2013 - #1 Viewed Blog Post - Weed Control for Baseball and Softball Infields and Warning Tracks

And now, for the most viewed blog post of 2013.........

For the most part, high school and recreational baseball and softball seasons are coming to a close.  Typically field maintenance turns to football and soccer.  Next thing you know your infield looks like the one below:

One way to control weeds (most likely crabgrass and goosegrass) on infields and warning tracks is to apply a tank mixture of glyphosate and Sureguard.  Click HERE to see an earlier post on this topic.

The application will typically give you 80-90% control which is much better than having to remove an infield full of weeds in the fall or early spring.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

2013 - Most Viewed Post #2 - Building a Set of Base Anchors

Here is the #2 most viewed blog post from 2013!

Building a set of base anchors is a task that can be completed by a grounds manager or coach.  Here is a step by step method for building a set of base anchors.

1.  Organize the parts and the tools.  Items needed:

• Base anchors
• Duct tape
• Screws
• Drill
• Tape measure
• Circular saw
• Scrap lumber 2x4 
• Shovel
• Quikrete
• Wheelbarrow

2. Cut the scrap lumber into 8-12 inch pieces, and build a simple square form.   Keep in mind that this is not cabinet grade carpentry.  

3.  Tape the bottom of the anchors while mixing the Quikrete.  Using a scrap piece of plywood as a base, place an anchor in each form.  

4.  After the Quikrete cures (no more than 4 hours) remove the forms.  Now, you have a new set of base anchors.

Never use coffee cans. Round anchors have a better likelihood of spinning while in the ground.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

2013 - Most Viewed Post #3 - Tricks of the Trade - Sharpen a Rake for Mounds and Plates

As we near Dec. 31, 2013 - Here is the #3 most viewed blog post of 2013.

Do you need a tool that is sharp and can cut into high areas on the mound, plate or on the infield?  Simply, take a standard tine rake and sharpen the teeth on a bench grinder.  Here is a close up of a rake I used during the mound construction at the University of Notre Dame late last week:

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

2013 - Most Viewed Post #4 - Replacing a Homeplate Without a Surveyor

As 2013 reaches the finish line, here is the 4th most viewed blog post of 2013:

The homeplate of a baseball/softball field is the point where all other points are based.  (foul poles, bases, pitching rubber, etc)  So, when the time comes to replace a plate, take special care to ensure that the new plate is square with the foul poles and the field alignment is not compromised. 

Let’s walk through a plate replacement.  

First, string lines are pulled from behind the old plate to the foul poles.  This is done before the old plate is removed:

Next, a laser is used to take elevations around homeplate.  I always like to have the homeplate slightly higher than the highest point in the turf.  This will ensure that water will not run back onto the plate during rain events:

A string line is also pulled from behing the apex of the plate, through the middle of the pitchers rubber and the middle of the anchor of 2nd base.  This is the third string to ensure proper alignment.  Keep in mind that when the elevation of the plate in changed, the pitching rubber elevation should be checked and adjusted if necessary:

Finally, carefully install mound clay around the plate making sure that the plate does not move:

To see how to renovate a plate on a budget, click HERE:

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer 

Replacing a Pitching Rubber Without a Surveyor - #5

As 2013 reaches the finish line, the top 5 viewed blog posts will be counted down in advance of New Years Day.

Here is #5 - Replacing a Pitching Rubber Without a Surveyor

The pitching rubber of a baseball/softball field is an important part of a field.  In this post, I will detail replacing a pitching rubber on a high school baseball field.  To see how to replace a plate, click HERE.

The first step to set up a laser.  Take a reading at homeplate.  Lower the receiver 10 inches to get the correct elevation of the new pitching rubber and install clay to build the base under the rubber.  I have also seen concrete blocks and an additional rubber used to build a base: 

Next, pull string lines from the foul poles through homplate and a string line through the middle of the second base anchor:

Install the new pitching rubber keeping an eye on the following:

1. Is the string in the middle of the rubber?
2. Is the elevation correct on the laser?
3. Is the new rubber 60 ft 6 inches from the apex of homeplate to the front of the rubber?

Once all of those items are established, the next step is to square the rubber up to homeplate.  To do this take readings from the from corners of the plate to the corresponding front corners of the pitching rubber.  The distance should be 59 ft 1 inch.  If that is the case, the rubber is square:

Finally, double check all the dimensions listed above and place a level on the rubber.  If all is correct and level, carefully place mound clay around the rubber and compact.  In this case, Dura Pitch Mound Clay is used.

To see how to renovate a mound on a budget, click HERE:

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Urban Youth Academy - Early December Snow Cover

A quick post this morning from the Reds Urban Youth Academy at Roselawn Park in Cincinnati, OH.

