Having a weed-free field is important to players and spectators alike. Weeds are unsightly and can cause issues with playability. While herbicides may be the first things that come to mind for weed control, increasing the density and vigor of your turf is the best way to fight weeds. There are a few ways to go about accomplishing that, including:

Choose a Trusted Turf Type

Sports field managers often choose bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, or tall fescue for their fields. All four have proven track records and stand up well to traffic.

Bermudagrass: A warm-season grass known for its durability, heat tolerance, and fast recovery—very beneficial in hot climates.

Kentucky bluegrass: A cool-season turf offering exceptional durability, disease resistance, and density.

Perennial ryegrass: A cool-season type that germinates quickly, tolerates traffic well, and recovers quickly.

Tall fescue: A low-maintenance, dense cool-season grass that adapts well to different soil types and weather conditions.  Ideal for non irrigated fields.

Choose the Right Fertilizer

A comprehensive product like Foliar-Pak Grow-In can help a field establish. Grow-In delivers the three main nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium), plus micronutrients and amino acids, which all work together to help fields mature faster and increase density.

Cool-Season Fertilizers

Some weeds that appear in the fall, including clover, appear when nitrogen levels are low. Using a fertilizer with high nitrogen content will boost seedling growth and establishment. It will also help turf recover from summer stress and strengthen it against weeds. 26-0-6 with Armament has a high level of urea and ammoniacal nitrogen. Thanks to Armament technology, it also helps increase nutrient uptake. 21-0-0 Ammonium Sulfate is also a good option since it helps it establish quicker in cooler temperatures versus urea. 22-3-11 is a good option since the extra potassium will help your fields prepare for fall sports traffic. It can also help turf withstand the winter months by protecting the roots from frost and strengthening cell walls. A product with an ample amount of potassium can help turf tolerate drought, resist disease, and retain nutrients.

Warm-Season Fertilizers

Avoid applying granular fertilizers in the fall, as they can burn turf. A liquid product like Foliar-Pak 30-0-0 can provide much-needed nitrogen in slow-release form, without risking turf damage. Other products like Foliar-Pak 14-2-4 will deliver nitrogen, along with phosphorous and potassium.

Important Note: Some states and municipalities restrict the use of phosphorous unless you are seeding, so focus on nitrogen and potassium if you’re subject to these restrictions. 

For both cool-season and warm-season turf, schedule your final fertilizer application of the year for late summer or early fall. In addition to fertilizer, consider using a calcitic limestone product to correct pH, add calcium to the soil, and increase nutrient availability.

Choosing the right fertilizer doesn’t have to be a guessing game. A soil test can tell you your soil’s pH, nutrient levels, and more. It will also give you some specific action items. ATS offers Foliar-Pak Soil Solver, which will help you hone in on the right inputs. Your ATS rep can help get you set up for a soil test.

Mow at the Right Height

You should always maintain your field at the recommended mowing height for your specific field type. Most fields are mowed at between one and three inches, with baseball infields being on the low end and football fields on the higher end. No matter how your field is used, mow frequently and avoid removing more than one-third of the leaf blade per mow, since that can increase the field’s susceptibility to weeds and diseases.

Proper Watering

The right amount of irrigation is key to keeping your field healthy. Cool-season grasses will require more water than warm-season grasses, and in-ground irrigation, sprinkler systems, or removable spray heads will provide ample water at the right intervals. Once the season is over, slightly tone down watering before winter arrives.

Consider using soil surfactants to aid in infiltration and water retention in the fall; Turf with deep, healthy roots will be less likely to suffer from drought stress and winterkill. Surfactants will help prevent your field from retaining too much—or holding too little—water. An infiltration surfactant reduces surface tension, helping water reach the root zone, while a hydration surfactant holds water in the root zone, maintaining moisture and reducing turf stress. A product like HydroPak BioWet combines the strengths of both types of surfactants into one.

Clean-Up Herbicide Applications

Having a thick, dense stand may decrease the odds of weeds appearing, but clean-up applications can eliminate any weeds left on your field. Fall is a great time to apply herbicides since weeds have begun storing energy for the winter. Making an application now while they are translocating carbohydrates down to their roots will kill them.

For fall applications, liquid products with multiple active ingredients, like Vessel 3-Way Herbicide, ArmorTech SureZone, or Defendor Specialty Herbicide, will provide the best control. Products containing carfentrazone, like Dismiss NXT, can be especially effective in cool conditions. All four products can be used on cool- and warm-season grasses, but check the label for specific turfgrass types. Make your application while average air temperatures are still above 50°F for several days. You should also ensure that the forecast is clear of rain and wind for 24 hours to give the weeds enough time to absorb the product. For weeds with a wax-like surface, a surfactant can help your application stick.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides for Winter Annuals

At this point in the year, winter annual weeds will also pose a threat to your fields. Winter annual weeds like annual bluegrass and henbit germinate in the fall and overwinter, emerging in spring. Making a pre-emergent herbicide application in the fall will help prevent these weeds from popping up in the new year.

Aim to apply your pre-emergent when soil temperatures average 70°F at two inches for several days, as this is when weed seeds will start to germinate. In warmer areas, a product like Specticle FLO, intended specifically for warm-season turf, can control dozens of difficult weeds like annual bluegrass. ArmorTech Kade 4L is another excellent pre-emergent option, controlling over 30 weeds on both cool- and warm-season fields.

Do not apply herbicides on stressed fields, as they can cause further damage. To avoid resistance, rotate your herbicides every year. No matter which product(s) you choose, always follow label instructions carefully and be mindful of overseeding guidelines.

For more cultural tips and product recommendations tailored to your region and field, reach out to your ATS rep. If you’re new to ATS, welcome! Use our find a rep tool to get connected.