What you are describing is a very common result of renovating sections of any natural grass athletic field. It is possible there were some different varieties of grass seeds in the soil brought in or there are some annual grasses growing in the new areas. The issue is more likely the result of the seed used to fill in the renovated areas being of a different cultivar(Bluegrass, Rye Grass, Zoysia, Bermuda, etc) or blend of cultivars from the remainder of the field turf grass. In addition to cultivar differences there can be different Genetic Color, Leaf Texture, Density, Growth Habit, and Uniformity within specific cultivars.

The best corrective action is to find one grass seed blend or cultivar that best suits the need your field has. In determining what cultivar best suits you location, you need to consider watering capability, use schedule, maintenance practices, playability, safety and coloration you like. Once you find the blend or cultivar that best suits your field, over- seeding is the best way to improve the consistency of coloration. This process might take a couple of years, dependent on the number of opportunities you have to aerate and over-seed the entire field in the growing season. Long term using the same blend or cultivars of seed will allow you to continue to fill in low areas or damaged areas and maintain the coloration, growth habits, and color consistency you are looking for. If you have the ground available, I also suggest you plant a nursery plot of the same blend or cultivar. This allows you to have the same turf available on site for emergency needs where you can cut up a piece as sod and repair damaged areas of the field quickly.

Mike Harris, Area Manager John Deere Landscapes MHarris@johndeerelandscapes.com