Turf-Tec International
How To Analyze Common Grass Problems on Athletic Fields

Step 1:
Thin Turf - Disease - Leaf Lesions

Here are some common grass problems that occur on sports turf and ways for you to investigate them yourself.

THIN TURF, DISEASE OR LEAF LESIONS all need to be examined closely to determine what they are and also how they occurred. The correct diagnosis between leaf injury and disease can be very important to save turfgrass from large-scale loss. The best way to identify disease or leaf lesions is with a 45 Power Macroscope. This unit can be used directly on the turfgrass area to analyze the leaf blades for potential problems. With the new Macroscope Computer Camera Attachment, you can also take disease pictures with the Macroscope and email them to pathologists to get an immediate diagnosis and prevent loss of turf.

When examining leaf lesions, also examine the quality of cut.  If the tip of the leaf blade is torn, your mowers may be in need of sharpening.  Remember, the cleaner the cut, the less stress that is inflicted on the grass plant and the healthier the grass plant.

If THIN TURF is detected, take a sample of the grass with the soil profile sampler and examine the grass and roots for injury.  The 25 power Macroscope. can be placed directly on the open profile for a close examination of the soil and roots for injury and insect identification. With the new Macroscope Computer Camera Attachment, you can also take insect pictures with the Macroscope and email them to entomologists to get an immediate diagnosis and prevent loss of turf.

Macroscope 45X Scope	Macroscope 25X Scope
Macroscope 45X Scope - MACR45-1-L Click here to see this item in the Turf-Tec Virtual Catalog *shown with additional light pen.	Macroscope 25X Scope - MACR25-1-L Click here to see this item in the Turf-Tec Virtual Catalog *shown with additional light pen.

Step 2:
Analyzing the height of cut.

When you have examined the quality of cut with a Macroscope it is now time to test the actual height of cut.  The new Turf-Tec Height of cut gauge allows you to measure the grass cutting height directly on the turfgrass area.

The Turf-Tec Height of Cut Gauge is specially designed to accurately allow you to compare height of cut with mower setting. The Gauge is calibrated to measure in 1/32 of an inch increments from 1/32 to 1 inch. Gauge label displays in 1000th of an inch designations (.033, .063, .094, .125, etc...)

Turf-Tec Height of Cut Gauge

Height of Cut Gauge - HG1-G Click here to see this item in the Turf-Tec Virtual Catalog

Step 3:
Thin Turf In Wear Areas

THIN TURF IN WEAR AREAS can be caused by many factors. Be sure to examine leaf blades closely to be sure disease is not present. A Penetrometer should also be used to find out if compaction has caused the area to be in decline. If Penetrometer readings are over 60%, then compaction is present. You may wish to use a Soil Profile Sampler to see how deep the compacted layer goes. Aerification is recommended.  Also see Page 1 - Soil and Page 2- Water.

Turf-Tec Penetrometer

Turf-Tec Penetrometer - PN1-S Click here to see this item in the Turf-Tec Virtual Catalog