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Turf Selection & Performance
“What sod varieties hold up best to heavy athletic use?”
GHG Ultimate Sports Turf is our premium sports field blend specifically engineered for high-traffic athletic applications. This blend combines aggressive rhizomatous Kentucky Bluegrass cultivars selected for wear tolerance, rapid recovery, and dense growth under the demanding conditions of organized sports.
GHG Ultimate Sports Turf
GHG Ultimate Sports Turf is established using Greenhorizons Sod Farms Leading Edge Turfgrass Technology. It is a combination of the latest proven Kentucky Bluegrass cultivars selected through years of research. Research is evaluated from the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) alongside Greenhorizons Sod Farms’ own research and testing to choose the best varieties of Kentucky Bluegrass for sports fields in Southern Ontario. Spec Sheet
Performance Characteristics:
- Wear tolerance: Exceptional under repeated athletic traffic
- Recovery rate: Rapid healing from divots, scuffs, and compaction
- Density: Thick turf resists thinning in high-use zones
- Root system: Deep, vigorous roots anchor turf against cleats
- Disease resistance: Strong resistance to common athletic field diseases
Best Applications:
- Football fields (hash marks, between tackles, goal line areas)
- Soccer fields (goal mouths, center circle, penalty areas)
- Multi-sport fields with overlapping use
- Practice fields with daily use
- High school and youth league fields (heavy schedule)
GHG Premium Bluegrass
GHG Premium Bluegrass is a combination of research chosen Kentucky bluegrass cultivars, selected through years of trials. This blend is suited to a variety of locations and applications from sports fields
and golf courses to landscapes. The varieties that are blended into GHG Premium Bluegrass are chosen for their high density, disease resistants, winter hardiness, fast recovery, and incredible deep green color. Spec Sheet
Performance Characteristics:
- Wear tolerance: Good for recreational and light competitive use
- Recovery rate: Moderate rhizome spread for repair
- Aesthetics: Superior color and texture
- Playability: Excellent ball roll and footing
Best Applications:
- Practice fields with moderate use
- Youth sports fields (younger age groups, lighter traffic)
- Multi-use fields (athletics and events)
- School fields with limited weekly play
- Recreational league fields
Why Kentucky Bluegrass for Sports Fields:
Advantages:
- Rhizomatous growth: Spreads laterally to fill divots and damaged areas naturally
- Cold hardy: Survives Ontario winters (-30°C tolerance)
- Traffic tolerance: Withstands cleated foot traffic better than most alternatives
- Recovery: Self-repairs between games through vegetative spread
- Proven performance: Industry standard for Northern sports fields
Ontario Climate Suitability:
Cool-Season Advantage:
- Peak growth spring and fall (matches sports seasons)
- Active recovery during prime playing months (September-November, April-June)
- Winter dormancy protects against cold damage
- Resumes growth early spring for spring sports
Summer Considerations:
- Growth slows during July-August heat
- Irrigation critical during summer camps and practices
- Recovery rate decreases in heat stress
- Fall overseeding may be needed after heavy summer use
Performance Expectations:
GHG Ultimate Sports Turf:
- Traffic capacity: 15-25+ hours weekly (with proper maintenance)
- Recovery time: 7-10 days between heavy events (with optimal conditions)
- Lifespan: 5-10+ years with renovation program (topdressing, overseeding)
- Playability: Consistent footing and ball response throughout season
GHG Premium Bluegrass:
- Traffic capacity: 8-15 hours weekly
- Recovery time: 10-14 days between heavy events
- Lifespan: 5-10+ years with maintenance
- Playability: Excellent for recreational use
Consultation Available:
Our sports turf specialists can discuss:
- Which variety suits your field’s use level
- Expected performance under your traffic patterns
- Maintenance requirements and budget implications
- Installation timing for sport seasons
Contact us to determine whether GHG Ultimate Sports Turf or GHG Premium Bluegrass is right for your athletic field application.
“Do you supply sod for soccer, football, baseball, and multi-sport fields?”