Early December snowfall took the fields from this condition on Dec 3, 2013:

To this condition on Dec 13, 2013:

Thanks to Kokosing Construction Company, Inc. for the aerial photos.  To learn more about this project, click HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

A New Softball Field at Fountain Central High School

Just before snow cover arrived in central Indiana, the J&D Turf team was in Veedersburg, IN to renovate a softball field for Fountain Central High School.

Here are a few photos of the field after the fall practice schedule was completed:

Prior to the renovation, the field had a poor grade and the infield mix consisted of crushed limestone.  Due to poor grade, drainage issues behind the backstop and the need for new fences, press box and dugouts, all the items were demolished prior to the field work.

Here are a few photos of the field pre-renovation in early November:

The renovation plans consisted of the following:

• A new conical grade for the infield at .5%
• Installation of Dura Edge Classic infield
• Condition the infield with Diamond Pro Professional Calcined Clay
• Installation of sod in foul territory

Here are a few photos of the field post-renovation:

Look for additional posts in the spring to see the field completed with a new backstop and dugouts.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.  

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Will I Get Snow Mold With The Early Snow Event?

This is a question I have received numerous times this week.  If you manage a field in the midwest or east coast, chances are there has been a snow event within the last week.

The answer?  There is no way to tell at this time of year.  Why?  A turf manager has two different types of snow mold to worry about.  Gray snow mold and pink snow mold.

Gray snow mold can be expected after 40-60 days of snow cover.  To be honest, this is not much of a concern to turf managers unless you reside in MN, northern MI, northern NY, etc.  To learn more about gray snow mold, click HERE to see a publication from Dr. Rick Latin at Purdue University.

Pink snow mold occurs at a greater rate across the US.  Why?  Snow cover is not necessary for pink snow mold infestation.  To learn more about pink snow mold, click HERE to see a publication from Dr. Rick Latin at Purdue University.

Bottom line, if you are concerned about snow mold, and you manage a stand of turf that cannot be exposed to damage, a preventative application of a turf fungicide may be warranted.

Photo credit - Sports Illustrated

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Sub Base for Infield Mixes?

I had a call late last week in regards to a project where infield mix will need to be installed over the winter season.  The question was, "The sub base will not meet compaction, can I undercut certain areas and fill with a granular backfill?"

To answer that question, the first step is to look at the base material.  Typically, and in this instance, a native soil material is used as the sub base.  The sub base needs to be at a minimum of 90% compaction.  In the winter season, 90% compaction is very difficult to achieve.  It it cannot be achieved, what are the options?

1. Undercut the areas that are not meeting compaction and backfill with like material stockpiled on site.
2. If compaction is still not achieved, imported backfill will need to be considered.  A backfill that is 1/4 inch minus is a good choice.  Why?  This material will pack tightly and also is not a large particle size.  This is important if the sub base is ever compromised during the tilling of the infield during standard preventative maintenance.  
3. If importing material is the approach, always undercut the entire infield sub base and compact before placing infield material.  This is important in the overall performance of the infield mix in both wet and dry conditions.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

How Long Can Turf Survive Under Standing Water/Submersion?

This was a question I was faced with this week.  Why?  A town is considering constructing a new multipurpose soccer/rugby field in an existing park, but will need to have the field be able to hold water in event of a 100 year storm.  This is due to the fact that their is not enough land to build retention/detention ponds and subsurface holding tanks are too costly.

After a little thought and research, the answer is very broad.  How about less than 24 hours and up to 60 days!  Why the wide range in time that a turf stand can withstand submersion?  There are many factors at play, the most important is the ambient temperature and the temperature of the water.

Photo courtesy of pitchcare.com

To see a great publication from the Sports Turf Managers Association, click HERE.

To see a publication from Purdue University, click HERE.  

To see a publication from Ohio State University, click HERE.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Bush Stadium - Renovation Complete - Indianapolis Star Article

The SmartTurf Blog has followed the progress of the former Bush Stadium.  The stadium is now home to the new Stadium Lofts.  Click HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for the progress of the work.

Click HERE to see an article of the history of Bush Stadium, courtesy of the Indianapolis Star.

Click HERE to see a photo gallery of the renovation, courtesy of the Indianapolis Star.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Ohio Turfgrass Foundation - Tradeshow - December 3-4, 2013

If you are attending the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Conference and Tradeshow this week, please feel free to stop by the J&D Turf booth.  The J&D Turf team will be located in booth S-8.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Late Season Fertilization of Cool Season Turf

If you have not fertilized your turf in November, you may want to consider applying an application of water soluble fertilizer before winter arrives.  Why?  HERE is a great article by Dr. John Street, Pan Sherratt, and Dr. Karl Danneberger from Ohio State University explaining the benefits of late season fertilizer and spring green-up.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Should I Condition My Infield Before Winter?

