49er's Turf

Am I finding a way to write about the 49ers to capitalize on their seasons success? You Betcha!! 

I was going to title this " How the grass plays a part in the game " but who would read it with that title? 

After winning in dramatic fashion against the Saints with what's being called " The Grab ", they will be at home to host the NFC Championship game. 

New York Giants are coming to town. The last time we faced the Giants was in 1991. It was a heart breaking loss 15 to 13. I remember the game. NY has never been kind to our QB's. My favorite Montana took quite the beatings at the hand of the Giants. Alex Smith hopes to keep his trend of shocking the football world and putting an end to the nay sayers out there. 

For the record I have always believed in Alex Smith! It's not his fault he has ran through what like 5 offensive coordinators in as many seasons. 

So what's this have to do with Landscaping? The 28 yard TD run against the Saints by Alex Smith was made on the finest of Kentucky Bluegrass turf.

Bluegrass also known as Poa is made up of about 500 different species of grass. Poa is Greek for fodder. 

Why is it green if it's called bluegrass?

Bluegrass gets it name from the seed heads which are blue when the plant is allowed to grow to about 3 feet. 

It's a cool season grass which makes it perfect for SF. 

Sports field grasses must be dense, thick, and able to withstand the impact and beating it takes!! Kind of like the 49ers the last 9 seasons lol!! 

Bluegrass is agressive and has the ability to repair itself. Annual bluegrass can be a real pain for landscape managers. Ugghhh!! 

The Weeds!!! I bet the maintenance is grueling for the landscape keepers at Candlestick. 

Brief trivia for ya. Alex Smith's 28 yard run was the longest 4 qt or ot run since Kenny Stabler in 72. 

1970 to 1978 Candlestick actually had artificial turf. It was installed to keep dust down from the bay's windy conditions. After the 1978 season, the artificial turf was removed. Thank Goodness. I don't know about you but I hate artificial turf. I actually had the chance years ago to stand in the New Orleans Superdome. I was right on the artificial turf. Look at the pics below. 

Wow! The superdome was amazing!! The astroturf sucked though. It was actually field turf before hurricane Katrina.

I just don't understand how there are not more injuries on astroturf. I did the 40 yard dash on it... it's more fun on grass. 

I am very happy the niners got the first round bye, playing in the dome with the Saints fans might have made a difference. Alex Smith may not have been able to make that great run. 

More trivia for ya. Did you know in 1966 The Beatles gave their final full concert at Candlestick? 

http://www.49ers.com/stadium/go-green.html

This is a great little bit of information on being 49er Green!

I have tried to find out who the landscapers are for the field but I have had no luck. I made a few phone calls and hopefully I can get that information up on the blog eventually. I want to give a shot out to the guys that maintain the field.  An environment that is tough to keep grass looking it's best. 

I know what I will be doing this weekend. I will be watching the 49ers running, scoring,  and knockin Eli Manning's butt to the Bay's best bluegrass!!