Yes, we supply both GHG Ultimate Sports Turf and GHG Premium Bluegrass for all major field sports including soccer, football, baseball outfields, lacrosse, field hockey, cricket and multi-sport athletic complexes. Our experience includes high school, college, municipal, and private athletic facilities throughout Ontario.
Sport-Specific Applications:
Football Fields:
Recommended: GHG Ultimate Sports Turf
Why:
- Most demanding wear patterns of any sport
- Hash marks, between-tackles box, goal line sustain extreme traffic
- Cleated lateral movement and cutting
- Large player size and impact forces
- Practice and game schedule often overlap
Soccer Fields:
Recommended: GHG Ultimate Sports Turf (competitive) or GHG Premium Bluegrass (recreational)
Why:
- Goal mouth and center circle high-traffic areas
- Constant running and directional changes
- Year-round use potential (spring and fall seasons)
- Multi-age group use (youth through adult)
Baseball/Softball Outfields:
Recommended: GHG Premium Bluegrass (typically sufficient)
Why:
- Lower traffic than football or soccer
- Distributed use across outfield
- Aesthetic important for sightlines
- Ball roll characteristics matter
Lacrosse Fields:
Recommended: GHG Ultimate Sports Turf or GHG Premium Bluegrass
Why:
- Similar dimensions to football (can share field)
- Moderate to heavy traffic depending on level
- Cleated cutting and directional changes
- Spring season (peak growing conditions aid recovery)
Field Hockey:
Recommended: GHG Premium Bluegrass
Why:
- Lower cleat traffic (minimal cleats used)
- Distributed use patterns
- Ball roll critical for play
- Generally less wear than football/soccer
Multi-Sport Fields:
Recommended: GHG Ultimate Sports Turf
Why:
- Overlapping seasons create year-round use
- Wear patterns compound across sports
- No recovery time between seasons
- Maximum durability essential
Consultation for Field Selection:
We’ll Discuss:
- Sport(s) and level of play
- Weekly use hours and traffic patterns
- Maintenance capabilities and budget
- Timeline and constraints
- Budget for sod investment
We’ll Recommend:
- Appropriate variety (Ultimate vs. Premium)
- Full-field or strategic zone approach
- Installation timing
- Establishment protocols
- Realistic performance expectations
Contact Our Sports Turf Team:
Discuss your athletic field project:
- Field dimensions and sport(s)
- Use schedule and traffic level
- Budget parameters
- Installation timeline
We’ll provide variety recommendations, quantity calculations, and project planning support for successful sports field sod installation. Contact Us Today
“Can your sod meet FIFA, CFL, or other sports governing body standards?”
Yes, GHG Ultimate Sports Turf can meet turfgrass species and performance requirements for sports governing body standards when properly installed and maintained. However, field certification involves comprehensive testing beyond sod quality, including construction specifications, drainage, and safety performance that are the responsibility of field designers and managers.
Understanding Standards:
FIFA Quality Programme (Soccer):
- Standards for professional soccer pitch quality
- Includes natural grass and synthetic turf
- Natural grass must meet performance criteria for ball roll, bounce, surface hardness, traction
- Species: Cool-season grasses (Kentucky Bluegrass) acceptable for temperate climates
- Our sod: GHG Ultimate Sports Turf meets turfgrass species requirements
CFL Field Surface Standards:
- Guidelines for player safety and performance
- Natural grass or synthetic options
- Kentucky Bluegrass standard for Northern climates
- Field construction, drainage, maintenance critical
- Our sod: Appropriate species and quality for NFL-standard fields
NCAA and Other Governing Bodies:
- Various standards for collegiate and amateur athletics
- Generally specify turfgrass species and maintenance protocols
- Kentucky Bluegrass widely accepted
- Our sod: Meets typical specifications
What Sod Can Control:
Turfgrass Quality:
- Species: Kentucky Bluegrass (industry standard)
- Cultivar selection: High-performance varieties
- Maturity: Field-grown 12-18 months (premium)
- Density: Thick, wear-tolerant turf
- Root development: Mature root system
- Health: Disease and pest-free
GHG Ultimate Sports Turf Provides:
- Elite Kentucky Bluegrass cultivars
- Premium quality exceeding typical standards
- Density and maturity appropriate for athletic use
- Clean, healthy turf ready for establishment
What Sod Cannot Control:
Field Construction:
- Root zone composition and depth (sand-based, native soil, engineered mix)
- Drainage system design and installation
- Subsurface layers and materials
- Grading and crown specifications
- Irrigation system design
- These are field designer/contractor responsibilities
Surface Performance:
- Ball roll and bounce (depends on mowing height, surface firmness, maintenance)
- Traction and footing (influenced by moisture, compaction, maintenance)
- Surface hardness (construction and maintenance factors)
- Measured through testing equipment (Clegg hammer, etc.)
