinate
and establish quickly, such as ryegrass or
f estulolium. These grasses germinate in three
to f ive days. Ref Sports Field Management Magazine
Verticutter
One overlooked method f or boosts turf health is the use of a verticutter. A verticutter has vertical
blades, normally arranged between .025 and 1.5 inches apart on a disc that dredge up thatch and
open the canopy in order to allow the turf to breathe. Not only does the process remove excess
thatch, but it also extracts organic material at or below the plant crown area. The machine is
of ten conf used with an aerator, but the machines provide dif f erent benef its. Verticutters dig
deeper into the turf , severing stolons and stems, creating visible results. Af ter using a verticutter,
it is important to make a pass over the area with a mower to remove any residual debris that
could cause damage to the turf surf ace. Ref Grounds Mag
Slit or Slice Seeding
A slice or slit seeder cuts grooves into the soil placing seed in the grooves in order to provide

2. good seed to soil contact. The slit or slice seeder actually overseeds as it removes thatch and
opens the canopy to provide better nutrition f or the turf . Slit seeders of f er a higher germination
rate than broadcasting seed that may not come into contact with the soil. However, it is possible
to use a verticutter to create the slits and then broadcast seed immediately af ter in order to allow
the seed to f all into the slits cut by the verticutter. A slice or slit seeder combines both processes
which can be a time and money saver, especially f or heavily used sports turf f ields.
Overseeding is a critical part of maintaining healthy, green sports turf . It can eliminate high-traf f ic
areas and keep the f ield looking lush throughout the season. Whether using a verticutter and
broadcaster to overseed the lawn or a slice/slit seeder, overseeding should be done whenever it
appears that areas of the f ield are getting thin due to high-traf f ic. To learn more about
verticutters, seeders and overseeding, visit us at Commowealth Sports Turf by phone or online
today.
Keith Kitchen
Owner at Commonwealth Sports Turf Services
Growing up on a working f arm that f eeds your f amily gave Keith an appreciation
f or the importance of planning f or growth. It was corn and peanuts then, now it
sports turf . Af ter graduating f rom Virginia Tech with a Bachelors of Science in
Agricultural Economics and spending 5 years with Southern States, Keith partnered into a new
business venture overseeing natural turf maintenance f or Luxury Lawns, a startup maintenance
company. Continued growth over 20 years has placed Luxury Lawns, a company Keith now owns,
in the top small businesses in the Midlothian area specializing in residential turf management,
landscape design and installation, and hardscape applications. Af ter success in the residential
turf market, Keith launched Commonwealth Sports Turf and now manages the day to day
operations of the business.
Latest posts by Keith Kitchen (see all)
Overseeding? Verticutter? Slit-Seeding? Slice Seeder? What to do!? - May 19,
2014
Drainage and Irrigation For Your Sports Turf - May 12, 2014
Braves’ New Turf Under Close Scrutiny - April 8, 2014