Grand Rapids, MI (WZZM) - This summer has been unusually hot and dry. Despite the rain we received recently, we are still running close to three inches below our average rainfall amounts for 2012.
Here at WZZM, the grass in our own backyard was so dry, it caught fire! Thankfully, no damage was done but it did illustrate how parched grass can be more than just an eyesore.
So how is it that just a few miles up the road at Fifth Third Ballpark, their grass is in perfect condition?!
Adam Farrell, Head Grounds Keeper for the West Michigan Whitecaps said, "This is all Kentucky Blue Grass out here on the field. For athletic fields, that's what they say is the best."
Farrell explained that it's not only the texture of the grass that makes it look nice, it's also the way it grows. The blades of Kentucky Blue Grass don't grow straight up and down. Instead, they grow sideways which allows for a better camouflage of bare spots. But keeping that grass green takes a lot of work.
Farrell said, "We try to put down about an inch of water per week is really what we aim for, and this year with the heat and not as much rain at all, we've been uping that quite a bit."
Grounds keepers are on the job six days a week at Fifth Third Ballpark in the summer.