When laying turf on the Osnabrück training pitches, the new tandem roller more than earned its place on the team. It was used to press the newly laid turf optimally in the final step. The turf for the 100 m x 50 m pitch was laid in just one day. Authorised signatory André Kastigen strokes the soft grass of the new pitch with satisfaction. His conclusion: “The turf lanes are completely level. That will make sure the ball rolls smoothly.” Replacing and laying turf in football stadiums is a supreme discipline in gardening and landscaping. It takes the experience of a well-coordinated team and perfect logistics to ensure that the freshly cut turf from the Netherlands can be laid within a few hours. 

The old turf is first removed with special planers. Sand is spread, and the field is compacted with rollers to prepare the site for the new turf. After the sand has been smoothed and levelled, the team can start laying the turf. From now on, everything has to run smoothly. “At 20 degrees Celsius, freshly peeled turf has a lifespan of up to 36 hours, calculated from the initial peeling to final installation,” explains André Kastigen. “When it's over 25 degrees, we only have 12 hours at our disposal. This requires perfect logistics; from peeling, to transport and laying. We have to be able to rely completely on our team and our machines.” 

The turf was laid in just one working day, including compaction. The BW 120 AD-5 tandem roller was used for the final pressing of the thick sod from the turf nursery in a final step — in a unique version for turf professionals. Thick sod, with a typical peel thickness of 15 to 45 mm, offers the great advantage that it is less sensitive due to its greater weight and can be played on immediately with studded shoes.  

“The turf is often said to be a game-changer,” emphasises André Kastigen. “We agree, which is why we leave nothing to chance. It’s the reason we also appreciate BOMAG’s innovative solutions, which always cater to our precise requirements. The result exceeded our expectations and delighted our client. The match can begin.”