That is a question I have received numerous times this past week as baseball and softball coaches wrap up their fall field renovations.  The answer is, depends on the expectations of play in early spring 2014.

If there will be a need to roll the infields and play early in the spring (think late Feb. / early Mar.), yes I would condition the infields with at least 1/4 inch of topdressing.

If there is no need for rolling and play until later in the spring (think late Mar. / early April), no I would not condition the infield prior to winter.

Why condition?  The conditioner will allow the infield to become workable more quickly in the spring to roll prior to first activity.  To see an earlier post on rolling fields, click HERE.

Why not condition?  Conditioner will blow around the infield surface over the winter and can cause the buildup of material causing infield lips.

The end goal is to have an infield that provides cleat in and cleat out performance as shown in the photo below:

To see two earlier posts on depth of conditioners, click HERE and HERE.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

It's Not Dead - It's Dormant

With bermudagrass plants dormant this time of year.  Many people ask the question, "What happened to the field?  Is is dead?"  Short answer, no it is dormant.  Here is a photo taken 2 weeks ago.  On the left is bluegrass sod.  On the right is dormant Riviera bermudagrass.

Why does bermudagrass go dormant?  HERE is a great article from Chris Hartwiger, senior agronomist with the USGA.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Urban Youth Academy - Early November Photos

Back to the Reds Urban Youth Academy in Cincinnati, OH.  Here are a few photos of the grow-in.  The Barenbrug HGT Kentucky bluegrass has grown in well and the fields will be ready for play in the spring of 2014.

Aerials - Note the outfield on the upper left on the first photo was not regraded/reseeded:

A couple closer views of the playing surface

Check back in for future updates in regards to this project.

To see earlier posts from this project, click HERE and HERE.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Dormant Seeding - Do Not Seed Too Early

Soil temps continue to fall across the Midwest, as winter is quickly approaching.  Is it too early to dormant seed?  As shown below, soil temps are hovering around 50 degrees.  So yes, it is too early to dormant seed.

Click HERE to see a great article for dormant seeding from Dr Zac Reicher at the University of Nebraska.  Dormant seeding is a great approach, just be careful to not apply the seed too early in the fall.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Is it Too Late to Apply Broadleaf Weed Control?

The short answer is no if your facility in is central Indiana and areas south.

HERE is a great Turf Tip from Aaron Patton, Purdue Turfgrass Extension Specialist.  Bottom line, if you have not applied broadleaf weed control this fall, you still have time for this critical application to maintain a weed free stand of turfgrass in the spring.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Southeastern University Softball - Update After First Year of Play

SmartTurf Blog readers will remember the project at Southeastern University in February of this year.  Click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE to see the February posts from this project.

This week, I was in the greater Lakeland area and had the time to stop by and check on the field.  Here are a few photos:

As you can see, a new fence was installed this fall.  The Celebration bermudagrass has performed well.  The Dura Edge Classic infield mix performed at a high level through the first season where the field was used as a practice field.  Starting in spring of 2014, the Southeastern University Fire will host a full softball season at their new field.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Late Season Grow-In of Kentucky Bluegrass

I have received a number of calls in regards to slow grow-ins of Kentucky bluegrass surfaces.  Bottom line, this time of year, the turf will have to pushed aggressively with nitrogen to achieve 100% cover before the winter season.

Click HERE to see an article from Dr. David Minner at Iowa State University.  Take a close look at the last 2 paragraphs.  Push that bluegrass during grow-ins when required.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Tricks of the Trade - Tarp Weights

There are many ways to weigh down mound and plate tarps.  Here is one method that I ran across this week.

Simply take a rope knot it on one end and run it through PVC pipe.  Fill with sand and glue the caps together.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

In Memoriam: Dr A.J. Powell

The sports turf community has a heavy heart this week with the sudden passing of Dr. A. J. Powell.

Click HERE for a link from the Sports Turf Manager's Association to learn more about Dr Powell.

I had the opportunity to present at the KYSTMA in May of this year with Dr. Powell.  He was a true professional.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Kentucky Bluegrass and Riviera Bermudagrass Soccer Fields

Below are a couple photos of Kentucky bluegrass and Riviera bermudagrass soccer fields in Westfield, IN.

The photos were taken today, October 28.

Bluegrass:

Bermudagrass:

A photo of the two fields with the bermudagrass in the background:

Why both bluegrass and bermudagrass at the same park?  Simply, to have the best of both worlds in that during the summer months heavy play will be on the warm season turf and in the cooler spring and fall months heavier play will take place on the cool season fields.

The dormant bermudagrass will receive little to no play when the turf in dormant.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer