The Partnership for Healthy Playing Surfaces
Natural Grass Management
Sustainable or organic maintenance practices can allow communities to eliminate the use of toxic pesticides and support a healthy soil and grass ecosystem.
Municipal turf managers and school facilities directors face the need to maintain resilient grass fields amidst busy sports schedules and budgetary constraints. It can seem overwhelming, but there are simple and effective solutions.​ A range of techniques are available, including careful choice of grass varieties, soil testing, fertilizers and soil amendments.
​According to organic grass athletic field experts, the key to a well-functioning field is healthy soil and a healthy grass root system. Individual fields can be diagnosed and maintained in a way that addresses specific issues and performance needs. Regular pest monitoring can save money and identify pest pressure early, before it becomes a widespread issue..
Natural grass expert Charles ("Chip") Osborne
talks about maintaining natural grass fields.
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Schools and communities may also have questions about how many hours of play can be supported by a natural grass field. School administrators and parents may find it useful to read case studies of Springfield, MA, Marblehead, MA, and Martha’s Vineyard, MA, which include detailed information on maintenance practices, costs, and playable hours.
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Different communities have different approaches to what their fields need. Springfield, Marblehead, and Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts do not rest their fields and do not restrict play during particular seasons or rotate fields. When drainage is designed appropriately and functioning properly, and a field is regularly aerated and adequately fertilized, the soil is able to hold more water, while reducing puddling after rain and the need for irrigation.
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Proper construction and maintenance of natural grass will result in durable fields that can withstand high use, while keeping long-term cost low. Organic management can be adapted to suit the needs of any community, site or climate. A little knowledge about modern grass management techniques can go a long way.
Links & Resources
"Principles of Natural Turf Maintenance" from Grassroots Environmental Education
"Natural Grass Playing Field Case Study: Springfield, MA” from Toxics Use Reduction Institute. 2020.
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“Natural Grass Playing Field Case Study: Martha’s Vineyard, MA” from Toxics Use Reduction Institute. 2020.
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“Natural Grass Playing Field Case Study: Marblehead, MA” from Toxics Use Reduction Institute. 2020.
“Natural Grass Playing Fields: Selected Case Studies from Southwest Pennsylvania”
​from Toxics Use Reduction Institute. 2021
"A Cost Comparison of Conventional (Chemical) Turf Management and Natural (Organic) Turf Management for School Athletic Fields" from Grassroots Environmental Education. 2010
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"Building an Organic Maintenance Program for Athletic Fields: Guidance from Experts and Experienced Communities" from Toxics Use Reduction Institute. 2021.
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