The University of Exeter has revealed how it relies on DLF’s PM81 4Turf to deliver the resilience and recovery required to meet a demanding programme of student and community sport. With a total of 15 grass sports pitches for football and rugby, along with a dedicated cricket square and outfield, Grounds Manager Tim Wakeham explains how the deeper rooting of this tetraploid perennial ryegrass mixture has been particularly important this year tackling the combination of high usage and hot, dry weather.

Tim joined the University in March 2024, taking charge of a team of four and leading the maintenance of both the natural and artificial turf surfaces. “The pitches host an incredibly busy schedule which means that we don’t get as much time on them as we like during term-time – emphasising the importance of a good renovation and overseed come the end of the season” he says.

Quickly identifying issues with shallow rooting and poor soil quality, the decision was made to switch to PM81 4Turf from DLF – a product and range Tim was familiar with and knew would perform under pressure. “Having distributed the ProMaster range in a previous role, I was confident that choosing a deeper rooting tetraploid mix would bring multiple benefits to the quality of our winter sports surfaces and, so far, it’s delivered on all fronts.”

PM81 4Turf combines tetraploid and diploid perennial ryegrass cultivars to provide a durable, hard-wearing sward suited to renovations and intensive sports use. The mixture incorporates 4Turf tetraploid perennial ryegrass alongside high-performing dwarf perennial ryegrass cultivars, bringing together strong establishment, wear tolerance, recovery and an attractive playing surface.

“It’s given us the play characteristics we require but, more than that, the pitches have good colour and appearance – strong presentation is important.” Tim also notes the recovery of the PM81 4Turf following this summer’s drought. “As soon as we could get some water on the pitches, they sprang back really quickly and that quality is only going to become more important with these more frequent and prolonged periods of challenging weather.”

Alongside the seed, Tim also values the ongoing support from DLF’s Ian Barnett. “I’ve known Ian for years and really value his input, knowledge and the confidence it provides when deciding on the best course of action for each surface.” With ProMaster also being selected for renovations on the University’s cricket outfield this year, it’s a partnership that’s set to stay.