The Grass Is Greener

It's almost four months until the Trojans' next home game, but the grounds crew at the Coliseum is already working hard to ensure that the field is immaculate when USC plays Ohio State on Sept. 13.

The turf is getting a complete overhaul, and it's not as simple as sprinkling some seeds or firing up the lawnmower. Among the steps being taken this week and next:

• 107,000+ square feet of Bermuda grass was removed and transplanted in different parts of Exposition Park.
• All sprinklers are being replaced to ensure consistent irrigation.
• Field drain lines (which run north/south every 5 yards) will be inspected and cleared if necessary.
• Storm drain lines (along the periphery walls) will be inspected and cleared if necessary.
• The field will be rototilled to remove inconsistencies (like compaction) and start with a clean slate.
• A laser-grade will be used to ensure consistency of the field's crown.
• Sod will be laid and rolled. That's a three- or four-day process to ensure it makes proper contact with the field and leaves no gaps.

And you thought your summer lawn maintenance was tough!

Comments

[Mack]

If the groundskeepers grow the grass too long, will Pete Carroll blame Charlie Weis for that too?

[Bobak]

And yet USC still won that game. Weis & Co. intentionally grew the grass long, as was pointed out by the College GameDay Crew, all they did was cost a college student (Desmond Reed) his athletic career... very classy.