- Field manager controls these through cultural practices
Realistic Expectations:
Our Sod Can:
- Meet turfgrass requirements for standards
- Provide appropriate playing surface material
- Integrate with properly constructed field
- Support high-level athletic performance
Our Sod Cannot:
- Guarantee certification (depends on total field package)
- Compensate for poor construction or maintenance
- Replace need for professional field management
Success Requires:
- Proper field design and construction
- Quality sod (our contribution)
- Professional installation
- Expert field management
- Adequate budget for maintenance
Consultation Available:
Questions About Standards:
- Discuss your governing body requirements
- Confirm our sod suitability
- Refer to field design professionals if needed
- Provide supporting documentation
Project Coordination:
- Work with your field architect/designer
- Provide specifications for bid documents
- Coordinate with construction timeline
- Support installation and establishment
Contact Us:
If your project requires meeting specific sports governing body standards:
- Describe the standard and certification goals
- We’ll confirm our sod suitability
- Provide technical documentation
- Connect you with field design professionals if needed
- Support your project’s success
Bottom Line:
GHG Ultimate Sports Turf is appropriate turfgrass for fields meeting FIFA, CFL, and other sports standards. Certification requires comprehensive field construction, professional installation, expert management, and third-party testing beyond sod supply. We contribute quality turf as one component of a complete high-performance athletic field system. Contact Us Today
“How quickly does your sports field sod establish for play?”
GHG Ultimate Sports Turf and GHG Premium Bluegrass require 4-6 weeks minimum establishment before initial athletic use. Rushing the timeline risks permanent damage and poor long-term performance.
Factors Affecting Timeline:
Installation Season:
- Spring (April-May): Optimal growing conditions, 4-6 week timeline typical
- Summer (June-August): Heat stress slows establishment, 6-8 weeks safer
- Fall (September-October): Good conditions, 4-6 weeks, but winter approaching
- Late fall: Insufficient time before dormancy, wait until spring
Weather Conditions:
- Cool temperatures (60-75°F): Ideal establishment rate
- Hot weather (above 85°F): Slowed root growth, extended timeline
- Adequate rainfall/irrigation: Faster establishment
- Drought or inconsistent watering: Delayed rooting
Maintenance Intensity:
- Aggressive irrigation and fertility: Faster establishment
- Minimal inputs: Slower progress
- Proper mowing: Stimulates growth and rooting
- Neglect: Extended timeline and potential failure
Base Preparation:
- Well-prepared, firm base: Faster rooting
- Loose, fluffy soil: Slower rooting, unstable
- Good drainage: Healthy root development
- Poor drainage: Stressed roots, slow establishment
Sod Quality:
- Premium maturity (GHG products): Faster rooting
- Younger, thinner sod: Slower establishment
- Healthy, vigorous sod: Better performance
- Stressed or old sod: Extended timeline
Sport-Specific Considerations:
Football:
- Most demanding establishment requirements
- 6-week minimum strongly recommended
- Goal line and hash mark areas most vulnerable
- Consider delaying full-contact until week 7-8
Soccer:
- Moderate establishment demands
- 4-5 weeks often adequate for recreational
- 6 weeks for competitive levels
- Goal mouth areas need extra time
Baseball Outfields:
- Lower traffic than other sports
- 4 weeks often sufficient
- Distribute use across outfield
- Avoid concentrated traffic patterns
Multi-Sport Fields:
- Plan for most demanding sport’s timeline
- 6-week minimum for overlapping football/soccer
- Coordinate seasonal transitions
- Build establishment into schedule
Consequences of Premature Use:
Immediate Damage:
- Divots and surface tearing
- Sod pieces shifting or tearing loose
- Bare soil exposure
- Unplayable surface conditions
Long-Term Issues:
