A drainage problem is sometimes ignored until after a field is planted.

GROW-IN OF SPORTS FIELD: We are establishing a collegiate baseball field. What are the main problems that we need to anticipate while growing-in the 'Tifway' bermudagrass that we plan to sprig?-St. Petersburg

ANSWER: So many things can go wrong that must have a qualified turf manager with the responsibility and tools to promptly deal with pests, irrigation, etc. Your landscape architect and contractor should have worked with you on a detailed establishment plan, to cover the hectic period of final construction when responsibility will be shifted to the grounds department.

Weeds and inadequate irrigation are the two biggest causes of turf failure during establishment. Noxious perennial weeds are sometimes present on a site, and not controlled, rather they are spread and replanted by tillage and grading. At the time of planting-the time for immediate irrigation-irrigation systems are sometimes not yet fully operable, or key personnel do not have access to irrigation controllers. It is essential to have a person responsible for the turf at all times.

Hopefully (and this is a big hope), the initial design and construction addressed drainage, proper soil mix, preplant weed control, irrigation layout, and sufficient grow-in time.