- Weak root system throughout field lifespan
- Chronic thin areas requiring constant repair
- Reduced traffic tolerance permanently
- Shortened field lifespan
- Higher maintenance costs
Lost Investment:
- Sod installation wasted if damaged during establishment
- Costly repairs or replacement needed
- Field unusable for extended period
- Reputation damage for facility/program
Our Recommendations:
Minimum Standards:
- 4 weeks for light recreational use
- 6 weeks for competitive athletic use
- 8 weeks for high-level football (full-contact)
Ideal Approach:
- 6-8 weeks for all sports
- Conservative timeline protects investment
- Stronger establishment = better long-term performance
- Patience pays dividends
Contact for Establishment Support:
Questions About Timeline:
- Sport-specific establishment recommendations
- Installation timing for your schedule
- Risk assessment for accelerated timelines
- Establishment protocols and monitoring
We’ll Provide:
- Realistic timeline for your situation
- Best practices for successful establishment
- Red flags to watch for
- Support throughout grow-in period
Bottom Line:
Plan for 6-week establishment minimum. Shortcuts risk damaging your investment and creating long-term problems. Proper establishment ensures your sports field performs well for years, withstanding the demands of athletic use season after season. Contact Us Today
“What maintenance is required for sports field sod in the first season?”
First-season maintenance must prioritize root establishment, traffic management, and gradual transition to full athletic use. Intensive care during the initial 12 weeks determines long-term field performance and durability.
You must have extensive knowledge of irrigation, mowing, fertilization, aeration, and topdressing to properly manage sports field sod through establishment.
Documentation is key:
Record Keeping:
- Irrigation schedule and amounts
- Fertility applications (product, rate, date)
- Mowing frequency and height
- Aeration and topdressing dates
- Traffic levels and field use
- Weather events (drought, heavy rain, extreme heat)
- Problems encountered and solutions
Purpose:
- Track establishment progress
- Identify patterns (problem areas, successful practices)
- Reference for future seasons
- Communicate with administrators/coaches
Professional Management:
Greenhorizons Proxstablishment
ProXstablishment is an additional service Greenhorizons Sod Farms can supply to guarantee the complete establishment of sod after the installation and first watering of sod. Any experienced turf manager can tell you that site preparation and laying the sod is only half of the job. How the turf is managed just after installation can drastically affect time-to-use or sign off of the site.
Check out our Proxstablishment Brochure
Why:
- Expertise in establishment protocols
- Equipment and materials access
- Consistent care prevents problems
- Maximizes sod investment
DIY Management:
- Possible for smaller or recreational fields
- Requires commitment and education
- Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) resources
- Extension service guidance
Common First-Season Mistakes:
Avoid:
- Insufficient irrigation (leading cause of establishment failure)
- Premature athletic use (permanent damage)
- Skipping aeration (compaction accumulates)
- Over-fertilization (disease, surge growth, environmental issues)
- Mowing too short too soon (stress and thinning)
- Ignoring drainage problems (compounding damage)
Success Factors:
- Follow recommended timelines
- Consistent maintenance (don’t skip steps)
- Professional guidance when uncertain
- Adequate budget for inputs
- Patience with establishment
Transition to Long-Term Maintenance:
After First Season:
- Established maintenance routine continues
- Adjust based on turf response and use levels
- Annual renovation program (overseeding, topdressing)
- Ongoing aeration and fertility
- Multi-year planning for field longevity
We’ll provide recommendations to support successful establishment and long-term field performance.
Bottom Line:
Intensive first-season maintenance is non-negotiable for sports field success. The care invested in months 1-12 determines whether your field performs well for 5-10 years or fails prematurely. Budget time, resources, and expertise accordingly. It’s worth the investment. Contact Us Today
“Do you offer sod specifically bred for wear tolerance and recovery?”
Yes, GHG Ultimate Sports Turf is specifically formulated with elite Kentucky Bluegrass cultivars selected for maximum wear tolerance, rapid recovery, and durability under athletic traffic. This is not generic sod. It’s a purpose-built sports field product.
What Makes GHG Ultimate Sports Turf Different:
Cultivar Selection:
Generic Lawn Sod:
- Cultivars chosen for aesthetics, low maintenance, disease resistance
- Moderate traffic tolerance
- Slower recovery from damage
- Suitable for lawns, not athletics
GHG Ultimate Sports Turf:
- Cultivars specifically rated for wear tolerance on NTEP trials
- Aggressive rhizome production (rapid lateral spread)
- Fast vertical growth rate (quick recovery)
- Dense tillering (thick turf resists thinning)
- Selected for athletic field performance
NTEP Performance Data:
National Turfgrass Evaluation Program:
- Independent university research trials
- Tests cultivars under various conditions including traffic
- Rates performance: Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, Excellent
- Our cultivars: “Very Good” to “Excellent” ratings for traffic tolerance
Key Metrics:
- Wear tolerance: Resistance to damage from traffic
- Recuperative ability: Speed of recovery after damage
- Density: Turf thickness under stress
- Quality retention: Maintaining appearance under use
Rhizomatous Growth:
Why It Matters:
- Kentucky Bluegrass spreads via underground stems (rhizomes)
- Damaged areas filled in by lateral spread from adjacent turf
- Self-repairing capability essential for sports fields
- Differentiates bluegrass from bunch-type grasses (ryegrass, fescue)
GHG Ultimate Sports Turf:
- Cultivars with vigorous rhizome production
- Rapid spread into divots and bare spots
- Natural renovation capability
- Reduces need for frequent overseeding
Comparison:
- Weak rhizome varieties: Slow recovery, thin areas persist
- Strong rhizome varieties: Rapid filling, maintains density
Breeding vs. Selection:
We Don’t Breed Grass:
- Cultivar development is done by university and seed company researchers
- Takes 10-15 years to develop and release new cultivar
- Extensive testing for performance characteristics
We Select the Best:
- Evaluate NTEP trial data annually
- Choose top-performing cultivars for sports applications
- Blend multiple elite varieties
- Stay current with latest releases
Our Expertise:
- Identifying which cultivars perform for Ontario sports fields
- Blending ratios for optimal performance
- Growing to sports-field quality standards
Success Factors:
Sod Quality (Our Contribution):
- Elite cultivar genetics
- Premium maturity and density
- Excellent health and vigor
- Proper harvest and delivery timing
Field Construction:
- Adequate drainage
- Proper root zone depth and composition
- Good base preparation
Maintenance (Field Manager):
- Aggressive fertility and irrigation
- Frequent aeration
- Strategic overseeding
- Traffic management
- Professional care maximizes genetics
All Three Required: Best genetics + proper construction + expert management = successful sports field
Our Recommendation:
- Invest in GHG Ultimate Sports Turf for competitive fields
- GHG Premium Bluegrass for recreational use
- Right product for application ensures success
Contact Our Sports Turf Specialists:
Discuss your field’s needs:
- Traffic levels and sport demands
- Budget considerations
- Performance expectations
- Cultivar information and data
We’ll recommend the appropriate product and provide documentation supporting your investment in purpose-built sports field sod.
Bottom Line:
GHG Ultimate Sports Turf represents 40+ years of sports field experience, latest cultivar research, and commitment to athletic field performance. It’s specifically bred (by university researchers) and selected (by us) for wear tolerance and recovery. Exactly what sports fields demand. Contact Us Today